Page 10 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians - Apr-Jun 2023 - 122

TRelease International CEO Paul Robinson prays with the Tagwi family
In the
footsteps
of a martyr
he Bible tells us that what an enemy intends for harm, God is able to turn to good (Genesis 50:20-21). And we
can bring an encouraging update on the story of Rose Tagwi.
Rose’s husband Matthew had been serving as a pastor near Miango in Plateau State, when he was searched out by Fulani militants and shot dead.
Rose Tagwi
Rose, who is aged 27, was later able to pray that Matthew’s killers would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. ‘Nothing will stop the gospel of Christ,’ she said. ‘I forgive them and pray that the Lord will save their souls.’
another on the way. And it became harder still when her baby, Patience, died soon after she was born.
by Fulani militants. Daniel and Azumi Tagwi spoke of the difficulties they had gone through. As the team prayed for them, Daniel broke down in tears.
Life has been hard for this widow, who was left with three children with
We were also able to meet the mother and younger brother of Rose’s husband Matthew, who was murdered
Seven other members of this community that came under brutal attack are doing the same. In the words attributed to church father Tertullian: ‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.’
Our partners have been able to help Rose with counselling and support. And on our recent trip, our UK team were able to meet Rose in person to provide further encouragement.
But Daniel, who is 27, is now following in his martyred brother’s footsteps. Despite his personal loss, Daniel remains committed to the Lord and is training for the ministry. Come what may, he is determined to become a pastor, too.
HOW TO PRAY FOR NIGERIA
• Pray for an end to the violence against Christians that has ravaged northern Nigeria and beyond for many years
• Pray for protection for vulnerable communities and Release International partners who risk their lives to help the persecuted
• That the bereaved and traumatised would find healing and hope as they attend workshops held by our partners
• That corrupt officials in the Government and security forces would be rooted out
• That God would convict the terrorists of their sin and open their eyes to the truth of the gospel
• For the success of our campaign in raising awareness and prayer in the church in the UK and Ireland
‘What the devil meant for harm, God is turning for good,’ says Release International CEO Paul Robinson. ‘Our prayer is that something of the kingdom will come from this tragic situation, that out of these ashes can come hope and revival.
‘After we prayed for Azumi, she was able to smile and respond with faith. “The future,” she told us “is in God’s hands.”’
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