Muslim-turned-Christian Rifqa Bary takes readers beyond the headlines of her national news story in an upcoming WaterBrook Press book. The publisher announced today the signing of Bary, who became the subject of media attention after she fled her Ohio home, claiming her Muslim father had threatened to kill her for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

Now a 22-year-old college student—living in an undisclosed location, still convinced her life is under threat—Bary shares more about her decision to run away, the consequences she faced and her continuing faith in Hiding in the Light: Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus.

Upon the discovery of her whereabouts, Bary’s parents fought to have their then-teenage daughter returned home. In a high-profile court case, she became a ward of the state and was placed in foster care. During this time, she also was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Bary, a native of Sri Lanka, became a legal adult in 2010 and was granted the right to reside in the United States.

“In the Islamic culture, women do not have a voice,” Bary said. “My goal in writing is for my pen to be my voice.”

In her memoir, Bary shares about her early family life, her life-changing encounter with Jesus, her internal struggles and efforts to hide her faith, and her attempt to escape penalty from her Islamic parents.

“We are pleased to publish the story of this brave, inspiring young woman who faced religious persecution and societal pressure with courage in order to wholeheartedly follow her faith,” said Stephen W. Cobb, president and publisher of the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

WaterBrook will release Hiding in the Light  May 5, 2015, in the U.S. and Canada in print and digital formats.

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