EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Child Brides in Iran
In recent weeks the spotlight has been on Afghanistan and the concerns about the fate of women and girls. We know what the Taliban is capable of and how girls fear losing the hard-won gains for their education and freedom. But repression of girls and violence against them is not just a hallmark of terrorist groups like the Taliban, Boko
Continue ReadingTerrorists defect from Boko Haram and hope for forgiveness
In May we wrote about the death of Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, who blew himself up to prevent capture by ISWAP, a rival terrorist group and ISIS affiliate. ISWAP was hoping to lure Boko Haram fighters into their fold, but it seems that they are not completely successful in this plan. Recently there has been a spike in
Continue ReadingA Silent Disaster in the Cradle of African Christianity
A few months ago, we reported on the humanitarian disaster and destruction of ancient Christian heritage in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian army together with Eritrean forces had invaded the northern region of Tigray. Reports of mass murder, mass rape, ethnic cleansing and man-made famine were coming out of Tigray, fuelling grave concerns for the population. Precious and unique Christian churches, monasteries
Continue ReadingTweens and Teens for Missions: Great New Resource!
Are you a parent, sunday school teacher or youth leader in your church? We have have developed an exciting, free resource for young people between the ages of 9-13. Our Mission 10/40 course introduces tweens and teens to the amazing, ongoing story of mission. In eight chapters, this course goes through all the basics, including sections on the Biblical story
Continue ReadingFrom Captive to Graduate: Joyful News from Nigeria
Premier Christian News reported how Mary Katambi, one of the girls abducted by Boko Haram from her school in Chibok has graduated university with a degree in accounting. She was given a private scholarship (not by BtJ) to make this possible. Her parents expressed pride and gratitude. At one time, they feared they would never see her again. Now their
Continue ReadingChibok Girls: God chose the weak to shame the strong
What kind of person is most likely to survive prolonged extreme physical and psychological pressures? You would think that a young, fit, spiritually mature and stable man, with military or outdoor training and some medical skills would make the best chance. What chance would a group of teenage schoolgirls from a poor and illiterate background have? When writing about children
Continue ReadingISIS and China Gain Influence in Africa
It is being reported that Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau is dead. He blew himself up after refusing surrender to warriors of ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), a rival terrorist group and ISIS affiliate, who were chasing him. Both Boko Haram and ISWAP have been terrorizing Northern Nigeria for many years. As well as killing, looting, and kidnapping civilians,
Continue ReadingProtests in Nigeria
It was another sad week for Nigeria’s Middle Belt. In Kaduna State, an Assemblies of God church was burnt down, and eight Christians were killed by ‘bandits’ on Wednesday. Many of the attacks on Christians are blamed on bandits. This makes it look like a crime problem instead of a problem of the growing influence of Islamic extremism. The government
Continue ReadingWar crimes and the destruction of Christian heritage in Ethiopia
A silent tragedy is unfolding in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, and it is high time we pay attention. In November, rumours started to emerge of atrocities in Tigray after the Ethiopian army moved in to squash an opposition group. What made this extra concerning was that Eritrean soldiers seemed to have crossed the border and had joined in the war efforts.
Continue ReadingAn Eighteenth Birthday Event for a Girl Who Can’t Celebrate
Today Leah Sharibu turns eighteen in a Boko Haram terrorist camp. PSJUK, an organisation of Nigerians in the UK, is organising a birthday event in her honour. There will be ‘performances, poetry and prayer’. This is what they write about their reasons for marking this special day: “Whilst the world looks to freedom post-pandemic, Leah Sahribu remains locked down in
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