Violent attacks in Nigeria between 8 and 14 June left more than 200 people dead and thousands displaced – many of them followers of Jesus. Open Doors partners are working with local believers to help. Your gift today can help provide urgent aid to families who have lost everything in the attacks.

• Every R400 can provide emergency relief for one person.
• Every R 2 400 can provide emergency relief for a family of five to eight believers.

This week, we’re launching an emergency relief programme for 300 families that were left with nothing after violent attacks in Benue State, Nigeria.

Thanks to the gifts and prayers of Open Doors supporters like you, we are able to provide these families with emergency relief aid, including food, medical supplies and clothes.

The families were chased from their homes in early June, when Islamic militant Fulani herders attacked multiple villages in the region. By the time the attackers left, more than 200 people were dead, and thousands were displaced from their homes. Most of the victims were Christians.

Shortly after the attacks, an Open Doors team met with some of the survivors who were sheltering in abandoned buildings. Most had fled with nothing – no food, clothes or medicine.

“What can you tell these people at that point in time that will calm their minds and make them feel God is there?” says Virtue*, an Open Doors field worker.

We’re working with local believers to plan a long-term relief programme to reach many more families. But in the meantime, you can do the same thing as Virtue: Pray.

• Pray that these displaced Christians would know that God is with them and would find hope.
• Ask God to bind up their wounds.
• Pray that God would touch the hearts of the attackers.
• Pray that those who are displaced and are grieving their martyred loved ones would know the peace of Jesus like never before.

Will you pray with us? Will you stand with them?

Violent attacks such as these are raging across sub-Saharan Africa as extremists attack mostly Christian communities. Millions of believers have fled their homes. That’s why Open Doors has started the multi-year Arise Africa campaign: to break the silence on a region under extreme threat and start the process of rebuilding lives. Click here to add your voice!

“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

*Name changed for security reasons.

*In the event that more funds are raised than can be used for these communities, the funds will be used for other vital work strengthening the church to withstand violent persecution in sub-Saharan Africa.