This is a prison, and the inmates — all girls ages 13-17 — are guilty of “moral crimes” such as being raped, being beaten, refusing a forced marriage, or running away from abusive husbands.

Those who approach this prison may shudder at its imposing exterior, but only those who enter know its unnerving oppression. Almost palpable, despair fills every place and every face. A rare visitor observed:

“I saw young girls with downcast eyes, slouched bodies, shattered hearts and broken spirits. Their sleeves, rolled up to fight the heat, exposed layers of scars on their arms from repeated self-mutilation.”

Occasionally girls are returned to their families, but no joyous welcome awaits them. Because their crimes brought shame, these girls are executed by their own fathers in “honor killings.”

Into strongholds like this, Crossworld workers are daring to bring God’s love to life. One says, “The women I visit — some of whom arrived pregnant or with young children — are ‘guilty’ of dressing immodestly or disobeying their husbands. They are so precious and soak up any love you throw their way.”