Imagine what life is like when it is unsafe to live in your own home, or you can’t guarantee you and your children will have food each day? That’s the awful reality for many Christian women in northern and central Nigeria - on top of the grief and trauma brought about by violent conflict and killings. Tirham, a volunteer at an Open Doors trauma centre in Nigeria, says, ‘Sometimes there are days without any help from anyone for them to be fed.’ She was speaking about the impact of Covid-19 on daily life for many Christian women living in the shadow of violence. We are asked to pray that every Christian family affected by violence in Nigeria will be provided with food, shelter and safety, and that violent militant attacks will cease. Pray for continued strength, protection, and encouragement for Open Doors partners like Tirham, who come alongside those affected by persecution.

Pray: for God to bring peace where there is war, health where there is pandemic, and comfort for the bereaved. (Psalm 86:3)

More: elinkeu.clickdimensions.com/m/1/20433554/p1-b20275-48b31e1ea3e943ea965518bde6957c41/8/377/52073507-e24d-4219-aeea-a527ad26a7b4

Since January there have been constant murders, looting, rape and abductions of Christians in Southern Kaduna. On 9 August a series of short videos entitled ‘Stop the Killings in Southern Kaduna’ was released as part of a campaign calling for an end to targeting Christian communities. The videos feature high-profile celebrities, actors, comedians, music artists and business executives. The president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union said, ‘There is no greater lie than the narrative that the killings in southern Kaduna are between farmers and herders. 75% of the victims were women and children’. CSW has called for effective action to address the situation and echoes the Nigerian entertainment industry which has spoken out about the relentless loss of life. CSW says, ‘We continue to call for urgent international interventions, including the convening of a special session of the UN human rights council, with particular focus on the current crisis in southern Kaduna and Plateau State.’

Pray: for God to answer the cries of people calling for an end to violence in Nigeria. (Psalm 147:14)

More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/nigerian-celebrities-join-calls-to-end-mass-killings-of-christians-in-new-campaign

Nigeria is presently passing through one of her most difficult times in history. The church is facing an existential threat from islamists with a clear agenda to overrun the entire nation.

Unfortunately, there is a conspiracy of silence by the international media concerning the atrocities taking place in Nigeria (similar to what happened in 1994 before the genocide in Rwanda). In an opinion piece on The Wall Street Journal of 20th December, 2019, Bernard-Henri Lévy wrote: “A slow-motion war is under way in Africa’s most populous country. It’s a massacre of Christians, massive in scale and horrific in brutality. And the world has hardly noticed.”

In recent years, Nigeria has been consistently ranked among the top five nations on the Global Terrorism Index. Of the four deadliest terrorist groups in the world, three operate in Nigeria: Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, an offshoot of ISIS; Boko Haram; and Fulani Herdsmen (militants). In Nigeria, the three groups are united in their goal to exterminate Christians especially in Northern Nigeria and ultimately make Nigeria an Islamic nation. They seem to have the will and wherewithal to accomplish their goal unless the Lord stops them.

In the past, they were restrained by government’s honest prosecution of the war against terrorism. But in the last five years, a new government, led by people who have been accused of being sympathetic to the Islamic agenda, has been unsuccessful in stemming the rampage of the terrorist groups. Curiously, almost the entire military and security agencies of Nigeria are under the control of devout Muslims (mostly Fulanis), some of whom have been accused of aiding and abetting the terrorists. A respected former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has openly accused the government of having a “fulanisation and islamisation agenda.”

The well-known historian and theologian, Professor Philip Jenkins, in his book entitled, The Next Christendom, aptly stated that: “At least, 45% of Nigerians are currently Christians, some 72 million people. But how will the number change in future decades? No church or religion has a guaranteed market share in any country. It is quite possible to imagine a scenario in which the proportion of the Nigerian Christians could fall as low as 10% in the event of persecution or a successful jihad by the nation’s Muslims. The figure could rise higher if a sweeping Christian revival were to occur.” The activities of the terrorists and the policies of the government are tending towards the former. The only acceptable option for the church in Nigeria is revival, that is why we must pray.

