Abraham’s Story
It was midnight when the first gunshots rang out.
Abraham had been warned that Fulani militants were planning to attack his village in Benue State (Central Nigeria) so he’d sent his wife and three children to safety. But Abraham could not save his brother.
“They shot him through the door of his home, then he came outside and they shot him in the head.”
That was more than three years ago. Since then, Abraham and his family have lived in a makeshift tent in Ichwa, a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs). It’s too dangerous to go home because, unless the family convert to Islam, militants would kill them.
But conditions in the camp are desperate. Up to seven people sleep in every tent, and 3,000 people share just 15 toilets.
We are struggling to remain alive. Look at my children, how much weight they have lost.
Abraham’s children no longer attend school and he worries for their future. He’s abandoned his own dream of going to university. It’s no surprise that Abraham sometimes asks… where is God?
But you are bringing hope to Ichwa internal displacement camp. Your generous support means emergency food and practical help are reaching Abraham and other believers.
“When I told people that Open Doors partners were coming to pay us a visit, they were elated because of the help you have been giving us,” said Abraham. “Last time you provided food, it lasted for about two months — even for families with many members.”
Thanks to you, Sub-Saharan African believers like Abraham know they are not alone.
We always pray God sends angels to our rescue. We will worship God because He has preserved our lives. I still have God. He will surely deliver me.
Will you join us in praying for Abraham and his fellow believers?
Ask God to encourage Abraham in his role as a leader in the camp.
Pray for an end to hunger and sickness in Nigeria’s refugee camps.
Pray the Arise Africa campaign can raise awareness about violent persecution in Sub-Saharan Africa, and bring an end to the suffering.
