From Oppression to Opportunity: A Mother's Faith Fuels Her Son's Future

For Gelayol, life is nothing short of a miracle—or rather, a series of miracles. Her story is one of unshakable faith, finding refuge, and ultimately embracing freedom and opportunity.

Born and raised in Iran, Gelayol grew up under the shadow of an oppressive theocracy. This regime has long subjugated its people through systemic discrimination, widespread human rights abuses, and the relentless suppression of religious freedoms.

For women like Gelayol, fundamental human rights are a distant dream. They face daily oppression, from enforced dress codes to restricted access to education and employment. Noncompliance with these strict cultural and legal norms often leads to severe consequences—fines, imprisonment, and even acts of violence designed to silence dissent.

Gelayol’s journey to freedom began with an unlikely conversion and the courageous decision to escape the stifling oppression of her homeland.

Miracles 1 & 2 – An unlikely conversion and a desperate escape

Despite growing up practicing the Islamic faith—expected in a Muslim country like Iran—Gelayol made the unlikely conversion to Christianity. 

"I would sit in meditation, and I kept seeing images of Jesus," Gelayol says. "I didn't know the Bible, but I have an uncle in the Netherlands who is a pastor, and I started talking to him every day."

Through those daily conversations, her faith grew. However, Iran's regime is known for harassing and arresting religious minorities, especially Christians. At one point, Gelayol discovered that her sister's husband had turned her in to government authorities. Fearing imprisonment and even death, she decided that very night to flee. Together with her mother, sister, and nephew—who had also converted to Christianity—they fled to Turkey in 2014 with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Miracles 3 & 4 – A husband and a child

In 2017, Gelayol married her husband, whom she had first met when she was 19 and living in Iran. Though their lives had taken different paths, they reconnected years later while Gelayol was living in Turkey. They renewed their relationship, married, and began building their lives together.  

Two years later, in 2019, their son, Samuel, was born, bringing joy and a renewed sense of purpose to the family as they navigated the challenges of living as refugees. By 2023, the family would face yet another life-changing journey, prompted by Turkey's policies requiring refugees to resettle in another country. This decision would lead them to the United States in search of lasting freedom and stability.

Miracles 5 & 6 – Freedom & educational opportunity 

Recalling her family's relocation from Turkey to the United States, Gelayol states: "I remember the month and the day that we came to the U.S.—it was August 28, 2023."

After resettling in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with her husband, Samuel, mother, sister, and nephew, Gelayol quickly assimilated into a new life informed by freedoms she had never experienced before. After connecting with a local church, she knew she wanted Samuel to receive a quality private education, which she had never had access to growing up. She especially wanted his instruction rooted in a shared faith that she and her family could finally practice without fear of retribution.

"Samuel, he's a miracle," she states. "He's a miracle because I can't have more children, so I believe raising him is my calling. I once felt a profound message in my heart, telling me I have a great responsibility and that my purpose is to nurture and guide my son."

Thanks to the Arete scholarship, Samuel is thriving as a kindergartener at Solid Foundation Christian Academy, an Arete Scholars partner school in Stone Mountain. He continues to adjust to life in America, but according to his mom, his confidence is growing by the day. 

"He loves everything about school," she shares. "His teacher has been so wonderful, and he especially loves Bible reading. Every day, he's so excited to go to school."

"The Arete scholarship means so much to me and my family because I can't afford to send him to a private school," she adds. "These early years are so important—they have the potential to shape Samuel's entire future. Receiving this support feels overwhelming, like a miracle for both of us."

The miracle of a bright and hopeful future

According to his mom, Samuel's potential is already shining through. He's kind, understanding, and mature beyond his six years. He listens, processes deeply, and shows wisdom that amazes his family. When Gelayol thinks about Samuel and his opportunities in the United States—especially with access to a quality, faith-based education—it fills her with hope for his future. In her eyes, a life well-lived for Samuel is one where he grows into the man God has called him to be. 

"I see Samuel's thoughtfulness and his heart for others," Gelayol says. "In my dreams, I've always wanted him to become a pastor and help many people—someone who helps others grow and makes a difference in the world. I believe he has a bright future, shaped by his faith and ability to connect with and care for others."

Gelayol and her family have come a long way, escaping religious persecution and life as refugees. Now, living in Georgia, they seek every opportunity that life in America can offer—especially the freedom to choose a quality private education for their only son, Samuel. Thanks to Arete and his teachers at Solid Foundation Christian Academy, Samuel is well on his way to holistic academic formation and a personal growth journey that will empower him to reach his highest, God-given potential.

"We are so grateful for the opportunity Arete Scholars has provided for Samuel to grow in his faith and life," Gelayol shares. "I pray that everyone who supports Arete will be blessed, and I hope that one day I can lift up and bless others the way our family has been blessed."