Cry out for comfort

This month, we turn our hearts to Cameroon, where radicalisation is escalating and female converts are especially vulnerable to being forced into marriages with non-Christians.

This month’s reading

Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?

Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.

Why do you hide your face

and forget our misery and oppression?

We are brought down to the dust;

our bodies cling to the ground.

Rise up and help us;

Psalm 44:23-26

Devotional

As the fourth most violent country in sub-Saharan Africa for Christians, believers face violence and attack from Islamic extremist groups, especially in the Far North region.

In the northern regions, radicalisation is escalating among significant Muslim populations. While in the North West and South West regions, armed separatist groups have been targeting communities that are predominantly Christian. Even conversion from Islam to Christianity is fraught with extreme danger.

So today we lament the increasingly perilous situation for Christians in the country.

O God of all comfort, who draws near to the hurting, you see the violence plaguing our family in Cameroon and the trauma experienced by women and girls. We bring their pain before You, pleading for Your mercy and justice to prevail.

As we cry out on their behalf, we continue to trust that at the proper time God will rescue them because of His unfailing love (Psalm 44:26). And like He has done over and over again, He will give them victory over their enemies (Psalm 44:7).

Reflect

What breaks your heart today as you reflect on the suffering of our family in Cameroon?

What would it look like for you to “weep with those who weep” in a tangible way?

Respond

• Lament the violence, fear and injustice endured by believers in Cameroon.
• Pray for protection, healing and restoration for women, children and displaced families.
• Intercede for courageous leadership in the Church.
• Ask God to bring justice for victims and soften the hearts of perpetrators.

*Note: Violence is defined in WWL Methodology as the deprivation of physical freedom or as bodily harm to Christians or damage to their property. It includes severe threats (mental abuse).