The Christian Life Commission calls Texas Baptists to pray for the Persecuted in Nigeria on July 27

In the last two years, more than 10,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria - and about 62,000 since 2000. Many say the Middle Belt of Nigeria is the most dangerous place in the world for Christians. 

The reality of violence for Christian Nigerians

“Nigeria had been relatively peaceful until 2002, when insurgency occurred,” shared Texas Baptists Pastor Wisdom Asita, originally from Nigeria. “The source of the insurgency was Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group founded in 2002 in northeastern Nigeria.”

This group is responsible for thousands of deaths and widespread displacement of indigenous populations from their lands, shared Asita – they’re known for violence in attempts to establish an Islamic state.

Tension is high across Nigerian communities. In addition, Asita shared there are government officials and political actors who “are alleged to be complicit or turning a blind eye” to the ongoing violence and land seizures. The corruption, weak governance and security lapses create a perfect storm for the violence to continue – and escalate. 

“There’s so much going on in the world today, and it can feel overwhelming and hard to keep up with what’s going on in all the different places in the world,” shared Katie Frugé, director of the Christian Life Commission. “It’s concerning how dangerous the situation has become, particularly for Christians living in Nigeria, and we felt compelled to pause and spend intentional time in prayer for our brothers and sisters facing unimaginable circumstances for many of us in Texas.” 

While local and international organizations are working to provide aid and mediation, Asita believes “sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of the violence and promoting dialogue.”

Prayer for those experiencing violent persecution in Nigeria

The Christian Life Commission of Texas Baptists and the Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University are calling all Texas Baptists churches to dedicate a time to pray for those experiencing this violent persecution in Nigeria on Sunday, July 27. 

Here are several prayer points to help guide your prayer:

• Pray for the physical safety of Nigerians.
• Pray they can hold tight to their faith.
• Pray they can cling to the hope that’s within them.
• Pray they would feel the presence of the Lord in meaningful ways.
• Pray they would persevere.
• Pray for the leaders of Nigeria – for the courage to address this situation and stand up for what’s right.
• Pray for the international community to come alongside Nigerians to help stop the senseless violence and uprising.
• Pray for a change of heart, mind and attitude for those involved in the violence and murders of innocent Christians and civilians.
• Pray for God’s mercy and protection.
• Pray for God’s comfort for families who have lost their loved ones, communities and properties.
• Pray for peace, justice and restoration across Nigeria.

You also have the opportunity to advocate by calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinstate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a special U.S. government designation for the worst violators of religious freedom. To become an advocate, complete this form with your name and email.

Where two or more are gathered

We invite you to pray to join with hundreds of other Texas Baptists in prayer and action for the church in Nigeria. Encourage your churches to pause for a moment of dedicated prayer on Sunday, July 27. There are resources available online to support your church in bringing awareness.