Testimony: “You always ask how we are”

Violent persecution drove Abraham and his family from home. Now, they’re among 16,2 million displaced Christians in sub-Saharan Africa. Your support keeps them – and their faith – alive.

It was midnight when the first gunshots were heard…

Abraham had been warned that Fulani militants were planning to attack his village in Benue State, Central Nigeria, so he had sent his wife and three children to safety. But Abraham could not save his brother.

“They shot him through the door of his home, then he came outside and they shot him in the head.”

That was more than three years ago. Since then, Abraham and his family have lived in a makeshift tent in Ichwa, a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs). It’s too dangerous to go home because, unless the family converts to Islam, militants would kill them.

But conditions in the camp are desperate…

No food, no hope

“We are struggling to remain alive,” said Abraham, who has taken on the role of camp chairman. “Look at my children, how much weight they have lost.”

Up to seven people sleep in every tent, and 3 000 people share just 15 toilets. Abraham’s children no longer attend school, and he worries about their future. He has abandoned his own dream of going to university. It’s no surprise Abraham sometimes asks, where is God?

Your care

But you are bringing hope to the camp for internally displaced persons in Ichwa. Your generous support means emergency food and practical help are reaching Abraham and other believers.

“When I told people that Open Doors partners were coming to visit us, they were elated because of the help you have been giving us,” said Abraham. “Last time you provided food, it lasted for about two months, even for families with many members.”

More than food, though, Abraham values your steadfast care – because it shows God has not abandoned him.

“Things are really bad here in the camp but once we see you, we become joyous and excited,” added Abraham, with a smile. “You always ask how we are, and that alone makes us very happy. We know God is helping us.”

Thanks to you, sub-Saharan African believers like Abraham know they are not alone.

“We always pray that God will send angels to our rescue,” said Abraham. “We shall worship God because He has preserved our lives. I still have God. He will surely deliver me.”

Please pray:

• Ask God to encourage Abraham in his role as camp chairman.
• Pray for an end to hunger and sickness in Nigeria’s refugee camps.
• Pray that the Arise Africa campaign will raise awareness about violent persecution in sub-Saharan Africa, and bring an end to the suffering of Christians like Abraham.

Stand with believers in sub-Saharan Africa and many other countries around the world where they’re persecuted for following Jesus.

Your gift today can help sustain them by providing them with much-needed aid, trauma care, discipleship and much more. And your prayers can help uplift them during the challenges they face.