Nigeria (MNN) — Massacres have become a legitimate daily threat to Christians in Nigeria.
It’s a horrible reality, but it’s reality. Again And Again, religious extremists like Fulani herdsmen are massacring civilians. They frequently target Christians because of their faith. For Nigerians, following Christ often costs death.
But according to Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations, the vicious and bloodthirsty dogma that underlies these attacks leaves residents wondering. “In many countries like Nigeria, Afghanistan and Somalia, when the radicalization of Islam is at the forefront, I think even moderate Muslims start to worry about it,” Kelley says. “Their worldview is fundamentally challenged. »
For example, the way these extremists treat women is often horrible. “People with girls. When they see how atrocious women and women are treated, they don’t want their daughters to live in such an environment,” says Kelly.
This leads to minds that are open and ripe to sow the gospel. “The Gospel is presented to them. (They) become very open to the message of love, peace and reconciliation. No matter who you are, you will have an appetite for it and desire your family’s.
When Christians are actively hounded for their faith, it has drastic consequences for curiosity about Christianity, let alone conversion. “They realize that if they are exposed, if the proselytizing of individuals sharing the gospel is exposed, there will be serious consequences and they will be targeted,” Kelly says. “(And yet) they are willing to pay that price and accept it for what they believe is a much better future.”
There are other obstacles to sharing Christ’s message, including illiteracy. Audio Bibles are a solution to many of these problems. Unknown Nations distributes thousands of solar-powered audio Bibles in localized languages. If you would like to support Unknown Nations projects, you can do so right here.
In the meantime, pray that the radical compassion of the Gospel will overcome endemic violence in Nigeria. In Kelley’s words: “The message of Jesus is very different. It’s about love, even for your fiercest and most aggressive enemy. Jesus called us to pray for them. And when they see that, quite honestly, it shocks and opens their hearts to the message of the Gospel.
“The key is to enter where the flames are hottest, rush in and deliver Jesus’ message of salvation. »
Header photo courtesy of Unsplash.
