Today is the
International Day of Prayer
for the Persecuted Church
Organised in Ireland by
Christians face persecution in 60 countries
Red – Severe Orange – Significant Green – Limited
Today we focus on one country
Nigeria
Christians in northern and central Nigeria
face ongoing attack from Boko Haram militants
Boko Haram
• Fighting for a caliphate
(an Islamic state under Sharia Law)
• Targets government, Christians and
I moderate Muslims
• Has killed at least 12,000 people
in past six years
“Western education is forbidden”
The Boko Haram flag
Numerous churches in cities and villages
have been destroyed by terrorist attacks
Over 1,600 Christians killed Jan – June 2014
A pastor surveys the remains
of his church building
Often whole villages are destroyed in attacks
Tens of thousands of Christians
have become refugees in their own country
Pastors
Rebecca and
Samuel Dali
Many churches
in the area
where they work
have been
destroyed
Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria
has been criticised for inaction
in combating Boko Haram
In April, Boko Haram kidnapped 219 schoolgirls
and forced them to convert to Islam
Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram
boasted about the forced conversions
90% of the
kidnapped
schoolgirls
are Christian
An international campaign gained millions of
supporters on social media
Martha Mark holds up the photo of her
kidnapped daughter, Monica
Archbishop Ben Kwashi
(Anglican Archbishop of Jos)
Almighty and everlasting God,
We praise and glorify You for the creation
of the world.
We thank You for Nigeria and her people.
Have mercy on all her people.
Deliver and free Nigeria from violence,
corruption and evil; deliver her from the
sponsors of abduction, destruction and
persecutions; bring speedily the days of
peace and restoration.
Help Nigerians to build a nation strong,
generous and prosperous, we pray in the
name of Jesus. Amen
Nigeria will be featured
in the next Church in Chains magazine
(published in late November)
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