See Obianuju Ekeocha's emotive video pleading for prayer and action on this serious situation in Northern Nigeria.  It contains graphic images of the Kukum Daji massacre aftermath that took place in July 2020:

The following prayer points are only a guide. May the Lord bring us to the depth of prayers that would stem this rising tide of violence in Nigeria.

1. TERRORIST GROUPS. ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Fulani Herdsmen are ranked 2nd, 3rd and 4th on the Global Terrorism Index. The Nigerian government does not still consider militant Fulani Herdsmen a terrorist group. This has enabled them to continue with their mayhem against Christian communities while the security officers look the other way. The activities of the herdsmen now extend to virtually every part of the country. There are speculations that it is a modern form of jihad. Pray that God would stir up a national and international outcry and action against these groups.

2. PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN THE NORTH. Pray that God would strengthen the Christians in the north. Many pastors and their members have been murdered by Islamic fundamentalists. Sometimes, these executions are carried out in the community square before children and other onlookers to inflict further pain on those who survive. Many of these Believers have been traumatised and scared for life. Pray for God to heal their emotions and strengthen their faith.

3. ECONOMIC JIHAD. There is an ‘economic jihad’ that is being waged against non-Muslims, especially Christians. Christians are losing their jobs and are being replaced by Muslims;  Christian farm lands are either expropriated by state governments in the North or forcefully taken over by Fulani herders. Pray for God to comfort and provide for His people in their sufferings.

Download the full Nigeria Prayer Guide with 16 different prayer pointers from the IPC Website

Pastor Austen Ukachi – IPC West Africa Director

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 24/7 PRAYER CHAIN FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST & NIGERIA, OCT 11-17, 2020

(A) Psalm 150.6  “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Nigeria is a principal placewhere this should be so. If it is not God, Nigeria will simply not exist anymore, let alone be in such peace as we have. RAISE, WORSHIP & GIVETHANKS TO GOD; Hallelujah!!! O, bless the name of the Lord that Nigeria is now 60 years in independence; not broken up; and that God and has preservedthe Church. Thank God for all you can remember  (B)  CONFESS ALL SINS of your life to date and of Nigeria over these 60 years & REPENT (Act;change in line with God’s word; obey)

Please pray the prayers below in the name of Jesus Christ for yourself, family, the Church and for Nigeria.

1. Isa 60:11 “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee thewealth of the Gentiles…”. Faithful God, let all gates of evil that you have not opened be shut forever henceforth; but letgates of righteousness, peace and prosperity be opened continually unto me, my family, the Church and Nigeria henceforth, in the mighty name of JesusChrist.
2. Isa 60:12“For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterlywasted” Every nation, kingdom, caliphate, emirate etc that will not serve Jesus Christ and His purpose, that will not repent andis bent on opposing God’s will for…[fill uphttps://biblia.com/bible/esv/Isa%2060.13" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="rtBibleRef" data-reference="Isa 60.13" data-version="esv" data-purpose="bible-reference">Isa 60:13“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place ofmy sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious” O Lord, by Your mighty power and outstretched arm, let all that isnecessary to advance Your kingdom and beautify the Body of Christ flow abundantly now and henceforth unto….[fill uphttps://biblia.com/bible/esv/Isa%2060.14" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="rtBibleRef" data-reference="Isa 60.14" data-version="esv" data-purpose="bible-reference">Isa 60:14 “The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bowthemselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD” O Lord, please do what You alone can doand also enable us do all we can do like Elijah, Daniel, Mordechai and others; that all those who have opposed and despised You, the gospel, and Yourchildren shall acknowledge that You are the true and Most High God
3. Isa 60:15“I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.” Merciful God, we cannot attainthis on our own. Per Your promise, make….....an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations
4. Isa 60:17“For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stonesiron.” Please Lord, stretch forth Your hand to usher in Your comprehensive upgrade in all aspects of.....…..
5. Isa 60:17,21 “I will also make thy officers peace, and thine magistrates righteousness….Thy people also shall be allrighteous….that I may be glorified”O Lord, our eyes are longing. Your prophet Pa Elton said the name of Nigeria shall stinkfor corruption but a golden era of righteousness will follow. Lord, You said “I will also make”. Please Lord now MAKE; please speed forththis peace and righteousness in..........
6. Isa 60:18“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy wallsSalvation, and thy gates Praise.”  Ah, Lord God, is there anything hard for you. Please, let this word become flesh NOW asNigeria clocks 60 years in independence.
7. Isa 60:19,20“The LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neithershall thy moon withdraw itself…and the days of thy mourning shall be ended” Merciful God, come and be the light and theglory of…......; let all mourning end forever
8. Isa 60:22“A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in histime.” Lord, You mercifully turned water to wine even when “My time is not yet come”. In this 60th year ofNigeria’s independence, please hasten to perform Your good words concerning...

