Nigeria is home to the Islamic militant group known as Boko Haram, which dominates the northern part of the country. Their stated purpose is to establish extreme Muslim law, sharia, and to drive out all Christians from northern Nigeria. A suicide bomber killed 44 Christians at a church last Christmas. In January, seven more Christians were killed when their church building was bombed. On Easter Sunday, another 38 Christians were murdered in the northern part of the country by a suicide bomber. On April 29, 15 Christians were killed and many wounded in an attack during a Sunday service in the northern city of Kano. Because Nigeria’s government is weak and corrupt, it has been ineffective in fighting Boko Haram and protecting Christians. Pray for grace and Gospel boldness for these Nigerian believers as they live as “lambs among wolves.”
This prayer calendar, which focuses on many countries known for having the worst persecution and the least Gospel light, is now available for download. Use this calendar as a resource for your daily prayer time—and share it with others.
Today has been the last of our three-day Qingming Festival, otherwise known as Tomb-Sweeping Festival. I celebrate by getting three days off of school, but others here celebrate by cleaning off the gravesites of their ancestors. The long winter months have undoubtedly brought unsightly growth, decay and weather-beating that needs to be cleared away. Most who celebrate this festival not only clean off the gravesite, but worship those who have already passed on. Often they will burn piles of paper money, which is supposed to be a supply for them in their next life. On my way home at night, I’ve seen many intersections with piles of burning papers. I even heard that some people keep their ancestors up to date with technology, burning paper replicas of iPads and iPhones so grandpa can stay current in the next life. To me, it seems so delusional. If it’s a paper copy…
Rasim Hasanov converted to Christ from Islam and has served as the faithful pastor of a house church in Azerbaijan, a country that is 93% Muslim. A fervent and godly man, Rasim has attempted to obey the law by registering his church with the government. For more than six years, he has tried to register. However, the authorities will not grant the proper certification to his church. Now the police are threatening to arrest him and to close his church for “illegal religious activities.” Rasim’s church has been holding two-hour prayer services each morning, asking God to intervene on their behalf. Please pray for God to give Rasim favor with the authorities so he can obtain the appropriate registration, as well as strength to remain firm under persecution.
The fifth episode of the Dispatches from the Front series is now available! Journey to the Horn of Africa and witness the rapid advance of Christ’s Kingdom in a region torn by war, shadowed by famine, and dominated by Islam. Father, Give Me Bread goes deep into Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley and up the White Nile to South Sudan. Hear the stories and see the faces of people changed from the inside out by grace. Meet orphans once left for dead now rescued by Calvary Love. Experience the joy as believers receive the Bible in their language for the first time. See the power of Jesus to save Muslim People, turning persecutors into preachers of the faith they once tried to destroy! Dispatches from the Front opens another window to Gospel work in the world and showcases the stunning mercy of the Friend of Sinners. Trailer – Episode 5:…
