Christians brutally massacred in Plateau state, Nigeria
Muslims launched deadly attacks on Christians in the three farming villages of Dogo Nahawa, Zot and Rastat in Plateau state near the city of Jos, Nigeria on March 7. The Muslim attackers, members of the Fulani ethnic group, killed hundreds of Christians, many of whom were women and children. The majority of the believers were members of the Berom ethnic group. "We were woken up by gunshots in the middle of the night, and before we knew what was happening, our houses were torched and they started hacking down people," said one survivor. The Muslims rampaged through homes while chanting "Allah Akbar" and brutally attacked people with knives and machetes. They also set fire to houses, burning approximately 75 to the ground. Sources estimate that around 500 people were killed in the violence.
The attack is the latest in several recent religious clashes in the state (click here for more information). While the country is almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, the state is predominantly Christian. The Muslim minority has long contested ownership of land in the state, intensifying tension between the two groups. (Source: Compass Direct, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
Pray that those in turmoil due to these attacks will look to the God of all comfort for strength and peace (2 Corinthians 1). Pray that violence will not beget violence, but that Christians will demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus. Pray that God will advance His peace throughout Nigeria. You can post a prayer of solidarity with those suffering in Nigeria and around the world on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
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Christian orphanage workers ordered out of Morocco
Sixteen Christian foreign workers in an orphanage in Ain Leuh, Morocco have been ordered to leave the country, leaving 33 children abandoned. The order was given due to allegations that the staff were "trying to make them Christian." The Village of Hope orphanage cares for children abandoned by their parents and society.
A staff member has stated, "We have always been open about our faith to the authorities.... 33 children have just been abandoned again by the actions of the Moroccan state.... Watching the children be told by their parents that they had to leave, that they would maybe never see them again, is the most painful thing I have ever witnessed."
We encourage everyone to read the official press release from the parents at www.voh-ainleuh.org for detailed information. (Source: Village of Hope)
Pray that these foster parents will be allowed to return to their children. Ask God to provide others to love and care for the children at this time. Pray that those ordered to leave will find strength in Jesus.
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Imprisoned Christian dies in Eritrea; other believers released
Eritrean believer Efrem Habtemichel Hagos (37) died on March 2 while in solitary confinement in Adi-Nefase military camp in Assab. Efrem's death was caused by malaria and pneumonia, which he had been suffering with the past three months. He was reportedly denied proper medical treatment because he refused to give up his faith in Christ. He is the 12th known Christian to have died while being incarcerated at this camp. Efrem is believed to have become a Christian while doing his military service in the Eritrean Defense Force. He was buried in the camp shortly after his death.
Meanwhile, 30 other Christians have reportedly been released recently, including three or more prominent church leaders. (Source: Open Doors)
Pray for the friends and family of Hagos, as they mourn this loss. Pray that other imprisoned Christians will gain courage from his example of steadfast faith. Thank the Lord for the release of the 30 Christians. Pray for the over 2,000 other Christians who remain in custody for their faith in Eritrea.
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Believer released from prison in Ethiopia
Bashir Musa Ahmed (39), a believer in Ethiopia who was arrested in May 2009 for the "malicious" distribution of Bibles and later accused of terrorism (click here for the story), has been released from prison. On February 23, Bashir had a court hearing for a petty crime. He was released on March 4, as he had been detained for a longer period than the sentence required for his alleged crime. Bashir said that he was beaten in prison but that he was proud to suffer for his Lord. (Source: Middle East Concern)
Praise God that Bashir has been released from prison! Pray that he will remain faithful in witnessing about Christ. Pray that all the officials involved in his case will hear the Good News and follow Jesus.
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