ISIS-related militants and nomadic Fulani Muslims often raid Christian villages in the north, and many Christians are killed and their property looted, leaving thousands of orphans. Let us pray for God’s protection, and for Christians to persevere in their faith while being persecuted.   (8/31/2023)

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If the violence in Nigera seems like it will never end, let it instead remind us to be even more diligent in prayer for our family in this nation. On Sunday, June 19, 2022, two churches were attacked by Fulani terrorists in Nigeria. At least three people were killed, others were injured, and more than 30 churchgoers were abducted. It is the latest outrage against Nigerian Christians in what feels like a never-ending string of chaos.

Maranatha Baptist and St. Moses Catholic churches in Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State were invaded by attackers who arrived on motorcycles, shooting indiscriminantly. It is an area severely affected by Fulani militant violence but no less shocking for its prevalent threat.

The so-called bandits also looted homes and shops. Just two weeks ago, on June 5, gunmen attacked two other churches in the same way, killing at least 32 people.

The repeated attacks systematically cripple farming communities, which are mainly Christian, by generating fear through kidnapping, rape, impoverishing households, displacing people from their land and, ultimately, driving the local population out of the area. 

Father God, we cry out and lift our hands to end the violence in Nigeria. Comfort the families of the victims, and be their refuge in this uncertain time. Rescue, by Your mighty hand, all of those who’ve been abducted and use these trials to bring about something good. Make every fiery trial result in steadfast faith in Your goodness. Wrap those who have been abducted in Your peace and help them experience of Your presence right now.

About 8 years ago, Islamic insurgents attacked Danjuma’s village, burning homes and killing Christians. When we saw Danjuma, who was 13 at the time, some of the attackers slashed his head with a machete, carved out his right eye, hacked at his left arm and left him for dead.

Later, as survivors dug graves for those who had been killed, they heard Danjuma crying and shouting. Upon seeing his horrible condition, they took him to the nearest hospital, where he was stabilized and treated.

Months after the attack, Danjuma told a front-line worker that he had forgiven those who mutilated him and left him for dead. “I forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” he said, echoing the words of Christ on the cross. “If they had love, they wouldn’t behave that way.”

Danjuma has come a long way since the attack. After undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, he enrolled in a school for the blind. And in 2020, his older brother, John, began caring for him.

John continues to provide for Danjuma’s needs and study the Bible with him. He also helps his younger brother with school work. Because Danjuma had to learn how to read Braille, he essentially restarted his education. Through diligent work, Danjuma has now progressed to high school. 

In July 2022, he attended his first Christian camp, centered around the theme “Sanctified.” The VOM-sponsored retreat helps young adults from persecuted families understand the importance of living a pure, wholesome life. While at the camp, Danjuma rededicated his life to Christ and made many new friends.

VOM-supported trauma ministries help widows like Tina, who lost her husband five years ago when he was shot by Islamists while working his vegetable farm. Tina said she misses her husband but added, “I hold onto God’s promises that He is a father to the fatherless and a husband to the widows.”