Boko Haram launched similar attacks on other villages in both Borno and Adamawa State the same day. The militant group, which has ties with al-Qaeda, seeks to impose Sharia, or Islamic law, throughout the country. Last year, hundreds of Christians were brutally murdered by the group.
After yet another massive attack on our victimized Christian family in Nigeria, let us turn to Scripture, joining the plea of the psalmist David in Psalm 13 while praying on their behalf: "How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me."
To watch a short video about Habila, a Christian man in Nigeria who was shot in the face after refusing to deny Jesus, please visit our multimedia site at
www.persecution.tv/habila.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Peace Needed Amid Rampant Devastation
Source: World Watch Monitor
On January 28th, a pastor and his son were shot and killed within their church compound in the capital city of Bangui by members of a rebel group. The rebels, former members of the disbanded "Seleka" group, shouted "Allahu Akbar" before shooting Rev. Pierre-Severin Kongbo, 52, and his eldest son, Dieubeni. Two weeks before the men were killed, the rebels had come to their home, asking for the pastor. His wife informed them that he was not at home and then gave in to the rebels' demand for all the money in the house. Rev. Pierre-Severin is survived by his wife and their five other children.
This father and son are among the latest casualties in a country that has been beset by violence since December of 2012. The devastation began when a coalition of rebel groups, led by Michel Djotodia under the Seleka banner, moved through the country to eventually drive out the president in March of 2013. Djotodia took control of a transitional government, but resigned from his post last month. The National Assembly then elected Catherine Samba-Panza as president.
Since Djotodia's resignation and exile to Benin, hundreds of ex-Seleka members, many of whom are Muslim, have left the capital, leaving desolation in their wake. "People are fleeing," announced a source. "It appears that the Seleka, on their way back to Chad, are burning villages as they go. They have stolen vehicles belonging to local priests."
As the Seleka rebels retreat, local Muslims who are perceived to be accomplices of the group have faced attacks by Anti-Balaka ("Anti-Machete"), self-defense militias that are often comprised of Christians. However, while the Seleka have been largely termed a Muslim group, and the Anti-Balaka considered to be Christian, church leaders in the country have clarified that not all Anti-Balaka are Christians, and not all Christians are Anti-Balaka. The same principle applies to ex-Seleka members and Muslims. In all, over one million citizens have been displaced, and nearly two million require urgent humanitarian assistance.
As the family of these Christian men mourn their loss, pray that God will surround them with His peace and comfort. Ask Him to also meet their every material need at this time. Similarly, bring to the Lord the millions of people in this nation who are displaced or lacking basic essentials. May the 'Prince of Peace' reign in this country and in the hearts of all its citizens. In particular, pray that the church will be a beacon of hope and love to all, even to their persecutors. May Christians not resort to violence or seek revenge, but may the atrocities they have endured purify and refine their faith in our Living God. Let us also pray for wisdom for the country's new president and its other leaders and authorities. Also remember those who have perpetrated horrific crimes. May they repent, realizing that Christ's blood covers even the most grievous of sins.
To post your own prayers for this afflicted nation, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at
www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
MOROCCO: Evangelism Charges Dropped Against Convert
Sources: World Watch Monitor, Morning Star News
The charges against Mohamed El Baladi, a convert to Christianity who was arrested for "shaking the faith of a Muslim," were recently overturned. While the judge ruled that Mohamed had engaged in general conversation about his faith, there was no evidence that he had coerced or offered financial incentives to others for converting.
Mohamed, who is in his early 30s, had been initially sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment after his house was raided in August of 2013. (For more information on his arrest, please visit
www.persecution.net/ma-2013-10-03.htm.) According to sources, police apprehended Mohamed after he met for a second time with two teenagers who were hired by his uncle to feign interest in Christianity.
Praise God that Mohamed's charges have been dropped! As this released prisoner moves forward, pray that the Lord will guide and direct his every step. Intercede on behalf of Mohamed's uncle and other family members who clearly oppose the Christian faith. May they one day join this young man in worshipping Jesus, the only way to the Father. Also bring other Moroccan believers before our God in prayer, beseeching Him to grant them boldness to share their faith, despite the risk of offending others or facing charges themselves.
To learn more about Morocco's persecuted church, visit our Morocco Country Report at
www.persecution.net/morocco.htm.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATE
MOROCCO: Evangelism Charges Dropped Against Convert
Sources: World Watch Monitor, Morning Star News
The charges against Mohamed El Baladi, a convert to Christianity who was arrested for "shaking the faith of a Muslim," were recently overturned. While the judge ruled that Mohamed had engaged in general conversation about his faith, there was no evidence that he had coerced or offered financial incentives to others for converting.
Mohamed, who is in his early 30s, had been initially sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment after his house was raided in August of 2013. (For more information on his arrest, please visit
this page.) According to sources, police apprehended Mohamed after he met for a second time with two teenagers who were hired by his uncle to feign interest in Christianity.
Praise God that Mohamed's charges have been dropped! As this released prisoner moves forward, pray that the Lord will guide and direct his every step. Intercede on behalf of Mohamed's uncle and other family members who clearly oppose the Christian faith. May they one day join this young man in worshipping Jesus, the only way to the Father. Also bring other Moroccan believers before our God in prayer, beseeching Him to grant them boldness to share their faith, despite the risk of offending others or facing charges themselves.
To learn more about Morocco's persecuted church, visit our
Morocco Country Report.
