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
Missing Student Presumed Dead
A Christian college student who disappeared last fall amid violence against Christians in NIGERIA is now presumed to be dead. Before her disappearance, a Muslim teacher questioned her faith, failed her exam without looking at it, and tried to make her recant.
Ask God to comfort and encourage her family. “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we also will live with Him.”
Christian Student Harassed, Disappears
Twenty-four-year-old Christian student Simi Maltida Kim was finishing her last year at Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi state, Nigeria. One of her teachers was determined to convert her to Islam. He summoned her, questioned her for her faith, and brought other students to confront her. He even failed one of her written exams without even looking at it. Her mother says, “This Muslim teacher did this to force our daughter into submitting to recanting her Christian faith, but this did not deter her from remaining firm as a Christian.”
Suicide Bombers Target Churches
At least 9 Christians are dead after Boko Haram suicide bombers exploded a car bomb near a church in NIGERIA on March 11. Another suicide bomber detonated a car bomb near two churches during Easter, killing at least 38 people in the area.
Ask God to comfort the grieving and heal the injured. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Martyrs’ Church Experiencing Revival
A church in NIGERIA that had five members martyred earlier this year is now experiencing a revival. At the funeral some in attendance became Christians and many believers rededicated their lives to Christ. During the service they prayed for the church, the nation, Muslims, and Boko Haram.
Praise God for their testimony! “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge.”
Hope in the Midst of Sorrow
Deeper Life Bible Church in Gomb, Nigeria, is located right next to a mosque. On the evening of Thursday, January 5, gunmen emerged from the mosque and attacked the church during a prayer service. Nine people were killed and nineteen wounded.
Churches Burned, Christians Threatened
In Yobe State, NIGERIA over 20 churches have been burned in recent months and Boko Haram has forced nearly 95% of Christians to flee. Boko Haram has declared “war” on Christians and threatens to kidnap them.
Ask God to be their strength and hope. “In the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”'
Learn More: Threatened with Death
Threatened with Death
If you've been praying along with us through Smyrna's Prayer Guide, you know how frequently we lift up Christians in Nigeria. Secular media looks at the violence against Christians and sees only "ethnic conflict." Most reports rely on phrases like "tension between Christians and Muslims" to describe the growth of Sharia law and the terrorism directed towards those who openly worship Jesus Christ.
Church Bomb Injures Believers
In NIGERIA on February 19, suspected members of the Islamic group Boko Haram planted a bomb near two churches, injuring several believers.
Pray for their speedy recovery. “As for You, O LORD, You will not restrain Your mercy from me; Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness will ever preserve me!”
LEARN MORE: BOMB TARGETS TWO CHURCHES
Bomb Targets Two Churches
On Sunday, February 19 in Seluja, Nigeria, suspected Boko Haram members planted a car bomb in front of a church. It exploded a few minutes after the service began. The blast also targeted another nearby church, where at least one member was injured. A total of five people suffered injuries, including a teenage boy named Confidence Anobi, who was hit with flying glass from car windshields. Others injured include Chike Emefor, Anthony Nweke, and Maureen Kenneth.
78-year-old Woman Martyred
Shetu Haruna Malgwi, a 79-year-old Christian in Nigeria, was murdered at her home on February 22. Witnesses suspect Boko Haram to be behind the attack. Her body was found lying with a Bible under her feet and a note on her chest. The note, written in Arabic with a red pen and presumably addressed to her pastor son, read, “We will get you soon.”
Please pray for this family.