The Voice of the Martyrs - Nigerian Widows Forgive Their Husbands' Killers

Forgiving Their Husbands’ Killers

In northern Nigeria, Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims wage an ongoing war to drive out any Christians that remain and establish an independent Islamist nation. At great risk, pastors in northern Nigeria remain bold witnesses for Christ. Many have been killed in attacks by Islamists, leaving their wives and children in great need and with broken hearts. Regina is one of these women. Her husband, Danbaki, had moved their family to a remote area in northwestern Nigeria to preach the gospel. On June 14, 2022, Islamic militants attacked their village and murdered twelve people. While trying to escape, Danbaki and his family were captured. When the militants questioned Danbaki, he admitted that he was a missionary, even though he knew he might be killed for his Christian work. Danbaki committed himself to God and was shot to death in front of Regina. Then Regina and her two-year-old son, Joshua, whom she was carrying on her back, were beaten. They survived, but with great loss. “Anytime I remember, it is so painful,” Regina said. “Even when you forgive, it is not easy to forget. God is still working on my heart.” Regina was invited to join other Christian widows from villages in northern Nigeria to receive spiritual and emotional encouragement from highly trained staff to help them recover from the trauma of persecution. They arrived with broken hearts; then, the healing began. Read More