“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
Bill Maher is not someone I typically watch or listen to, especially when it comes to matters of Christianity. However, I have to commend him for bringing attention to the systematic genocide of Nigerian Christians. In a recent interview he cited that since 2009 Boko Haram Islamists have killed over 100,000 Christians and burned 18,000 churches. Maher said,"They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country."
This headline appeared in a Newsweek article in August:
7,000 Christians Have Been Killed in Nigeria This Year, Group Says
The article cites, "This is an average of 35 killings a day, according to the recent report published by the Nigeria-based human-rights NGO International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety)."
These numbers are astounding, yet mainstream media remains largely silent about what's happening in Nigeria. Today the most dangerous place for a Christian to live is in Nigeria.
The Danjuma family is just one of many affected by the Christian genocide in Nigeria. In 2021 Talatu Danjami's sister Hannatu was killed as she tried to escape with her two month-old baby Ruth when her village came under fire by Islamic Fulani militants. Baby Ruth was yanked from Hannatu's arms and thrown into the mud. Then Hannatu was executed. By God's grace the baby was rescued by survivors of the vicious attack. The Danjumas, who already had children of their own, brought Ruth into their family and are raising her as their own. In 2024 tragedy struck the Danjums again when Talatu's brother was killed in another attack on the village. Talatu says, " We’ve faced so many attacks, but we keep our faith in God because everything that has a beginning will surely have an end.” About the persecution her husband commented, “It has made us stronger, it has drawn us closer to God. We pray not for revenge but for forgiveness — for the attackers to find Christ. Only God can change the heart of a man.”
What a remarkable story of faith! This should surely encourage us as we travel our own journey with Christ. The Lord has much to say about the cost of following Him, and at the same time He promises that He will be with us every step of the way. As we "fight the good fight" that Paul wrote about in 1 Timothy 4 we can say along with him, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing."
Today's music video People Of The Cross by Selah was released over 8 years ago in honor of a number of modern day martyrs. Since then there have been many more Christians who have given their lives for the Gospel of Christ. It's a stirring testament that I hope you will take the time to watch.
Please pray for the persecuted church in Nigeria and around the world.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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