Hanging onto Jesus: Violence in Grossi

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The enemy only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This could not be seen more clearly than in the situation many Nigerian Christians currently find themselves in. According to the Barnabus Fund, two church buildings were burnt down in Grossi, Nigeria, while 67 houses, two shops, and various livestock were destroyed. On top of this, motorbikes were stolen and grain stores were damaged.

But as these people fear for their lives and grieve those whom they have lost, they haven’t seemed to lose their faith in Jesus. While they have voiced their fears and concerns about Boko Haram coming back until “[they are] finished with us,” they have not forsaken their love for Jesus.

It reminds me of the story of Job in the Bible—a man who God allowed to experience extreme suffering, heartbreak, and reproach. He was completely honest with God, voicing his pain and even at times asking God why it all happened in the first place.

The beautiful thing in all of this? Jesus can, and does, handle the anger, despair, and pain we bring Him. More than this, Jesus is using our trials and pain to make something beautiful and redemptive.

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These people live in a world of uncertainty about when Boko Haram will strike next. This no doubt fills them with concern and fear. But ultimately, God is in control—and they can trust in Him. Let us cover and surround them in prayer, that they would not let go of Jesus, but would be kept safe by Him.

Do you know Jesus?

Our God is a redemptive, sovereign God, who stopped at nothing to save us and bring us to know Him. Learn more about Jesus, and God’s redemptive plan, here.

Please pray for (find the prayer sheet here)…

  • Northern Nigerians, especially those in targeted towns like Grossi.
  • Boko Haram’s destruction—and that its members would turn and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior over their lives.
  • The Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu, who still lie in Boko Haram captivity.
  • The Nigerian military, that they would be use mightily to stop Boko Haram and would be given favor.
  • The Nigerian government, that they would continue to push for the annihilation of all terrorism.

Thank you for your prayers!!!

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Celebrate!: One Chibok Girl Obtaining Her Associate’s Degree in the US

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Hey Friends,

I just wanted to take some time to celebrate one of the freed Chibok girls. She has obtained her Associate’s Degree from a community college in the USA!

I admire this young woman’s strength, and her ability to leave her time in captivity behind her. She is a beacon of hope and strength, and she deserves to be celebrated!

As we celebrate what she has already done, let us pray for her future, as well. May she know Jesus if she does not already, and may He use her story to bring others to Him!

Please celebrate and pray with me over this amazing young woman’s achievements!

With Love in Christ,

Annalee, ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY

Tornadoes: Dealing with Messed-Up Plans

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You decorated your home with the utmost care. Picture frames full of pictures of you and happy loved ones fill the walls, and your grandma’s best china sits behind glass for all to see, but never touch. You have planned to go on vacation; your things are packed and ready to go. Continue reading →

A Deadly Plane Crash (and Reflecting Upon Our Lives)

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It’s not usual that tragedy strikes so close to home. A small passenger plane crashed and burned near my home in Northern Colorado, killing the only person inside of it.

This is shocking, to say the least. Children from nearby schools watched the plane crash, no doubt traumatizing them. It is a reminder to all of us that we are closer than we think to our last breath—and that tragedy can happen anywhere.

“…for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
(Psalm 103:14, NIV)

As you pray for those who were affected by this crash, I hope you take a moment, along with me, to reflect upon your life. Are we spending the time we have wisely? Are we being good stewards of everything that is given to us?

I’ll be the first to admit that I have not been a good steward of the time Christ has given me. But knowing I could pass at any moment 1) keeps my eyes on Christ throughout all things, and 2) encourages me to spend what time I have loving Jesus, and loving others. Most of all, it reminds me of the absolute importance of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and gives me urgency to tell others about Him.

At the end of the day, these things are what truly matter. I hope that I, and you all, do them well.

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Do you know Jesus?

Approximately 2,000 years ago, God sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world and to become the only way by which people can know the Father and be saved. Learn more about Jesus and what He has done for you, here.

Please pray (prayer sheet here)…

  • For those affected by this plane crash.
  • That unbelievers would come to know Christ, even through this.
  • For the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu, who face trial, difficulty, and probably death everyday.

Thank you for your prayers!

Prayer for Leah’s Return

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It is days from her 16th birthday, and Leah Sharibu is still held captive by Boko Haram for refusing to convert to Islam. Please pray with me today for her soon release, and that she would be safe, healthy and well as she is free. Thank you.

To help in Leah’s return, please sign this petition from the American Center of Law and Justice (ACLJ). They need our support now more than ever.

Leah’s faith is in a God who is not dead nor distant, but rather very real, alive, and near to her (Deuteronomy 31:6; Luke 24). Learn more about Jesus and His Love for you here.