A Sacrifice of Praise

The whole city of Jos, Nigeria, was in an uproar that Friday, 28 November 2008. Islamic warriors raged through the town, killing Christians and burning their homes. An attack mob torched Pastor Justin's church and the surrounding buildings, including his home. Six pastors and 500 others were killed and 40 churches were destroyed.

The attacks lasted until the next day. Though he lost his home and everything he owned, Pastor Justin did not leave his neighbourhood. He still lives on the same church grounds, holding church services at Sarkin Mangu. His neighbours are the same Muslims who destroyed his home – the mosque tower overlooks the church compound – but adversity has not made him shrink away in fear. Instead, like thousands of Christians living in Nigeria's northern region, he stands firm.

Even through the horror, Nigerians offer a sacrifice of praise.

Nigeria is home to one of the world's largest Islamic populations. The country's religious population is evenly split between Christians and Muslims, however northern Nigeria has a higher concentration of Muslims. Islamic extremists in the north want to gain political control, impose Shariah law and rid the region of non-Muslims, so every follower of Christ in northern Nigeria has been affected by religious violence.

In 2000, when 12 northern states in Nigeria adopted Shariah law, tension between Muslims and Christians erupted. A protest by Christians living under Shariah law in Kaduna sparked a violent riot. More than 2000 believers were killed in two days during the worst religious riot in Nigeria's recent history. Nine years of repeated attacks have forced Christians in northern Nigeria to expect persecution. Yet they do not leave.

They know the Bible promises believers will experience suffering (John 16:2). They know God uses hardship to refine them and the constant tension they live under has developed a group of believers deeply dedicated to the Lord. Endurance has made the body of Christ in northern Nigeria strong and beautiful. 'We need encouragement because persecution is inevitable,' Awuna Sunday told us. His hands were shredded by a bomb during the 2008 Jos riot. Awuna holds on to the words of Hebrews 6 and John 15. Hebrews reminds him to remain steadfast, while John 15 encourages him to be a fruitful branch while grafted into the tree of Jesus Christ.

Awuna is just one of hundreds of Nigerian believers who remain faithful while suffering.  

A mindset of prayer, forgiveness and love is the tool Nigerian believers use to help overcome those who hate them. And the unrelenting persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria shows no signs of abating. In February 2009, a Muslim-led riot left nine Christians dead, nine churches burned and more than 3000 people displaced in Bauchi, a northern Nigeria state.

Voice of the Martyrs provided food and medical help to the victims. Even without support from the government or their neighbours, thousands of faithful Christ followers continue to live among the Muslim majority in northern Nigeria, refusing to hide their faith. Their church leaders prepare them for the inevitable suffering, purposely teaching them what the Bible says about Christian persecution. Praise God for their patience, faithfulness and courageous perseverance. Please pray for them as they continue to endure, following and loving Jesus with a beautiful, vibrant faith.