The Voice of the Martyrs - You Can Help Nigerian Christian Widows and Their Children

You can help Nigerian Christian widows and their children.

Attacks by Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims have widowed more than 10,000 of our Christian sisters in northern Nigeria in the past 20 years, and widows who left Islam to follow Christ are often refused help by Muslim family members. Many are mothers with no formal education or employable skills. They struggle to feed their families after their husbands are killed. Their children grow up without their fathers, sometimes experiencing persecution themselves. Stand with Them Regina’s husband, a Nigerian missionary, was shot to death in front of her by Islamic militants who then beat her and her two-year-old son, Joshua, whom she was carrying on her back. They survived, but Regina has been grieving the loss of her husband ever since his murder. She has three children, the oldest of which is 10. Asabe, another Christian widow, lost her husband in 2020 in a bombing by Boko Haram. After her husband’s death, his Muslim brother threw Asabe and her child out of the home. Even after experiencing persecution and rejection for Christ, Asabe said, “I learned forgiveness toward everyone who has hurt me.” We invite you to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your help also shows their children that they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ. You can assist with necessities like food, clothing, shelter and children’s school fees. Your gift will also provide help such as vocational training for widows to help them support their families, as well as spiritual and emotional encouragement following their loss. I Will Help

The Voice of the Martyrs - Join in Fellowship with Nigerian Christian Widows

Fellowship with Nigerian Christian Widows

In northeastern Nigeria, Christians are attacked and killed by Islamic extremist groups like Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims. Many Nigerian women who follow Christ have lost their husbands to these attacks against Christians. Overcoming grief and fear, some courageous widows return to their home villages and serve as evangelists in their communities, desiring that others know the God who has restored their souls. You can help support our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed in Islamist attacks. Through your gifts and prayers, you are entering into fellowship with our persecuted sisters in Christ, reminding them that they are a vital and loved part of the global body of Christ. Thank you for serving them by helping provide for their spiritual and physical needs. Special Offer: Receive a free Global Prayer Guide with any gift! Join in Fellowship

The Voice of the Martyrs - Share God's Love with Nigerian Christian Widows Like Gwom

You Can Help Nigerian Christian Widows

Life is a constant struggle for our persecuted Christian family in northeastern Nigeria. Thousands have been displaced, and nearly all Christians have lost family members or friends in Islamist attacks. Many pastors have been forced to leave the region, and others who stayed have paid the ultimate price for the sake of the gospel, leaving behind many widows like Gwom. Gwom’s husband, a pastor, was killed on May 3, 2015, after he and several other men traveled to a neighboring village to help victims of an attack by militant Fulani Muslims. The men traveling with Gwom’s husband as well as 17 men from the village were also murdered, presumably by the militants. Gwom doesn’t know how her husband died or where he is buried, but today she wants others to know the God who has restored her soul. “I want people to know that God is a merciful God,” Gwom said. “He knows us and our destiny. He does things in a way that man cannot understand unless you give your life to him.” You have an opportunity to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ like Gwom whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your gift will encourage them and let them know they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ. I Stand With Them

The Voice of the Martyrs - You can help Nigerian Christian widows like Rebeccah

Stand with Nigerian Widows

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members or friends in attacks by Boko Haram or militant Fulani Muslims that have left many widowed and orphaned. Often without formal education or employable skills, many of our Nigerian sisters in Christ struggle to feed their families after their husbands die. And while a deceased husband’s family is culturally expected to care for his widow, some families refuse to care for Christian widows, especially those who left Islam to follow Christ. Stand With Them Rebeccah’s husband was shot to death by Boko Haram militants as he walked to church one day in 2014. Rebeccah said her faith wavered after her husband’s murder, but after receiving months of instruction from God’s Word and processing her pain with other Christians, her faith has been restored. “I want people to know that our God does not leave his children. He loves them,” she said. We invite you to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your gift will remind them that they are a vital and loved part of the global body of Christ. It will also help provide spiritual and emotional encouragement following trauma and loss financial assistance for daily needs such as food, clothing and shelter support for children’s school fees vocational training to help them support their families I Will Help

