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~veronique~
Please see this site, it has video/audio/photo.......please pray for them and look she was only 4 years old when it all began

http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs2986

I can't locate the scripture relating to a people giving their babes over in this such way......
You have to go to site and see this 12 yr olds face.............she looks 20

Child Bride
Posted by Kevin Sites
on Mon, Mar 20 2006, 4:55 PM ET Video Audio Photo Essay

Married at the age of four, an Afghan girl was subjected to years of beatings and torture, finally escaping to discover that within all the world's cruelty, there is also some kindness.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Eleven-year old Gulsoma lay in a heap on the ground in front of her father-in-law. He told her that if she didn't find a missing watch by the next morning he would kill her. He almost had already.


Enraged about the missing watch, Gulsoma's father-in-law had beaten her repeatedly with a stick. She was bleeding from wounds all over her body and her right arm and right foot had been broken.



She knew at that moment that if she didn't get away, he would make good on his promise to kill her.

* * *

When I meet her at the Ministry of Women's Affairs I'm surprised that the little girl, now 12, is the same one that had endured such horrible suffering. She is wearing a red baseball cap and an orange scarf. She has beautiful brown eyes and a full and animated smile. She takes one of my hands in both of hers and greets me warmly, without any hint of shyness.


"She looks healthy," says Haroon, my friend and translator. I nod. But she looks older than her years, we both agree. In orphanages — first in Kandahar, then in Kabul — she has had a year to recover from a lifetime's worth of unimaginable imprisonment, deprivation and torture.


In one of the ministry's offices she sits in a straight-backed wooden chair and tells us the story of her life so far. She is stoic for the most part, pausing only a few times to wipe her eyes and nose with her scarf.


Her story begins in the village of Mullah Allam Akhound, near Kandahar.


"When I was three years old my father died, and after a year my mother married again, but her second husband didn't want me," says Gulsoma. "So my mother gave me away in a promise of marriage to our neighbor's oldest son, who was thirty."


"They had a ceremony in which I was placed on a horse [which is traditional in Afghanistan] and given to the man."


Because she was still a child, the marriage was not expected to be sexually consummated. But within a year, Gulsoma learned that so much else would be required of her that she would become a virtual slave in the household.


At the age of five, she was forced to take care of not only her "husband" but also his parents and all 12 of their other children as well.

Though nearly the entire family participated in the abuse, her father-in-law, she says, was the cruelest.


"My father-in-law asked me to do everything — laundry, the household chores — and the only time I was able to sleep in the house was when they had guests over," she says. "Other than that I would have to sleep outside on a piece of carpet without even any blankets. In the summer it was okay. But in the winter a neighbor would come over and give me a blanket, and sometimes some food."


When she couldn't keep up with the workload, Gulsoma says, she was beaten constantly.



Gulsoma's scars


"They beat me with electric wires," she says, "mostly on the legs. My father-in-law told his other children to do it that way so the injuries would be hidden. He said to them, 'break her bones, but don't hit her on the face.'"


There were even times when the family's abuse of Gulsoma transcended the bounds of the most wanton, sadistic cruelty, as on the occasions when they used her as a human tabletop, forcing her to lie on her stomach then cutting their food on her bare back.


Gulsoma says the family had one boy her age, named Atiqullah, who refused to take part in her torture.


"He would sneak me food sometimes and when my mother-in-law told him to find a stick to beat me, he would come back say he couldn't find one," she says. "He would try to stop the others sometimes. He would say 'she is my sister, and this is sinful.' Sometimes I think about him and wish he could be here and I wish I could have him as my brother."

One evening, Gulsoma says, when her father-in-law saw the neighbor giving her food and a blanket, he took them away and beat her mercilessly. Then, she says, he locked her in a shed for two months.

"I would be kept there all day," she says, "then at night they would let me go the bathroom and I would be fed one time each day. Most of the time it was only bread and sometimes some beans."

She says every day she was locked in the shed, she wished and prayed that her parents would come and take her away. Then she would remember that her father was dead and her mother was gone.

But Gulsoma had an inner strength even her father-in-law couldn't comprehend.

