The year started with 177 churchgoers being kidnapped in Kaduna State, and violence and killings have continued every month since then.

But the stats don’t tell the whole story. Behind every number is a person like Sabina David*, who was kidnapped with her family by militants who brutally killed her husband and two of her children. “We were chained like slaves,” she remembers. “They tortured us.”

Christians are being chased from their homes, kidnapped and killed.

Displacement is not just a symptom of the violence. It’s a tactic to disrupt the Church itself and isolate Christians.

“Because we profess that we are children of God – that is the reason why we face these challenges,” she says.

Open Doors’ local partners have identified 5 400 displaced Christian families who are in desperate need of basic supplies, trauma care and long-term support.

• Every R480 could help a Christian who has faced extreme persecution receive hope and healing through trauma care.
• Your gift of R625 could help a household with cleaning and cooking essentials and a Bible.
• For R2 600, you can give a family of six an emergency food package containing staple basics that will last 4-6 weeks.

“If one part [of the Body of Christ] suffers, every part suffers with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26

*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.

*Name changed for her protection.