Tag Archives: Boko Haram

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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Happy Mother’s Day!

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MOTHERS DAY

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Today, please keep the mothers of the Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu, and all those who have been hurt by Boko Haram in your prayers. They have gone through so much, and need our love and support. 

Virtual Prayer Walls: Praying for #RHE, those in Sri Lanka & Nigeria

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Hi Friends and Readers.

On April 14th, 2018, in Central Nigeria, a church full of Christians celebrated the life of beautiful newborn baby. This child was dedicated to the Lord, and a feast was had

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The graves of those killed. Photo: Morning Star News

afterwards.

And then, came the carnage. Shots were fired by muslim Fulani Herdsmen, and 17 men, women and children were killed in an instant, the laughter of celebration replaced with screams and cries for help. The baby’s mother was killed in the attack; its father survived and is in the intensive care unit.

As if this were not enough, a bombing happened in Sri Lanka perpetrated by Muslim jihadists, killing almost 300 people on Easter Sunday.

This happens much more than one would think, sadly. One thing is clear: satan does not like the fact that Christ died and rose again, as shown by these horrific acts all around Easter. One person who is apart of Sri Lanka’s Open Doors program affirmed that prayer “is the most powerful weapon” that we have against the enemy. To encourage this more, a virtual prayer wall has been put up to inspire others to pray for those in Sri Lanka, and just to remind those people that they are not alone.

More attention needs to be brought to those suffering in Nigeria! While I do not have the technology to create a virtual prayer wall for those in Northern Nigeria, I would like those who read this blog to please leave your prayers in the comment section of this post. I want to try to figure out a way to get these prayers to the people who need to know and hear the most that they are not alone in this, either—perhaps by linking it to the Bring Back Our Girls’ Facebook page.

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Whatever happens, please be praying hard and staying vigilant about these things. Our brothers and our sisters in Christ need us now more than ever.

Your Sister in Christ,

Annalee, ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY

*** This post is dedicated to Rachel Held Evans, a wonderful author and sister in Christ who is currently in a medically induced coma. Please pray over her and her family. Thank you (you can find health updates here).***

Do you know Jesus?

Amidst all this chaos, Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. Learn more about Jesus, and the true Peace He brings, here.

Please pray for (find the prayer sheet here)…

  • The Chibok girls.
  • Leah Sharibu.
  • Those hurting in Northern Nigeria.
  • Those grieving in Sri Lanka.

Thank you for your prayers!

 

Haunted Eyes: A Poem

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Hey friends,
I wrote this poem after seeing a news headline about Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, declare that “no territory is controlled by Boko Haram.” Let’s pray for those still being held captive by their own strongholds.

Muhammadu,
you say
that your enemy has no stronghold,
is close to being defeated.

Have you looked into the eyes
of those affected
by such enemies?
They are haunted–

because there are
strongholds that are not physical.
While Boko Haram may or may not
have physical strongholds,
there are spiritual ones,
ones that make the bones shake
with fear.

Mr. Buhari,
you need to know
that Jesus is near.
Holy Spirit,
may Your presence
be found in utter darkness,
in places where it seems impossible
for You to come in.

Fill victim’s haunted eyes
with Joy again, Jesus.
Tear down these strongholds.
Set the captives free.

For we know it is something
only You can do.
Buhari can declare all he wants
about his victories;
we know they belong to You.

Declare victory and freedom, dear Jesus.
The beautiful part is, You already have;
on the cross, dying and humiliated,
You and You alone came back from the dead.

Breathe Your Life into this situation, Jesus.
May Buhari boast of You–
and may haunted eyes be full of hope again.

(c) Annalee Hoover 2019