DAY 30

Joey Register | Re:Hope Motherwell

A close family friend founded a missions organisation supporting persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Through her, we’ve heard about what Christian communities in the north of the country have been facing, particularly in recent months as attacks by Boko Haram have continued.

Some of her Christian friends in Nigeria are among the ordinary men and women who have responded to what is happening around them. Following attacks, they go into communities to look for survivors, get the injured to hospital, bury those who have been killed, and support widows, orphans and families who have lost loved ones. They aren’t professional rescue workers – they are Christians choosing to serve people in desperate circumstances, despite the risks involved. Recently, two of these men, both friends, were attacked and kidnapped while helping in the north. For several days they were missing. We joined their church, the mission, and their friends in praying that they would be protected, found and brought home safely. Eventually, the news came that both men had been found alive. One of them had been badly injured and needed hospital treatment, so we continued to pray for his recovery. We’ve now heard that he is out of hospital and continuing to recover.

This didn’t feel like a distant news story. We knew people who were waiting and praying for them and we were able to join Christians in Nigeria in praying for our brothers in Christ, even from thousands of miles away. Paul’s words to the Corinthians feel particularly relevant:

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again… as you help us by your prayers.” — 2 Corinthians 1:10–11.

There is still much to pray for. In places where following Jesus carries a great cost, we continue to hear of the Church enduring and growing. Father, thank you for bringing our brothers home alive, and for the prayers you have already answered. Protect and strengthen the Christians who are courageously serving their communities, and be especially close to those who have been injured, bereaved or displaced. We pray too for those responsible for this violence and for those who do not yet know you. Soften hearts and bring repentance, reconciliation and salvation. May the faith and love shown by your Church, even in the face of persecution, point people towards Jesus. Give your people courage to continue sharing the Gospel and may your Church in Nigeria not only endure but grow. Amen.