The Nigerian presidential team confirmed that Leah is alive.
Many of you have been faithfully praying for Leah Sharibu since she was taken by Boko Haram in February 2018. Over 100 other schoolgirls kidnapped along with her were released soon after. Leah was not let go because she chose to remain true to Jesus. Thank you for praying, on August 31 the Nigeria Government confirmed that she was still alive.
“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWAP, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu,” presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu said in a statement on August 31. ‘‘Contrary to false reports, she is alive – given assurances from our security agencies — and the government is committed to her safe return”.
We thank the Lord for this wonderful news, and request for your continued prayers.
Leah was 15 when she was kidnapped from her school. While her classmates captured by Boko Haram extremists were all taken from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in the north-east of Nigeria were released within a month, Leah was kept because she refused to deny her faith in Jesus.
When her classmates were released, Leah was able to pass on a message to her mother: “My mother, you should not be disturbed. I know it is not easy missing me, but I want to assure you that I am fine where I am. My God, whom we have been praying to with you, is showing Himself mighty in my trying moment. I know your words to me during our morning devotions: that God is very close to people in pain. I am witnessing this now. I am confident that one day I shall see your face again. If not here, then there at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
On Saturday, a government spokesperson gave a statement saying that Leah was alive, and confirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to her safe return.
Leah’s parents have urged Christians to keep praying for their daughter. Her mother, Rebecca, said “I know that all over the world believers are praying and advocating for the release of my daughter, but until now I haven’t seen my Leah. I want to plead that Christians do not get tired of praying for her, until she is returned.”
You can write to Leah’s parents, to encourage them that you are still praying for their daughter.
Please pray:
Thank God that Leah is alive and that the Nigerian Government are committed to her release
That Leah will be able to return to her family and would heal from her trauma
That God would convict Leah’s kidnappers of their need of Him, and that they would repent and believe.
*A photo of Leah, taken by her family before her abduction