The last time Christians in Sri Lanka came together to celebrate Easter Sunday, what should have been a cause for joy turned into weeping and sorrow as bombs tore through four churches during their services.
Suicide bombers, targeting the churches and a string of hotels, killed 259 people. Heartbreakingly, the victims included many children, some of whom had been attending Sunday schools when the attacks happened.
Zion Church in Batticaloa lost 31 people. Its pastor, Pastor Roshan, told Open Doors that he and other church members had a sense beforehand that something was going to happen.
He describes seeing a vision in which he saw fire and families being "struck by a terrible accident". One church member, Prashant, who lost his wife, Girija, in the blast said she knew her time was near.
"The day before Easter Sunday, it was our youngest son's birthday," said the father-of-four.
"Girija was dancing that day, and she is usually not someone who dances. I asked her why she was dancing, and she said, 'because I'm going to die.'"
Despite the enormity of the tragedy that unfolded at the church, members of the congregation are still strong in faith.
Rebekah lost her sister, Verlini, in the attack on Zion. Verlini was killed as she led the children from Sunday school across the courtyard to the church.
Rebekah was in the bookshop when the suicide bomber detonated his bomb.
"All I remember is fire. Fire everywhere," she said.
Rebekah sustained third-degree burns down the left side of her body and has been receiving support from Open Doors partners during her recovery.
Verlini's husband was also killed in the attack so Rebekah's family now includes their six-year-old daughter, Debbie.
Debbie was badly injured in the blast, losing her eyesight. She spent a month in intensive care and had to re-learn how to walk. Today, a year on, she not only walks but is able to dance. She also loves to sing.
Despite going through so much tragedy at such a young age, her faith is remarkable.
"I believe that one day, Jesus will come again," she says. "And oh, I am excited for when Jesus will come! He will open my eyes and I will see my family again."
Rebekah is just as resolute: "I want to testify about what happened to us and to testify of who Jesus is."
Pastor Sunil, whose name has been changed for security reasons, is working with families like Rebekah's to help cover the cost of medical fees and provide trauma counselling. As some of the families have lost their breadwinners in the attacks, the support he provides includes helping them to generate an income.
"Our message is: we are here and we are here to stay," he says. "We have seen the family of Christ unite together, to grieve, to comfort and to support.
"No persecuted Christian should feel alone. We will continue to stand by them, for as long as it's needed."
