Friends, please join with me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria as they face persecution from Islamic Fundementalists. Vicki and I have good friends (Peter and Mirriam Fretheim with their four young children) we support in Nigeria. Peter and Mirriam minister to orphans, lepers, and they have recently opened a hospital to help treat those who are suffering while extending the love of Jesus in practical ways. Unfortunately, the enemy also has a “heart” for Nigeria since it is not an Islamic state. Peter told me on his last visit to the states that the Islamic loyalists were trying desperately to transform Nigeria into an Islamic state. Why? Because to be an Islamic state is to have Islam as an official religion and, therefore opens the floodgates of persecution on Nigerian Christians. Also, an Islamic state can request help in the form of a “Jihad” from other Islamic states.

It seems the persecution has already begun…

As far as possible, let’s join with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and live out the spirit of Hebrews 10:32-39:

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,

“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.