Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: September 26, 2020
‘Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.’ (Isaiah 65:24)
This week we received yet more devastating news from Nigeria. Over the past few months, we’ve asked you to bring this country before the Lord time and again. Our hearts can sometimes grow weary as we find ourselves crying out to God again and again about the horrific violence taking place; as we’re faced with what seems to be an unending stream of tragedy.
But we know with complete assurance that we bring these impossibly heart-breaking situations before a God who sees all things, who knows all things, who listens attentively and mercifully to our cries, and who will answer us.
When we initially drafted this prayer email, we were going to ask you to pray for the immediate release of twins Hassana and Husaina Garba from Katsina State. The 22 year-old sisters, who belong to the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) denomination, were abducted at night on 18 September by heavily armed kidnappers. During the abduction, Ibrahim Garba, one of the church elders, was shot in the stomach and has been in hospital ever since.
Miraculously, God answered our prayers before we had a chance to ask you pray with us– the twin sisters were released on 21 September, and are back with their family.
Tragically, however, they were not the only Christians abducted last weekend. On the same day two brothers, Elijah and Benjamin, were kidnapped in Karji, Kaduna State. Their kidnappers are now in contact with the family and negotiations are underway for their release.
While Fulani militia target Christian communities in the centre of Nigeria, gangs of kidnappers from the same tribe operate in northwestern states like Katsina, where they target everyone, regardless of religion. Until now their main targets have been Hausa Muslim farmers, but recent reports suggest some of the gangs are forming links with Boko Haram, and even Al Qaeda.
Virtual Prayer Event for Nigeria
On 1 October Nigeria will mark 60 years of independence. The International Organisation for Peace and Social Justice UK (PSJUK), an NGO with which CSW partners on Nigeria, will be hosting a virtual prayer event for the country. Find out more here.
In summary, please pray:
- Thanking God for the swift release of twin sisters Hassana and Husaina Garba.
- That Elder Ibrahim Garba, who was shot during the abduction of the twins, would make a full and swift recovery.
- For the immediate release of brothers Elijah and Benjamin and for comfort for their family members as they desperately await news.
- For an end to the appalling violence perpetrated against all religions, beliefs and ethnicities throughout the country.