Christian persecution in Nigeria

“I am asking God that out of these ashes will rise a wave of uncommon, unseen revival…”
Archbishop Ben Kwashi.

“Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Psalm 80:19

The suffering of Christians in Nigeria is causing international outcry, concern and alarm. There is continuing violence targeted against Christian communities there which has led to mass killings of our brothers and sisters in Christ from terrorists and extremists.

From April to June this year Release International’s new engagement campaign Out of these ashes will draw special attention to the persecution of Christians in north and central Nigeria.

Please join us to raise the voice of persecuted Christians in Nigeria with your diocese and church fellowships today.

Terror groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa continue to defy the authorities, and Fulani militants attack Christian villages with impunity. In 2022, reports indicate Fulani extremists killed more than 6,000 Christians and destroyed 17 villages.

Please pray for peace for Nigeria and pray also for protection for Christian communities across Nigeria.

Rose Tagwi (photo above) lost her husband Matthew who was murdered by Fulani tribesmen. Responding to the loss of her husband she said: ‘Nothing will stop the gospel of Christ. My prayer is that his killers will get to know the Jesus I know. I do forgive them and will pray that the Lord saves their souls.’

 

“The fear of persecution has gone. The tyranny of death has been defeated by the cross of Jesus Christ. And by his resurrection He has assured us that we must live the life of Christ.”

Archbishop Ben Kwashi, from his book
Neither Bomb Nor Bullet available from our eStore.

 

 

 

OUT OF THESE ASHES CHURCH RESOURCES

We have a resource pack to help your church engage with every aspect of the campaign. If you would like to receive a hard copy pack, please contact us by email.

Individual items from within the pack can be downloaded in an easily printable version below:

• Download the A4 sized Campaign Information Leaflet here
• Download the campaign Sign-up card here
• Download ‘Rose’s Story’ as a postcard here
• Download an A4 poster here

You can also download a copy of our latest Persecution Trends 2023 report here which gives you more information about the level of Christian persecution in Nigeria plus many other countries around the world today.

 

The April/June 2023 edition of VOICE magazine also has features on Nigeria.

Click here to read.

 

 

 

WEEKLY PRAYER DIARY VIDEO

Every Wednesday, throughout the campaign, we shall be uploading a short (One minute) Prayer Video which you can download and use in your Church Service or Home Group. Simply click the ‘Pray’ video image at the bottom of this page to play and download.

You can also visit our video channel if you would like to see the video devotion from a previous week.

Our special online launch event, Out Of These Ashes Worship Service, was held on April 4. You can watch a video (40min) of the service below to find out more about the campaign and hear directly from Christians in Nigeria, including Release International partners Archbishop Ben Kwashi and Mark Lipdo of the Stefanos Foundation.

 

SPEAKER TOUR

We will also be running a speaker tour with the Venerable Mark Mukan (pictured) during June to mark the conclusion of our Out Of These Ashes campaign.

The speaker, the Venerable Mark Mukan, is Director of Mission Operations in the Anglican Diocese of Jos in Nigeria. Mark works tirelessly to bring the hope and assurance of Jesus’ love to persecuted Christian communities in north and central Nigeria.

Full details of the venues and dates can be seen on our Events page.

 

LIVE EVENT – DAY OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR WORSHIP SERVICE AT HOLY TRINITY EASTBOURNE JUNE 29, 7.30PM

This year’s Day of the Christian Martyr event forms the finale to our three-month long Out Of These Ashes campaign, which has focused on the suffering of Christians in Nigeria.

We are delighted to welcome the Venerable Mark Mukan, Director of Mission Operations in the Anglican Diocese of Jos, Nigeria, Rev. Dr Eric Foley, from Voice of the Martyrs Korea and Dr Bob Fu, Founder and President of ChinaAid. All three will be speaking at Holy Trinity Church, EASTBOURNE, East Sussex, BN21 3BX, on Thursday, June 29th, at 7.30pm.

We will be live-streaming this event. If you are unable to attend this final event in person and would like to access the online live stream please register on Eventbrite here. 

 

Please click the ‘Donate Now’ button if you would like to make an online gift to support
Release International’s work in Nigeria.

 

Alternatively, you can text ASHES followed by your donation amount to 70085
(e.g. ASHES20 to give £20).

(Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message and you can give any whole amount up to £20.)

 

One Minute Prayer Video below:
(Updated every Wednesday throughout the campaign)