"When he came to the shed he kept asking me, 'Why don't you die? I imprisoned you, I give you less food, but still you don't die.'"

But it wasn't for lack of trying. Gulsoma said when her father-in-law finally let her out of the shed, he bound her hands behind her back and beat her unconscious. She says he revived her by pouring a tea thermos filling with scalding water over her head and her back.

"It was so painful," she says, dabbing her eyes with her scarf and sniffling for a moment. "I was crying and screaming the entire time."

Five days later, she says, her father in law gave her a vicious beating when his daughter's wristwatch went missing.

"He thought I stole it," she says, "and he beat me all over my body with his stick. He broke my arm and my foot. He said if I didn't find it by the next day, he would kill me."

* * *



Gulsoma found hope after escaping

She crawled away that night and hid under a rickshaw. When the rickshaw driver found Gulsoma, broken and bleeding, he listened to her story and took her to the police. She was hospitalized immediately.

"The doctor at the hospital who treated me said, 'I wish I could take you to the village square and show all the people what happened to you, so no one would ever do something like this again,'" Gulsoma says.

It took her a full month to recover from her last beating. But the fear and psychological trauma may never go away.

"I was happy to have a bed and food at the hospital," she says. "But I was thinking that when I get better they will give me back to the family."

However, Gulsoma says when the police questioned the family, the father-in-law lied and tried to tell them she had epilepsy and had fallen down and hurt herself. But the neighbor who had helped Gulsoma confirmed the story of her beatings and torture.

The police arrested her father-in-law and "husband." They told her, she says, they would keep them in jail unless she asked for their release.

"Everyone was crying when they heard my story," Gulsoma says.

Gulsoma says she stayed at an orphanage in Kandahar, but was the only girl in the facility. Eventually, her story was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Women's Affairs.



The toll of torture

Gulsoma was then brought to a Kabul orphanage, where she lives today. She takes off her baseball cap and shows us a bald spot, almost like a medieval monk's tonsure, on the crown of her head where she was scalded.

She then turns her back and raises her shirt to reveal a sad map of scar tissue and keloids from cuts, bruises and the boiling water.

Haroon and I look at each other with disbelief. Her life's tragic story is etched upon her back.

Yet she continues to smile. She doesn't ask for pity. She seems more concerned about us as she reads the shock on our faces.

"I feel better now," she says. "I have friends at the orphanage. But every night I'm still afraid the family will come here and pick me up."

Gulsoma also says that when the sun goes down, she sometimes begins to shiver involuntarily — a reaction to the seven years of sleeping outdoors, sometimes in the bitter cold of the desert night.

She says she believes there are other girls like her in Kandahar, maybe elsewhere in Afghanistan, and that she wants to study human rights and one day go back to help them.

As we walk outside to take some pictures, I ask her if, after all she's been through, she thinks it will be harder to trust, to believe that there are actually good people in the world.

"No," she says, quickly.

"I didn't expect anyone would help me but God. I was really surprised that there were also nice people: the neighbor, the rickshaw driver, the police," she says. "I pray for those who helped release me."

Looking directly into the camera, she smiles as if nothing bad had ever happened to her in her entire life.

"I think that all people are good people," she says, "except for those that hurt me."

SEND YOUR SUPPORT

The Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone team has set up an email account so that messages of support can be retrieved and forwarded to Gulsoma via a local organization. Click here to email your message.



