My heart breaks, just trying to write the words to describe for you the horrific tragedies taking place in Nigeria—most recently in August, in September, and now in October. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom this week condemned the violence against religious communities in Nigeria. So. . . .
It is reading the emails from our translation partner in Nigeria that has me really upset! And, anxious! And, worried! YES, worried! Scared, too. Then, I began searching Scripture. . . .
Militants using AK-47s in an overnight killing spree—entire families murdered.
Muslim Militias completely destroy churches—leaving mosques untouched.
Christian homes in a community destroyed and burned—Muslim settlers unscathed.
Thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Lord are running for their lives.
In just one community there are over 200 widows recorded and 800 orphans.
The churches in these areas are all in the same situation, the needs are so great, so many
killed, they have no capacity to help the victims.
My dear friend, we are the church that can help. You and I must spend time now in prayer.
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them
the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
Deuteronomy 4:7 NIV
Let’s begin our prayer to the One True God, the Almighty One, Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Oh, Lord God, You are the Holy One. You are the judge and the one who avenges. Heavenly Father, Your children, the ones who love You and live for You are being murdered and oppressed. Your children in Nigeria, are terrified of the evildoers.
The Lord is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
How long, Lord, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, Lord;
they oppress your inheritance.
They slay the widow and the foreigner;
they murder the fatherless.
Psalms 94:1-6 NIV
We ask you dear Father, to wrap Your arms around the persecuted in Nigeria. Please Father heal their wounds and give them Your peace.
We know that the evil one is the leader and is trying to destroy the church in Nigeria. He is attempting to destroy the will of those translating Scripture for their people. It is Your Word in the heart languages that is the sword of the Spirit. They need Your Word!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV
Lord, God, we ask You to make us strong. Wycliffe Associates prayer partners, donors, volunteers, and staff need Your mighty power, even the power of the Holy Spirit who works in us to pray powerfully, accomplishing Your work in the world—even in Nigeria.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
We, Lord, are also Your Church and we can come alongside these precious brothers and sisters who are utterly helpless.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Open our hearts, Lord, to care for these who are suffering amid chaos. And, Lord, You lead us in our decision to give, and to pray. Please Lord, lead us to share this need with our friends and family asking them also to give and to pray.