Pray any other prayers you are led or burdened to pray; including prayers that ongoing riots will not bring chaos but advance peace,progress and God’s purposes; prayers for Ondo elections etc.

REGISTER & INVITE OTHERS: Be part of this 24x7 prayer chain. Please choose your day and time in the week to prayfor 30 mins; then register at http://repent.csmnigeria.org/ You will receive prayer points regularly. This willalso enable us to track coverage of each day and week. Please share and invite others too. Thank you.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 24/7 PRAYER CHAIN FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST AND NIGERIA, AUG 9 - 15, 2020

(A) PRAISE, WORSHIP & GIVE THANKS TO GOD
(B)  CONFESS ALL SINS(talk) & REPENT (Act; change; obey)

You can pray each prayer below for yourself, family, the Church...especially Kaduna etc, and Nigeria

Psalm 21.1,5,13 “The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in Thy salvation how greatly shall herejoice!.... Be Thou exalted, LORD, in Thine own strength: so will we sing and praiseThy power”

1. We simply have no strength against the adversaries arrayed against us. Please fight for us
2. Please be our strength, that NOTHING can push us down just as nothing can push You down
3. By Your own strength, work such mighty deliverance for Your children that You will be exalted by ALL in Nigeria and beyond

Psalm 21:2  “Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not with withheld the request of his lips....He asked life ofThee, and Thou gavest it him, even length of days forever.... For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall notbe moved”

1. Lord, we trust in You. Revive, renew and reinforce our trust in You. Help our unbelief
2. Amidst COVID-19, rampaging herdsmen, killer Jihadists etc, we ask life of Thee, Lord
3. Save innocent children, save pregnant and nursing mothers, deliver and save unarmed Christians in Southern Kaduna, the North East and elsewhere.Please grant length of days; let Your children not be moved again; and let those in IDPs be restored to their homes

Psa 21:8-10  “Thine hand shall find out all Thine enemies: Thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Thou shaltmake them as a fiery oven in the time of Thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruitshalt Thou destroy from the earth...”

1. Concerning all killers who hate you & will not repent and relent, let Your hand find them out
2. Please swallow up those who insist on swallowing up Your children and the Church; plus their fruit i.e. anything and anyone that can replace themto unleash terror on Your children

Psa 21:11-12  “For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able toperform. Therefore shalt Thou make them turn their back, when Thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face ofthem”

1. Render Your enemies unable henceforth to perform their evil schemes or kill Your children
   Cause the adversaries of Your children in Nigeria and mercenaries from outside to turn back

Psa 21:3,6  “For Thou meet him with the blessings of goodness: Thou settest a crown of pure gold on hishead.... Thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance”

1. Please pour out Your goodness Lord, crown Your children in ALL areas where evil men have been systematically uprooting Your children, that men mayknow that You alone are God
2. As Nigeria approaches the 60th anniversary of Independence, please uplift and crown Your children in all sectors that adversaries have oppressedYour children, that ALL in and outside Nigeria may know that You alone are God. Lord, cause us and the nation to Arise and shine.

Pray any other prayers as the Holy Spirit leads and as you see need. Thank God for answered prayers. Rejoice and praise the Lord in faith formighty deliverance in this season.

REGISTER & INVITE OTHERS: Be part of this 24x7 prayer chain. Please choose your day and time in the week topray for 30 mins; then register at http://repent.csmnigeria.org/ You will receive prayer points regularly and tohelp us track coverage of each day and week. Share and invite others too, please. Thank you.