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Comments1 - 10 of 5281 First < Previous Next > Last 1
Gulsoma, I hardly know what to say to you, your story makes me so sad. But I know this: you a beloved child of God, and He will stay close to you. I'll be saying prayers for your healing and safety now, and for your good future. You seem very beautiful to me! from Barbara Sanders in the USA
Posted by cbtsanders@sbcglobal.net on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 7:42 PM ET
2
a very sad story. nate of the usa
Posted by nateofsavannah on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 8:05 PM ET
3
Gulsoma--you are the bravest person I know. May all of your life from this time foward be nothing but warm and loving. Your story made me so sad that there are people who would do this to you. I wish you the very best. Bernie
Posted by berniemcr on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 8:05 PM ET
4
Dear Gulsoma, I am so very very sorry for the abuse you have suffered. My prayers are with you and I know that the great spirit has a plan for you, that enabled you to survive under such shameful abuse. Rest well and know that there are now millions of people who know your story. Bless you dear child, JJ Avinger-Jacques Seattle, WA
Posted by duramater4 on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 8:06 PM ET
5
I am glad there are countries like the USA that care enough to do something to stop the abuses that are going on in the world. I wish more countries and people would join the USA in their plight to rid the world of this insanity.
Posted by er1c_c1re on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 8:07 PM ET
6
My good God, who is michaeljay and why in the world did he post such a hateful note? I am truly astonished!
Posted by davidmcandace on Mon, Mar 20, 2006 8:07 PM ET
7
Messiahiscoming
Oh Roni! I do not know what the Lord is doing this morning. I have only looked at two topics that were posted. The 1st was the powerful picture of the child in the Famine of Sudan. I was so overwhelmed that I could not even post my thoughts. Now the Lord leads me to this and I am so shook up that all I can do is weep. It's funny how you have your nice little world and day all mapped out and suddenly the Lord SLAPS you up side the head! Lord Forgive Me! My sin is ever before me. Cleanse me Father. My heart is literally broken right now. Lord maybe thats just where you desired me to be. If so Father I am listening please Speak to me!

Roni,
Call me when you can.

Your Friend In Christ,

Valerie
Messiahiscoming
onetiggerroo
Unfortunately, the sins of Man are increasing in these last days, as in the Days of Noah. We will probably begin to see more such true stories, leading right up until the Glorious Appearing, of our LORD and Savior. Yes, this world is full of vile and offensive things, that turn ones stomach. We need to be praying earnestly, for GOD'S intervention in these things. But you know, that the devil is going to and fro in the world, seeking whom he may devour. The Bible is clear on these things, that they will come to pass. GOD may be allowing this, I don't know, but if HE is, it is a wake up call!

May the LORD have mercy on these poor victums. My heart breaks as I read each story.
G Horse
Deut. 32:39
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.


can you see beyond this why sufering whats it good for one sufers for meny and we all get a shere#
some more than others and it is a blesing in deskize thankful in all things as hard as that maybe forgive them for they do not know what they do
angelicpinoy
QUOTE(G Horse @ Mar 22 2006, 03:53 PM)
Deut. 32:39
    See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.


can you see beyond this why sufering whats it good for one sufers for meny and we all get a shere#
some more than others and it is a blesing in deskize thankful in all things as hard as that maybe forgive them for they do not know what they do
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It is very unfortunate that this barbaric actions are not limited to the muslim countries. Even in some Christian countries, these barbaric actions still happen. This world is very sick. Let us turn from our wicked ways & pray to God to end this satanic world. sad.gif
Love123
I find it difficult to read of anothers torture ............... see the scars and imagine myself in this particular persons shoes............

It brings tears to my eyes as I know this sort of behavior is going on around and in this nation as well. Some innocent child ...... young adult, middle aged or senior is beging tortured and abused....... All so ugly thoughts and the worst is for the youngest of them............. the most innocent victims of this evil.



Reality of life on earth is ugly............... Satan is ugly..............
Evil in action is ugly.................

I recall one story that helps me to deal these things...............
This particularly helps me when I know someone lost life .......... which often times is a relief to the victim............ for their suffering is finally over and they are free.

A man died and came back to life to tell his story .....
Life after Death Expierence......

He was working on his car in the garage. He had two tires off the rims, one side of the car up on a jack..........as he was beneath it trying to bang a rusted bolt free.
The jack gave way and the car rim landed on his breast bone......... he could not breath, could not call out...............for lack of wind or air to do it, as the weight of the car rested on his chest.

His thoughts flooded quickly of his entire life on earth and then he died.
He saw himself assend a staircase with a bright light at the top.......
As he reached the top.......... the light was Jesus............
He felt such love and peace.............. joy and happiness.........
He said the Lord told him........... he wasn't ready for him yet..........
and he had to go back........

