“If I die doing this work, I know my parents would be proud of me because I died for my state,” said Kaje, a woman who is currently working for the Nigerian military against Boko Haram. According to this article by Aljazeera, Kaje is a woman who lost two of her closest relatives to Boko Haram.

But, instead of allowing the darkness to overwhelm her, Kaje decided to be apart of the Civilian-Joint-Task-Force, a league of people committed to fighting Boko Haram. She and other women like her are needed, too– Kaje searches women’s hijabs, clothes and purses before they walk into heavily populated areas such as markets, something that men are usually not allowed to do. 

There are many women like Kaje today: women who have seen their loved ones die, and have stepped up to protect those in Northern Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon who are still alive. These women are absolutely amazing, and are a symbol of hope and strength as they fight against Boko Haram. 

The resiliency of these women is amazing. I only hope that, if I were ever to be put in such a situation, that I would be able to rise to the occasion as Kaje and so many other women have. Let’s pray for these resilient women, that Jesus would protect, guide, and favor them as they work against the forces of darkness in this world.

Learn more about who Jesus Christ is, and why it matters, here.