Terrorist attacks, especially the brutal Christmas attacks, have forced the Church of Christ in Nations denomination to close 70 churches in central Nigeria’s Plateau state. (July 8, CDI-MSN)
“All our worship church buildings in these communities were burned down by the terrorists,” Rev. Amos Mohzo, president of COCIN, said. “Internally Displaced Christians from these communities are still living in camps outside their communities. And even now, most of them who are farmers are unable to go to their farms.”
On June 29, Boko Haram attacks in Gwoza killed and maimed both Christians and Muslims, beginning with a female suicide bombing at a wedding of a Muslim couple. At least two other suicide bombings at other locations followed, killing more than 30 people and wounding many more.
Both Christians and Muslims “live together as a community,” Pastor Mohzo said. But now, “Many of our people have been killed, and others have been driven out and displaced to other areas of Nigeria. Those who have no places to go to had to stay back and make up their minds to die when attacked by the terrorists.”
The vast numbers of COCIN church members and pastors kidnapped across the country has made it difficult for the denomination to raise ransom money to free them all. Pastor Paul Musa and his wife, abducted a year and a half ago, are still held captive. Mohzo recently visited their children and “They’re traumatized. They pleaded with me to secure the release of their parents, and I told them that if it is within my reach I will not allow their parents to remain in captivity even for one second, but it’s beyond us. The children are always crying, always in tears for their parents. It pains my heart to see these children in this way.”
The two subsequent bombings on Saturday (June 29) targeted a funeral and a hospital in Gwoza, close to the border with Cameroon. No one has taken responsibility for the bombings, though Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and the terrorist group with which a faction has aligned, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have long been active in the area and are suspected.
Lord, please have mercy. Make the way for Pastor Musa, his wife, and other church members to escape or be released. Surround them with Your angels and shield them from attacks. Nourish and strengthen them. Keep them from illness. Pursue their abductors with Your relentless love. Let them experience Your forgiveness through the Christians in their custody, and humble them to repentance. Give them such a hunger for You they will ask the questions that lead to their salvation. Protect all Christians in Nigeria from harm. While believers are still in captivity use them to share the gospel with their kidnappers and other victims. Give Rev. Mozo and others wisdom, shelter and provisions needed for all their church members who have been traumatized, wounded and displaced. Comfort those who mourn. Please, Lord, bring an end to the violence in Nigeria. March in Your angel armies and crush the enemy’s plans. Protect believers from persecution and harm. For every Christian persecuted and church attacked, bring 1,000 Fulanis and Muslim extremists to faith in You, Jesus, and plant hundreds of new churches. Turn what the enemy meant for evil into great good for Your Kingdom. And bless abundantly those who have suffered much for Your name. Amen.
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