Today he says ............. if I could you all anything................. its this......
No matter how grousome or torturous or ugly ones death may be.............

know that the instant it's over and one crosses from life on earth to the presence of the Lord............. all is instantly forgotten and the feeling you have of sheer love, peace, happiness and joy................ is unexplainable.............. nothing on earth can make you feel as you will after death and in the presence of Jesus.

I reflect on his words often when I hear or know .............. Satan had his way.

For a survivor of this......................God Bless this beautiful young girl.........
She lost her lifes youth.......... to say the least of her experience.

God arrived to rescue her before her life was ended Praise Jesus.

My prayer for her is that the rest of her life on earth be greater than she could ever imagine it to be.................... that her blessings are tenthousand fold what her hell on earth was............in Jesus name I ask it for this dear soul that has a heart for God through the midst of hell.

Amen

1LikeDeborah
Yes a sad story of her past it brought tears to my eyes! AT the same time it is encouraging and so amazing that the Lord protected her all those years. I pray that she be placed in in a chrsitian home where she will grow and up and know Jesus in a powerful way!

wub.gif
wernotalone
QUOTE(1LikeDeborah @ Jun 25 2006, 03:13 AM)
Yes a sad story of her past it brought tears to my eyes! AT the same time it is encouraging and so amazing that the Lord protected her all those years. I pray that she be placed in in a chrsitian home where she will grow and up and know Jesus in a powerful way!

wub.gif
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Me too. Our LORD our GOD has mercy, beyond anything this world can dish out.
they have beaten her body...but PRAISE JESUS, there is no earthly thing that can take away her spirit and soul. mad.gif I hate HATE, and cruelty beyond what I could ever conceive someone to inflict this upon another....pure evil. My hate is just, I pray for this young girl...she is stronger that we can imagine...and nothing can rob her of CHRIST JESUS...for he is protecting the afflected and oppressed, and those whom No mercy is shown. God we lift us this girl to you, that she be a witness to your mercy and truth always in your arms and comforted by your love dear Heavenly Father.
Read this post.. after watching a disturbing movie last night...The Constant Gardening...a film about the afflictions of Africa. O LORD we lift up our brothers and sisters in Africa...and in all nations that are afflicted by oppressing governments and cues.

God will come to take his children home that suffer under the Hate and cruelty of this world whom turns aways from God and turns their hearts to their own desires and lusts. God will punish justly....whatever is that is sown we shall reap.

Jesus will reap a harvest of transformation, in the spirit of all men...to come to Jesus or to their own evil wickedness....that devours their souls by their own doing.

Contrite spirit yes, Father forgive them for they know not what they do...it is hard for me to. Give us all the words to speak so that we can be a witness to our enemies.

The Promise of Restoration: Jeremiah 30:

4. And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.

5. For thus saith the LORD: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

6. Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

7. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble: but he shall be saved out of it.

8. For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

9. But they shall serve the LORD Their GOD, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

10. Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel:for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

11. For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to SAVE thee; though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee, but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

12. For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is greivous.

13. There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou has no healing medicines.

huh.gif reminds me of movie...the LORD lead me to this chapter of the Bible...TO WARN all the WICKED. fall to you knees oh you nations of disbelief and heed the warning and calling...to the redeeming resurrected spirit of the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL...REPENT and be GLAD...for this is the day the LORD hath made. Break us LORD, lead us LORD, for the soul of man is becoming insensitive to your HOLY SPIRIT by our stumbling and lack of surrendering to your feet.

14. All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisment of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine inquity; because thy sins were increased.

15. Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable of the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

16. Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured: and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

17. For I WILL RESTORE HEALTH UNTO THEE, and I WILL HEAL thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

18. Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry, and I will mulitply them, and they shall be few, I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

20. Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, I will punish all that oppress them.

21. And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD?

22. And ye shall be my people, and I will be you God.

23. Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continueing whirlwind, it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

24. The fierce anger of the LORD shal not return, until he have done it, and until he have perfomed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.

word given, trust in CHRIST JESUS,
and song...It is no secret what God can do. 1dsz5e4.gif
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