We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are, beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.

NIGERIA: “I can’t even thank you enough”

pattern

Mercy is one of thousands of Christians LIVING IN A displacement camp in Nigeria. She fled Fulani militants who killed her mother and sister and abducted her father. Your support and prayers are helping her survive – and know that she is loved.

Your outreach has been the biggest aid anyone in this world has given me,” says Mercy. “I’m still surprised, and very grateful. I’m grateful for all you’re doing.”

Mercy lives in a displacement camp in Nigeria. Like millions of other Christians in the region, she had to flee extreme violence and now lives in a camp with scarce food and water. It’s still a dangerous place to be, and Islamic militants often attack those who go in search of food. So your support is making a life-changing difference – thank you.

Thanks to your prayers and gifts in the ongoing Arise Africa campaign, Open Doors local partners have been able to bring much-needed food supplies to Mercy and other persecuted believers like her. There is still so much to be done, but you’re already showing Mercy how much she is loved by her international family.

Two traGIC attacks

“Before the unrest, we didn’t think the attacks would reach us,” she explains. “We went to sleep but woke up, due to a gunshot sound. It sounded very close to us.” Fulani militants were attacking her village in Mbagwen district.

The family began to run for their lives – but, Mercy remembers, her father went back to grab something vital. Her mother followed. “Before she could reach him, she was shot by the Fulani [militants] and she died on the spot,” says Mercy. “They got hold of my father and abducted him.” It’s clear that the family was targeted for their faith: Mercy explains that the militants didn’t attack the Muslims in her village. “They’re still living there. They’re the ones occupying our homes right now.”

Tragically, Mercy’s ordeal wasn’t over. She fled to her sister’s house – but Fulani militants later came and attacked her village too.

“We are suffering and hungry”

After so much unimaginable persecution, Mercy came to the displacement camp. It is safer, but conditions are terrible. “We are suffering and hungry,” she says, “and look at the bumps on my body – they’re caused because I sleep on the floor. I cough a lot and it makes me unable to sleep.”

She’s been in the camp for four years. It makes your support all the more valuable.

“We, the occupants of this camp, are really suffering – you people came and gave us food and I am very happy,” says Mercy. “We didn’t used to have anything to eat, but since you gave us food, we’ve been eating… I thank God.”

“I can’t even thank you enough”

She adds, “I can’t even thank you enough – may God keep you all and may your days be long. I thank my brothers and sisters that have brought us this great help. I thank you all. God should strengthen your hearts to help those that can’t help themselves. And God should bless whatever your hands do; let it be good.”

Thank you so much for helping Mercy, and many others like her. Please keep answering the call of the African church in this displacement crisis. Give your support, sign the petition, share a prayer.

PRAY NOW...
1

Mercy asks, “Pray that the sorrows in my heart for my family that were killed would be reduced, and my peace restored”

3

For safety, hope and unity in displacement camps.

2

Praise God for the difference He’s making through your prayers and support, and ask for Him to keep using them

DO SOMETHING…
  • 1
    SIGN THE ARISE AFRICA PETITION...

    Stop the violence, start the healing...

    SIGN NOW...
  • 2
    CHOOSE TO LOSE!

    Could you give up your bed for 48 hours to raise money and prayer?

    Give Now
  • 3
    GET THE NEW SECRET CHURCH PACK...

    All new resource pack with fresh ideas, activities and stories...

    Take the quiz
  • 4
    ORDER OUR 2024 WORLD WATCH LIST PRAYER MAP...

    With free temporary tattoo...

    Order now...
NEWS
November 5, 2024

See how young Christians are being targeted in an attempt to destabilise families and stop a new generation of Christians from emerging…

Find out more
October 21, 2024

Thank God that the Supreme Court in India has overturned a decision that could have been used to further discriminate against Christians…

Find out more
October 21, 2024

Join us to pray for the safe release of 18 Christians, imprisoned as part of the conflict in Sudan…

Find out more
October 14, 2024

Pray for Pastor Sirajul in Bangladesh as he faces threats and intimidation because of his choice to follow Jesus and share his faith with others…

Find out more
October 7, 2024

God is moving in incredible ways in Afghanistan. Check out these words from three secret Afghan Christians…

Find out more
October 7, 2024

See how your letters have impacted, encouraged and inspired secret believers in Central Asia.Please pray for Ruojie, a Sunday school teacher and businessman who was imprisoned last year for selling Bibles…

Find out more
September 30, 2024

See how your letters have impacted, encouraged and inspired secret believers in Central Asia.

Find out more
September 30, 2024

Thank God for the early release of Anooshavan Avedian, a pastor sentenced to ten years in prison for his faith.

Find out more
September 23, 2024

“In the midst of persecution, we particularly need to depend on God’s love to endure, persist, and forgive.” 

Find out more
btn-scroll