Persecution: Nigeria moves to the top ten
On the new watch list of Open Doors for 2021, rating the severity of persecution against Christians, Nigeria has moved from number 12 in 2020 to number 9 today. It now falls in the most extreme category, together with nations like Afghanistan, Yemen and Iran. It scores higher than even Iraq and Saudi Arabia. We have written several articles about
Continue ReadingKidnapped for ‘Marriage’; Persecution of Christian Girls
‘Mum, can we pray for this girl?’ my daughter asked me as she was scrolling her phone. She had read about a victim of what must be one of the most tragic forms of persecution, the kidnapping of (often very young) Christian girls, for the purpose of forced marriage to a Muslim man. It is common in several counties where
Continue ReadingChina and Nigeria; Two Continents, one Spirit
Two weeks ago, we wrote about the Nigerian church as a force for mission in Africa and beyond. What impact is the Nigerian church already having? What vision do they have for the future of mission? And what challenges do they face as they seek to obey the great commission? To get an inside perspective, I contacted the NEMA, the
Continue ReadingThe Nigerian church, attacked from three sides
To help us pray effectively for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, it is important to have a basic understanding of their situation. This article is a very brief overview of the situation in Nigeria and why Christians there are facing trouble. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and has over 200 million people, about two thirds of
Continue ReadingStanding up for the Women
Eugene and Anna Luke sit down for a conversation about women: in the family, in religion, facing persecution and in light of so many unique challenges, how do we respond by faith? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. TWO GUYS : Episode # 24
Continue ReadingA Battle for Souls
Our previous articles have highlighted renewed persecution in China, as well as the system of prison camps, where both Muslim minorities and Christians are being held without trail. But what is going on behind the scenes? Potential for repression This massive wave of religious persecution came unexpected for many, but looking back it was inevitable. When there is revival and
Continue ReadingWho defends persecuted Muslims? (Spoiler: Not other Muslims)
Of those being persecuted for their faith around the world 80% are Christians. But what about the other 20%? Among them is a group that has received much media attention lately, the Uyghurs of China, a Muslim minority group. CNN published an article today with some surprising findings about what the world thinks about China’s treatment of them. It is
Continue ReadingChristchurch Attack: Islamophobia and Persecution (Podcast)
Last week’s terrorist attack on innocent and unsuspecting people praying in a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, shocked the world, and rightly so. Few stories were more tragic than those of people who had fled Syria, survived ISIS and then died in a random attack in a peaceful country. We can only pray for comfort for all those affected and
Continue ReadingEx-muslim on Ramadan ‘I feel so secure in Jesus’ love’
This month of Ramadan is very important to me as an ex-Muslim and I would like to share with you how I see Ramadan as a Christian. It breaks my heart when I see my own family fasting, praying and trying hard to win God’s favor. I wanted to weep when my family members were rejoicing and sending good wishes
Continue ReadingGod is great indeed! Revival among Muslim children
Right before Ramadan, an Indonesian Muslim family of six blew themselves up in three different churches. How could our hearts not be broken at such news? Because aside from the suffering of our fellow believers, this drama featured a nine-year-old girl with her mum and sister, strapped to bombs. If this is not satanic, then what is? How could we
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