25th July, 2020

To: The President
Thro: The General Secretary
Christian Association of Nigeria
National Christian Center
Abuja

Dear Sirs,

LAY FAITHFUL TRUST FUND

NCEF wishes to notify the leadership of CAN that in view of the moribund CAN Trust Fund, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has called on Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) to establish a Lay Faithful Trust Fund.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAPER:

1. The Negro race has had to endure the indignity of organized slavery from the 15th until the 17th Century when the Europeans sanctioned it. Even after it ended, the Arabs kept at it. The attitude and arrogance of slave traders is behind much of the acts of inconsideration and disrespect of the Fulanis in the 21st Century. During the period of Amalgamation, Lugard was the “man on the spot” for the British Crown. After Independence in 1960, the Fulanis became the “man on the spot” representing British interest with the arrogance of a slave master.

‘The incessant killing is more dangerous than coronavirus’, said a community leader in central Nigeria recently. His reaction is one of several testimonies - frequently harrowing to read, let alone to have experienced - which feature in an Inquiry into the scale of death and destruction caused by conflict occurring along the Christian-Muslim fault line running across the ‘Middle Belt’ of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. The inquiry, published on 15 June by the UK parliament, had been taking evidence since autumn 2018. Since the coronavirus pandemic, violence appears to have grown even as international media have been otherwise occupied. The report, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide, said, ‘Violence has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more, causing untold human and economic devastation and heightening existing ethno-religious tensions.’

Pray: for this parliamentary inquiry to lead to action that ends deadly attacks that have escalated in recent weeks. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

More: www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2020/06/incessant-killing-is-more-dangerous-than-coronavirus-report-on-nigeria-to-uk-parliament/

George Floyd’s death sparked protests against racial inequality and police abuse around the world. Black Americans are three times more likely to be killed by police than white Americans. Transparency International reports that police abuse takes many shapes and forms, and is not unique to the US. In the first two weeks of lockdown in Nigeria extrajudicial killings enforcing the regulations claimed more lives than the virus itself. Across Africa, people think the police are the most corrupt group in their country, 47% of Africans believe that most or all police are corrupt, with 28% having paid a bribe to a police officer in the previous year. Pray for improved tools for citizens to report abuses by law enforcement officers. The police also earned the highest bribery rates in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa. Innocent people should never have to fear for their life or their livelihood when they encounter a police officer. See

Pray: for anti-corruption reforms that prevent police abuse, hold offenders liable, and deliver justice for the victims. (Proverbs 21:15)

More: www.transparency.org/en/news/citizens-speak-out-about-corruption-in-africa

As attacks on Christians continue in northern Nigeria, we can pray for Christians there, asking the Lord to end the killing and suffering for being a believer. ‘Father, may their witness be vibrant, as a lamp set on a hill. May their lives and actions demonstrate Your goodness. Give them hearts for reconciliation and forgiveness instead of revenge. Heal the broken-hearted. Comfort the mourning. Bind up the wounded. Be a father to the fatherless. Let our brothers and sisters know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that they may be filled with all the fullness of You. May they be rooted and established in Your love. O Lord, empower those who minister in the most difficult areas with new strength. Refresh their spirits and fill their cups to overflowing. May the gospel of Your peace that they share bring peace to this place of turmoil.’

Pray: for God to soften the hearts of every Islamist leader and fighter in northern Nigeria, impressing them with His love so that they, too, will long to know and serve Christ. (Proverbs 4:4)

More: etools.vomusa.org/a/vombm/viewasweb/vom_bulk_email_202006_03_web.html

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) wants India, Nigeria, Russia, Syria and Vietnam to be put on a religious freedom blacklist and join the ranks of ‘countries of particular concern’. That would make them subject to sanctions if they do not improve their records. Countries already on this list include China, Iran, and North Korea. The commission noted that India’s nationalist government ‘allowed violence against minorities and their houses of worship to continue with impunity and tolerated hate speech and incitement to violence.’ Minority Christians have been among those targeted. It remained unclear whether the state department would follow the USCIRF's advice because India is an increasingly close US ally. The USCIRF's annual report is watched worldwide as an independent

Pray: for decisions around religious freedom to be free of politics or trade concerns. (Amos 5:15a)

More: www.worthynews.com/49824-india-condemns-u-s-religious-rights-report