Source: www.csw.org.uk
January 18, 2020
‘I have never been discouraged because all conditions [in which one] finds himself are in the hands of God...I plead to my colleagues…to do all their best to speak to our government for my release here. By the grace of God I will be together with my wife, my children and all my colleagues. But if not, maybe this is the will of God…All people, colleagues, close and far, be patient. Don’t cry, don’t worry, but thank God for everything.’
The words which begin your prayer email this week wouldn’t look out of place in the Apostle Paul’s teachings to the early Church, or coming from David’s words of faith, strength and resolve in many of the psalms.
In fact, they were spoken just two weeks ago in Nigeria.
The declaration came from the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa state, as part of a moving video plea for his release. Rev Lawan Andimi was abducted on 2 January by a faction of Boko Haram, and was forced by the group holding him to make a video plea for his release. Witnesses had earlier reported seeing Rev Andimi forced into a car after terrorists, dressed in military fatigues, ransacked Michika town in Adamawa state for food and valuables.
This week as we join together in praying for Rev Andimi and his family – and laying our plea for his release before God - let’s do so with the faith declared by King David in Psalm 27: ‘I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.’
In summary, please pray:
- Thank God for Rev Andimi’s faith and courage in the face of adversity, and ask God to fill him afresh with joy and peace despite his circumstances.
- For God to strengthen and encourage his family, friends and colleagues as they await news of his return.
- For the unconditional and miraculous deliverance of Rev Andimi from the hands of Boko Haram.