July 19, 2026

by Kimberly Hobbs 

VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
Esther John: A Life Fully Surrendered

Some lives leave a legacy that continues to speak long after they are gone. Esther John’s life is one of those stories.

Born as Qamar Zia in India in 1929, she was raised in a devout Muslim family. While attending a Christian school, she encountered believers whose faith deeply impacted her. As she began reading the Bible, she discovered the love of Jesus and eventually surrendered her life to Him.
Her faith came at a great cost.

When her family arranged a marriage for her, Esther chose instead to publicly identify as a follower of Christ. She was baptized, took the name Esther John, and devoted her life to sharing the gospel.

Esther became an evangelist in Pakistan, traveling throughout villages and communities to tell women about Jesus. The work was physically demanding and spiritually dangerous, yet she remained faithful.
In 1960, Esther was murdered because of her faith.

After her death, a police officer examining her belongings reportedly said, “This girl was in love with your Christ.”
What a testimony.
Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

Esther’s life reminds us that faith is worth everything. While many of us enjoy religious freedom, countless believers around the world still face persecution for following Jesus.
Her courage challenges us to consider our own commitment. Do we love Christ more than comfort? More than approval? More than safety?

Esther John’s voice continues to speak today—not through sermons or books, but through a life fully surrendered to Jesus.
May we follow her example and live with the same unwavering devotion to the Savior she loved so deeply.

Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
“Power Points: God at Work Through Women Leaders Yesterday and Today” by Leecy Barnett