The Rev. Nadia Adonai, a pastor who fled religious persecution in Iraq, is now finding freedom to practice her faith in the United States. Growing up in Baghdad, Nadia navigated a complex cultural landscape as the child of a Georgian mother and an Assyrian father. Her early memories are rich with faith, including her grandmother praying with a rosary in their garden and family Bibles that contained texts in Aramaic, Arabic, and Latin.
As a teenager, Nadia attended a Catholic school near the parish of St. George, where she developed a love for worship and community. “Those Catholics, they were very smart and they loved to teach those kids,” she remarked about her time with the nuns. However, as the political climate shifted, practicing Christianity openly became increasingly dangerous. “The religion, Shia (Islam), took over,” she explained, noting that Christians faced severe restrictions on sharing their beliefs.
Nadia pursued a career in television journalism, gaining recognition for her work across various countries including Dubai and Russia. Despite her success, the pressure to conform to prevailing Islamic customs weighed heavily on her. A pivotal moment occurred while preparing for a news broadcast during Ramadan when she was compelled to wear a hijab. “I started crying and praying, telling God, ‘I’m sorry; it’s not me,’” she recalled.
As violence escalated in Iraq, many Christians were killed or fled, leading Nadia to seek refuge in Moscow. Yet, the remnants of Communist rule made her situation no easier. After discovering her apartment had been ransacked, she realized her identity as a foreigner made her a target. The ongoing threats and violence culminated in life-threatening situations, including multiple bombings of her apartment.
After leaving journalism behind, Nadia embarked on a new chapter of her life in the United States in 2014. She became a citizen and changed her last name to Adonai, a decision she described as a renunciation of her past. “The Lord gave (the name) to me so I can renounce everything old and start afresh,” she said. That same year, she received her pastor certificate after studying theology and began a ministry focused on sharing her faith.
Building a Ministry Rooted in Faith
Nadia’s ministry encompasses various aspects, including preaching at local churches, ministering in nursing homes, and leading online efforts to support Christians in persecuted regions. “I can do more for the people over there being here,” she noted, highlighting the conversions to Christianity she has witnessed through her online ministry. Stories of survival and hope, such as that of a young woman in Kurdistan who escaped the atrocities of ISIS, fuel her passion for outreach.
In her new community in Moorhead, Minnesota, Nadia has garnered support and admiration from local congregants. Kim Rude, who met Nadia at Grace Communion International, expressed her inspiration from Nadia’s faith and resilience. “She’s been through an awful lot — more than I can even imagine,” Rude said, emphasizing Nadia’s ability to connect with others through her experiences.
Pastor Richard, who also works with Nadia, describes her sermons as vibrant and filled with enthusiasm. “Her message seems focused on God’s provision and protection — something she’s lived,” he stated. This focus on God’s blessings resonates deeply with Nadia, who emphasizes the importance of appreciating the freedoms available in the United States.
Sharing Hope and Resilience
Nadia believes that her journey has equipped her to share a powerful message of hope. “I tell them, ‘You have to thank the Lord for this country, to be thankful every day you have electricity, hot and cold water, food and shelter,’” she said. With her lucrative career behind her, she is dedicated to fulfilling God’s directive to “go and make disciples” of all nations.
She emphasizes that hope is available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. “Jesus is 24-7 available, and he never gives up on us,” she stated. Her conviction that “God looks at the heart” drives her to encourage those who feel lost or trapped to embrace a new beginning.
Pastor Nadia Adonai’s journey from a life of persecution to one of freedom and service exemplifies the transformative power of faith. As she continues to minister, her story stands as a testament to resilience and the importance of religious liberty in shaping lives.
