Nigeria
“If you survive, tell my brothers that I died well and living with Christ. And if we all die, we know that we died for the Lord.” These are the last words of a pastor who was kidnapped with two fellow pastors. All three were murdered.
Twelve northern Nigerian states have mandated Sharia law as the standard for criminal and civil law for both Muslims and Christians. Christian women are being kidnapped and forced to marry Muslim men. Church burning, destruction of property, rape, and murder by Muslims against Christians are common occurrences in the North and sometimes happen in the South as well.
A riot in February 2009, sparked by a rumor of blasphemy, saw many believers martyred and more than 500 displaced. In July 2009, another Muslim riot in an attempt to compel the government to install Sharia law as the supreme law of the land, and the uproar left 12 Christians dead and 20 churches burned. Yet another blasphemy accusation led to a Muslim mob that destroyed 26 churches and killed 800 people.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Nigeria
Christians Attacked in the Night
On November 18 in a village in NIGERIA, armed Muslims surrounded the homes of sleeping Christians. One believer awoke and managed to raise the alarm, saving most of his neighbors, but his daughter, wife, and two nieces were killed. Six others, including a 2-month-old, were injured.
Pray for comfort and strength. “...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Leader Martyred, Church Members Homeless
Last fall Muslims killed a Christian leader, burned his home, and raided a village in NIGERIA. The local pastor reports that about five dozen of his church members were driven outside the village and are homeless.
Ask God for encouragement and provision. “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice…. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.”
Former Terrorist Turns to Christ
Praise God for a former Boko Haram terrorist who repented and turned to Christ in NIGERIA! As punishment for his disloyalty to Islam, however, Muslims murdered his two children.
Pray for comfort in his loss and continued growth in his new faith. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
45 Martyred in a Week
In a region in NIGERIA, approximately 45 Christians were killed by Muslims during a week in November. Many believers have fled the area, and churches have been forced to close or meet with only a fraction of their members.
Ask God for comfort and perseverance. “I will put My laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Churches Burned, Christians Displaced
On November 26 in a town in NIGERIA, members of the Islamist group Boko Haram and local Muslims burned five churches and destroyed Christian-owned businesses. Hundreds of believers have been displaced.
Pray that they will persevere. “...we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…”
Ten Churches Attacked
Ten churches were attacked in NIGERIA in early November. The Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram perpetrated nine of the attacks, and an Islamic gang was behind the other.
Ask God to give hope to the sorrowful and courage to the fearful. “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”
Homes Burned, Believer Shot
In NIGERIA on October 20, Muslim students and other Muslims attacked Christians and burned their homes. Soldiers reportedly shot to death a Christian woman in her house.
Ask God to comfort her husband and five children. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.”
Evangelist Martyred
A dedicated evangelist was martyred in NIGERIA earlier this year by members of the Islamic group Boko Haram.
Ask God to comfort his widow and children. “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Family Murdered
In NIGERIA on September 4, Muslims broke into the home of a Christian family and murdered eight, including a four-month old baby.
Pray for comfort and courage for the grieving. “According to His great mercy, He caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Families Displaced
UPDATE: In NIGERIA, over 60 displaced families live in poor conditions after enduring Islamic violence this spring. They lack sufficient food and water and are in danger of being evicted.