On Saturday, 25 October 2025, Lineo “Dee” laced up her running shoes before sunrise in Vredenburg, Western Cape, and began a 28-kilometre journey toward Langebaan.
But this wasn’t just a run.
It was a mission – a spiritual act of endurance to raise awareness for Christians being persecuted in Nigeria, and a prayer in motion for those who cannot freely live out their faith.
Dee’s run symbolised more than physical strength. It was a declaration of faith – a way of saying, “We see you. We’re running for you. We’re standing with you.”
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💛 A Heart That Runs for Others
Dee partnered with the global ministry Open Doors, an organisation that serves persecuted believers around the world through prayer, advocacy, and support.
Moved by their work – and by the silent suffering of many believers in Africa – she chose to run as a way of bringing visibility to invisible pain.
“When I run, I’m reminded that there are people who can’t run free. I run for them - that their faith may not fail, that their hope may be renewed.”
Each step of her journey was more than a stride on tarmac. It was a prayer. A cry for those living under threat, for churches that meet in secret, for children growing up where belief can mean punishment.
Faith in Action
The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 12:1:
“Let us run with endurance the race marked out for us.”
For Dee, endurance took the form of kilometres – for persecuted believers, it takes the form of courage.
Every challenge she faced on the road – fatigue, wind, and distance – reflected what so many endure daily in their faith walk: opposition, fear, and uncertainty.
This run became a living parable of perseverance. A reminder that the Church is not confined by borders, and that our faith calls us to move – to act, pray, and carry one another’s burdens.
The Reality in Nigeria
In parts of Nigeria, believers who leave traditional religions or tribal faith systems to follow Jesus often face social rejection, discrimination, and violence. Many are ostracised by family, lose employment opportunities, or are forced into hiding.
While the persecution may not always make global headlines, its effects are deeply personal – isolation, fear, and silence.
Ministries like Open Doors South Africa step into that space of silence with discipleship, trauma care, and practical support for those who remain faithful under pressure.
A Call to Reflect and Respond
Dee’s journey invites all of us to pause and ask:
“What does my faith look like in action?”
Not everyone is called to run 28 kilometres, but each of us is called to move in love – to intercede, to encourage, to give, or to simply share a story that brings awareness.
May her run remind us that transformation happens when we live with compassion that moves – when belief becomes motion, and prayer becomes purpose.
Prayer: “Lord, strengthen our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and around the world who face persecution for Your name. Fill them with courage and peace. Teach us to run our race with faith, endurance, and love that takes action.”
Keep the Momentum
🙏 Support Eljada Mission & Support Open Doors:
🙏 Support Eljada Mission:
Learn more or make a contribution at www.eljadamission.com
🙏 Support Open Doors:
Learn more or make a contribution at www.opendoors.org.za.
💬 Reflect:
💬 Reflect:
What race is God calling you to run – in prayer, service, or love?
💛 Share:
💛 Share:
Spread Dee’s story on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to pray for the persecuted Church.
Please support Eljada’s Mission – your help keeps resources available for everyone!
Visit Eljada Mission – the restoration facility that saved my life!
Disclaimer:
Everything I share through Bee Transformed comes from a blend of my certified counseling training (which I was blessed with by Tannie Elmarie and Oom Izak, from Eljada Mission) and my own lived journey of recovery and transformation.
I am a trauma-informed, certified counselling practitioner and life coach, not a licensed therapist or medical professional.
The resources, stories, and strategies provided here are designed to educate, encourage, and inspire, but they should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, therapy, or medical care.
If you are struggling with your mental health, addiction, or trauma, I encourage you to reach out to a qualified healthcare professional or local support service.
You don’t have to walk this path alone.
— Bee Burger
Founder of Bee Transformed, Certified Counselling Practitioner, and Life Coach. Saved by grace.
If you need support, contact Lifeline SA at 0861 322 322 or SADAG at 0800 567 567.