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

The Voice of the Martyrs - Be Inspired by Courageous and Resilient Nigerian Widows

Celebrating the Godly Courage of Nigerian Women

Join us in honoring the godly strength and courage of women in Nigeria who have faced unimaginable opposition and grief because of their Christian witness. Sarah is one such example. Despite losing her husband and son in attacks by militant Fulani Muslims, she remains faithful to the Lord. She continues to provide for her family through farm work, and she also leads a ministry for women. Her unwavering faith and joy are testaments to her close walk with the Lord. “In all the difficulties, in all the problems I have been through, God has been faithful to me.” —SARAH Friends like you helped provide for Sarah and her family with support and encouragement in her time of greatest need. In 2023 alone, over 850 widows in Nigeria received help and support thanks to gifts from members of the global body of Christ like you. You can stand with our remarkable sisters in Christ. When you give to VOM’s Global Ministry, you’re not just offering aid — you’re encouraging women like Sarah by letting them know they are not forgotten by the body of Christ. Your gift also helps provide a voice for them among fellow believers around the world. Give a gift and get your free copy of Hearts of Fire 2! To express our gratitude for your support, we will send you a complimentary copy of Hearts of Fire 2. This new volume includes true stories of 12 courageous women, heroes of the faith, who represent countless others facing similar trials today for their Christian witness. These role models of faith and obedience will inspire you to pursue Christ with heart aflame, no matter the cost! Be inspired by the stories of these heroic women. Your gift can make a difference in the lives of women like Sarah, and Hearts of Fire 2 will remind you of the fruit of your generosity toward our sisters in Christ across Nigeria. GET YOUR COPY

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The Voice of the Martyrs - Ways to Pray for Persecuted Christians in Nigeria

An Opportunity for Prayer and Fellowship

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members or friends in attacks by Boko Haram or militant Fulani Muslims. It takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ in this region. Life is a constant struggle, as the threat of Islamist violence and the lack of available resources create pressure and hardship for our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ. In the midst of their suffering, the first request we often receive from persecuted Christians is “Pray for us!” In doing so, we are obeying the command of scripture to “Remember those in prison, as if you were in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Through your prayers, our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria receive spiritual encouragement and strength as they bear witness to Christ amid great opposition. Will you remember them in prayer this week? WAYS TO PRAY

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The Voice of the Martyrs - Devastating attacks against Christians in Nigeria - yet still they stand for Christ!

“If not for the help of God, I would have been beaten to death. If not for God’s grace, I would have died.”

Pastor Emmanuel Maigairi had just finished praying with his wife and mother-in-law when the sound of gunfire erupted outside their home in Nigeria’s Kaduna state. Within minutes, nearly three dozen militant Fulani Muslims had burst into the house. The militants ripped the curtains from the windows and used them to bind and blindfold Emmanuel, his wife, Ladi, and his mother-in-law. “You are going to suffer in the bush,” the group’s leader said, “and if we like, we might kill you.” But Emmanuel boldly replied, “I have given myself over to God, and I am ready to die.” The attackers then led their captives into the forest. By the grace of God, Emmanuel’s wife, Ladi, and her mother were released during the difficult journey. Despite being beaten and cut by a machete, the women survived. But Pastor Emmanuel was led to the militants’ camp, where other prisoners were being held hostage. For more than a month, he endured violent beatings, a machete attack, and the deplorable conditions of the camp. Yet he would not renounce his faith in Christ. “I had faith that God was there with me,” Emmanuel said. “I prayed constantly. If not for the help of God, I would have been beaten to death. If not for God’s grace, I would have died.” After more than a month in the militants’ camp, Emmanuel was finally released and returned to his family. Today, despite continued risk and many threats on his life — his house was recently burned to the ground — Emmanuel continues to serve Christians in Nigeria. You can stand with our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria with a gift. DONATE NOW It takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ in northern Nigeria. “Christians can no longer move about freely because kidnapping is on the rise,” a front-line worker said. “People are not even safe in their own homes, and people are traumatized every day because of the incessant kidnappings and violent attacks.” No matter the cost, our brothers and sisters are standing up for their faith even in the face of persecution. Your gift now will provide medical and material assistance after violent attacks replace Bibles destroyed by Muslim extremists equip front-line workers to minister practical help and the hope of the gospel Thank you for supporting Christians like Pastor Emmanuel and his family. “There was a day someone asked me to leave my station because of what happened,” he recalled. “But I said, ‘If I leave there, which pastor will want to serve in this community? If I can endure it, it will be an example to others.’” HELP NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS

