The Left loves to display “Coexist” bumper stickers and tout Multiculturalism as a panacea for all the world’s woes, but the “Religion of Peace” doesn’t seem to be buying into that philosophy – at least not in northern Nigeria lately. From Voice of the Martyrs:
 

Anti-Christian violence has increased in northern Nigeria since January of this year, when 200 armed Fulani youths attacked churches and Christian homes. Sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria began in 2001 with a large-scale riot in the city of Kaduna.

 
Recent incidents of persecution, detailed at Compass Direct News, include:
• Christian Communities near Town in Nigeria Disappearing
• Pastor, Church Official Shot Dead in Nigeria ~
Boko Haram leaders have openly declared that they want to establish an Islamic theocratic state in Nigeria, and they reject democratic institutions, which they associate with Christianity. Their bombings and suspected involvement in April’s post-election violence in Nigeria were aimed at stifling democracy, which they see as a system of government built on the foundation of Christian scripture.
• Muslim Extremists Burn Church Building, Homes in Nigeria ~
Attacks on Christians in the town go back to 2001, when the only Christian to ever become a council chairperson, identified only as Nimfel, was murdered following an outbreak of violence between Muslims and Christians in Plateau State, central Nigeria. ~ Danyok said he believes that God has allowed such attacks on Christians in the town for a purpose that will glorify Him.
• Nigerian Pastor’s Wife, Children among Christians Killed in Attack ~
“Whatever is the situation, I will never forsake Christ,” he said. “All human beings are created by God, and our attackers must know that they need to abandon anything that will lead them to destroy creations of God.”
• Nigerian Church Leaders Call for Probe into Election Violence ~ Northern Nigeria climbed to 23rd place in 2010 from 27th in 2009 on Christian support organization Open Doors’ World Watch List of nations with the worst persecution.

“Persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria originates from the non-equality between Muslims and non-Muslims based upon certain interpretations of the holy scriptures of Islam,” the organization said in its rankings, released in January. “In the history of the region, the Hausa-Fulani Muslims of north Nigeria applied this notion of non-equality to all non-Muslims they conquered in their 19-century jihad.”
 
Reading through these accounts, I’m just amazed at the strength of faith these people have in the face of such hardships.
 

Please pray:
• For comfort for Christians bereaved or made homeless through violence
• Thank God that the church is becoming more united as a result of opposition
• For wisdom and courage for church leaders reaching out to their Muslim neighbors and caring for converts.