PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

[Ranb2khz]

12 Ways to Pray for Nigeria's Persecuted Christians

"Our daily word is gratitude. We don't have anything but gratitude."

These remarkable words came from Pastor Emmanuel, a Christian leader in a Nigerian displacement camp where believers have lost everything to extremist violence. Despite facing unimaginable hardship, his faith remains unshakable.

Nigeria has become the epicenter of Christian persecution worldwide. With over 2 million Christians displaced and more than 50,000 martyred for their faith in the past 14 years, our brothers and sisters urgently need our prayers. As we stand with them in spirit, here are 12 specific ways to lift them up:

1. Pray for protection from violence:

Extremist groups like Boko Haram continue to target Christian communities, churches, and leaders. Pray for God's supernatural protection over vulnerable believers, especially in northern Nigeria.

2. Pray for those in displacement camps:

Millions live in IDP camps with limited access to clean water, food, and healthcare. Pray for improved living conditions and for aid to reach those most in need.

3. Pray for traumatized women and children:

Many, like Safiratu who was beaten while nine months pregnant, have endured unspeakable trauma. Pray for emotional and spiritual healing for survivors of violence and abduction.

4. Pray for widows and single mothers:

Women like Tabitha, who lost 14 family members to extremist violence, are rebuilding their lives while caring for children. Pray for their strength, provision, and success in their small businesses.

5. Pray for Christian youth:

Young people like Milka, who works in mobile medical clinics after surviving violent displacement at age 12, need opportunities for education and employment. Pray they find purpose despite trauma.

6. Pray for clean water initiatives:

Many camps lack clean water, forcing families to drink from contaminated sources. Pray for the success of borehole projects and other water infrastructure.

7. Pray for pastors and church leaders:

Leaders continue to shepherd their flocks despite being primary targets. Pray for their courage, wisdom, and safety as they minister in dangerous conditions.

8. Pray for education opportunities:

Boko Haram (whose name means "Western Education is Forbidden") specifically targets schools. Pray for the 459+ children in GCR-supported schools to learn and grow in safety.

9. Pray for religious freedom:

Christians in northern Nigeria often face institutional discrimination. Pray for changed hearts among government officials and for equal protection under the law.

10. Pray for those facing impossible choices:

Many Christians like Maria have been forced to choose between denying Christ or facing death. Pray for supernatural courage when faith is tested.

11. Pray for healing from religious trauma:

Women who were abducted and forced into marriage need specialized trauma care. Pray for effective counseling programs that address both emotional and spiritual needs.

12. Pray for revival amid persecution:

Despite intense suffering, the Nigerian church remains resilient. Pray that believers would, as Pastor Emmanuel says, continue to find "gratitude" even in hardship, and that their witness would draw many to Christ.

"We must be tried if we believe in Jesus," Safiratu told our team after surviving captivity. "Even though he came to this world, he was persecuted. That's a message for us that we may face difficulty, but we can stand firm in Christ."

Will you commit to praying for our Nigerian family this week? Your prayers strengthen the persecuted church more than you may ever know.

Standing with the persecuted,

Brian Orme, President & CEO, Global Christian Relief
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Contact us.

And, if you feel led by the Holy Spirit, your gift of just $36 can provide urgent relief for a persecuted family in Nigeria. Support the Persecuted Church Today. Thank you!
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https://globalchristianrelief.org/






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