Abraham’s story
It was midnight when the first gunshots rang out…
Abraham had been warned that Fulani militants were planning to attack his village in Benue State, northern Nigeria, so he’d sent his wife and three children to safety. But he could not save his brother…
“They shot him through the door of his home, then he came outside and they shot him in the head.” In that moment, Abraham ran. “I fell into a ditch and leaves hid me. My life was spared.”
That was more than three years ago. Since then, Abraham and his family have lived in a tiny makeshift tent in Ichwa, a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs). It’s too dangerous to go home.
“The Fulani attackers want to take over our land. Their agenda is to Islamise us,” said Abraham. “Until we accept, they swear to kill every last one of us.”
His family is among 16.2 million Christians across Sub-Saharan Africa forced from their homes by violent persecution. Life is a constant struggle for survival.
“When your child cries of hunger, you wonder about your life as a parent,” said Abraham. He’s given up his hope of going to university, and his children can’t go to school either. There’s never enough food. And 3,000 people in the camp share just 15 toilets.
“We suffer very much in this camp and pray God sends angels to our rescue,” said Abraham. “I still have God and He is still on the throne. I pray he should not forget us.”
Please pray
- Ask God to encourage Abraham in his role as camp chairman, as he advocates for people with wisdom and strength.
- Pray for an end to hunger and sickness in Nigeria’s IDP camps.
Nigeria- The attacks displace great numbers of Christians who often do not feel safe in formal displacement camps, so take refuge at churches and/or with fellow Christians. This puts severe socio-economic pressure on Christian communities. Pray for comfort to displaced believers. Pray for those caring for the displaced to find the physical and emotional strength to continue this work. Thank the Lord for every contribution of help and the generosity of hosting communities.Pray for provision in the needs of hosting and displaced communities. Pray for wisdom to find sustainable ways for the displaced
to provide for families. - Countless women in Nigeria have suffered abduction and/or sexual violence. Apart from the trauma this causes, there is often also shame to deal with. Pray fervently for Gods intervention. Pray for more workers to bing help and provision for all.
- In this onslaught men are often killed, lose their ability to work or have his property seized, impoverishing his family. Many leave try to find a safer and better life far away. Pray for discernment for the Church to find the spiritual, emotional, and physical solutions.
- The median age in Nigeria is 17. Young people often feel marginalized. Pray for efforts by the government and Church to bring hope. Pray for thorough discipleship and sound view on economics coupled with practical help to uplift and create a hopeful future.
- About 18.5 million children, the majority girls, have no access to education in Nigeria (UN, 2022), mostly because of the jihadist attacks on schools. Pray for more physical and emotional care to children, that they will receive the education they need.
- Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP often act with impunity against Christians (and Muslims who do not support their ideology). Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring many to salvation.
- Islamic militancy occurs in the context of complex environmental and socio-economic challenges. Pray for wisdom and transparancy for the government to find solutions to the drivers of the crisis.
- Nigeria is a Federal Presidential Republic led by Pres. Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu. When he took office in 2023, prioritized action against violence. Pray for wisdom and courage to not give up in protection for all Nigerians, no matter their tribe or faith.
- Thank the Lord for Nigeria, one of the giants of Africa that plays an important role in the region and the continent, and for its wealth. Pray for the Lords continued blessing on this nation.
- Christians form about 46% and come from diverse denominational backgrounds. The church is active in local and international outreach. Thank God for the Churchs presence, even in regions most hostile to the gospel. Pray that God will continue to build His Church and that she will grow despite severe persecution. Pray that Christians will remain bold and obedient in sharing the Gospel. Pray for continued grace, protection, and faithfulness to pastors. Pray that they may have all they need as they work, often amid great opposition