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The Voice of the Martyrs - His parents are dead. But Moses says, "Persecution cannot stop me..."

His parents are dead. But Moses says, “Persecution cannot stop me…”

What does courage look like in the life a Christian in Nigeria? Moses can tell you. Growing up in a Christian family in Kaduna state, Nigeria, Moses attended church every Sunday. At night, he gathered with his mom, dad and two younger siblings for devotions. Although the region had been plagued by attacks from militant Fulani Muslims, 17–year–old Moses had never been greatly concerned about the violence. He never thought he would experience persecution or lose anyone to persecution, until one morning in April 2021. Moses’ father left for his farm that morning and never returned. Villagers later discovered his mutilated body; he had been struck on the back with a machete and shot in the head. The murder fit a recent pattern of kidnappings and killings of local people by militant Fulani Muslims. Not long after his father was killed, Moses’ mother died. As he mourned the loss of his parents, he continued to grow in faith and rely more on God. “Persecution cannot stop me from going to church services,” he said. “It will not stop me from telling anyone about Christ.” Please stand with persecuted Christians like Moses in Nigeria. Though surrounded by extremists intent on eliminating their Christian witness, they remain faithful to Christ! DONATE NOW Our Christian brothers and sisters in northern Nigeria live under constant threat of persecution. Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims have targeted Christian villages, killing men, abusing women, kidnapping children and destroying many Christians’ homes and churches. Despite these violent attacks, our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria stand firm in their faith. As they follow Christ, we can serve and stand with them through prayer and giving. Your gift today can help persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Your gift will provide much–needed medical and other practical assistance after violent attacks support widows of martyred Christians through vocational training and other help replace Bibles destroyed by Muslim extremists equip front–line workers with ministry tools to reach Muslims for Christ The Gospel of John has been a source of strength for Moses, as has singing in his church choir. “I will not stop being a member of the choir in my church even in the face of danger,” he said, “because I believe God will take care of me.” Like Moses, many Christians in Nigeria are committed to following Christ despite the continual threat of attack. Please stand with them today.

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The Voice of the Martyrs - You can help Christians in Nigeria!

Christians in Nigeria Targeted in Islamist Attacks Stand with Them Through Prayer and Giving

Persecution is a daily reality for many Christians in Nigeria. They are targeted in attacks by Islamists, yet they remain faithful to Christ! Militant Fulani Muslims routinely target Christian communities in the “middle belt” of the country, burning homes, destroying churches, displacing families and leaving many Christians without spouses, parents or children. And in the north, Boko Haram carries out devastating attacks against Christians in its campaign to establish an Islamist caliphate governed by Islamic law. But faithful believers continue to follow Christ and serve their neighbors in Nigeria. As our Nigerian brothers and sisters endure persecution, we can support them through prayer and giving. Your gift now will provide medical and material assistance after violent attacks replace Bibles destroyed by Muslim extremists equip front–line workers to reach Muslims for Christ DONATE NOW Your gifts will help Christians like Sade, whose family was persecuted by Muslim extremists. When Sade heard the screams of her neighbors as militant Fulani Muslims raided her village, she and her three daughters ran for safety. The extremists had attacked her village before, and Sade knew their lives were in danger. Sade, her children and several others took shelter in her brother’s apartment. But when militants discovered them and were unable to break in, they set the building on fire. The apartment filled with smoke, but Sade and the others were still afraid to leave. To help her children breathe, she dampened her skirt and wrapped it around their faces. But soon the heat became unbearable and they had to leave the building. Thankfully, the militants had left by then. Sade watched the building burn to the ground, only later learning that her husband had been shot to death while attempting to flee. Sade and her children took refuge in a camp for internally displaced people, where they stayed until VOM began helping them. Thank you for supporting Christians like Sade who have been persecuted because of their faith in Christ. Your gift will make a difference for families like hers.

