ICC Note:
Christians of Nigeria continue to live out their faith in the midst of heavy persecution. The Boko Haram and Fulani terrorist groups have killed thousands of Christians over the last few years. And yet Christians continue to not only boldly proclaim their faith but also act in compassion toward other victims who are also facing persecution. Those of us who live in countries where we can live out our faith without fear of persecution should be grateful and also pray for and extend our hands to our brothers and sisters who do not enjoy such freedom.
10/05/2016 Nigeria (AllAfrica) – A global organisation working to protect and restore religious freedom around the world has lauded the bravery and selflessness by some displaced professionals counteracting the pain and suffering experienced by fellow victims of the Boko Haram crisis.
The admiration follows a recent tour of northeast Nigeria by executives of the United States-based 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative (21CWI).
Nathan Wineinger, Director of Public Policy, and Executive Vice President, Elijah Brown, traveled to Nigeria at the invitation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“That part of the trip that impacted me the most was not our meetings; rather, it was meeting the people who have been displaced and are living in temporary camps, seeing and hearing first-hand their suffering, and most importantly, their hope,” said Wineinger.
At Gurku Interfaith Camp, they interacted with people who were working to counteract the pain and suffering Boko Haram has inflicted on victims.
Dr Luka Saidu is displaced from Borno State, the area hardest hit by the terrorists.
He takes no payment for the basic health services he offers. Saidu dispenses medicines donated by non-governmental organizations to combat malaria, typhoid and worms.
When I asked if any scripture has been important to him in this work, he is quoted as inspired by the prophet Zechariah, “It is not by your power or might, it is by my spirit.”
Another example of courage in the face of persecution, among many, is IIbrahim Dauda, who was leading prayers in his church when Boko Haram attacked, spraying the congregation with bullets as they scrambled for safety
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