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The Voice of the Martyrs - Christmas Eve Attacks in Nigeria: 100+ Dead

Christmas Eve Attacks in Nigeria: At Least 140 Dead

Dear friend, Christians in Nigeria are in urgent need of prayer. As Christians in Plateau state prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ, Islamists attacked approximately 20 mostly-Christian communities, burning homes and murdering residents. At least 140 people were killed, and many more are still missing. The hours-long attacks occurred in the country’s “Middle Belt,” between the mostly-Muslim north and mostly-Christian south, as suspected Islamic extremists from among the Fulani tribe used firearms and machetes on their victims, according to news reports. This is the worst attack on Christians in the area since 2018, and they need our prayer support. Here are some specific needs for prayer: Pray for healing of body and soul for those injured by the attackers. Pray for God’s comfort of those who have lost loved ones. Pray that God will give Christians grace to forgive their attackers. Pray that the attacks will cease. Pray that more militant Fulani Muslims will repent and place their faith in Christ. Pray that church leaders will have the strength and courage to continue serving their communities. Pray for front-line workers as they find practical ways to support affected Christians. Prayer is always the first thing our Christian family members request. Thank you for praying for Christians in Nigeria during their time of great need. In Christ, Jeremy Burton Vice President, Outreach The Voice of the Martyrs

The Voice of the Martyrs - Nigerian pastor ministers to Christians fleeing Boko Haram

A Pastor to the Persecuted

In northeastern Nigeria, where Pastor Ishaku Manawa serves, death is never far away. “There are many people I know that Boko Haram has killed or kidnapped,” he said. “I cannot count the number of people I know that Boko Haram has killed.” In 2014, the Islamic extremist group took control of parts of Nigeria, including the two largest cities in Adamawa state, where Ishaku works. Boko Haram militants have killed thousands of people and displaced millions of others in the region. The pastor said that in just one congregation, 37 members have been killed in Islamist attacks. Today, the notorious extremist group operates mostly in remote, undeveloped areas. But its members continue to launch murderous attacks, and the region remains especially perilous for pastors like Ishaku. “I cannot say that there is one thing I am most afraid of,” he said. “I know that even if they kill me, I will inherit the kingdom.” Although Ishaku has moved his family to an area where attacks are less frequent, he continues to minister to people fleeing Boko Haram attacks and often travels into dangerous areas. “Pray that God will use persecution as a reason for us to do his work much more than before. Pray that God will protect us.” —PASTOR ISHAKU READ MORE

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The Voice of the Martyrs - 5 Ways to Pray for Christians in Nigeria

The Need for Prayer

Blessing Andrawus was heartbroken when she learned that her father had been shot to death by militant Fulani Muslims while conducting an evangelistic outreach in a neighboring Nigerian village. The 22-year-old considered him not only a good dad but also “a very good friend.” None of Blessing’s friends seemed to understand her pain, but over time she found comfort and healing through her faith in Christ. “I have a friend,” she said, “a very good friend, and that’s Jesus. He’s the only shoulder I can cry on. He will never disappoint me.”

Militant Fulani Muslims in Nigeria often target Christians’ homes. They burned Ta’azia’s home when they attacked her village. Ta’azia has been able to stay in her burned home, but thousands of other Christians have been forced to take refuge in camps for internally displaced people.

Christians in Nigeria are attacked, displaced from their homes and often killed by members of the Islamist group Boko Haram or by militant Fulani Muslims. Many Christians have lost loved ones. Still, faithful believers continue to gather for worship and maintain their witness for Christ.

As members of the global body of Christ, we can stand with them in prayer. Click below to see five ways you can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria.

PRAY NOW

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