Faith
Nigerian Christian’s Conviction Overturned After Ordeal
Faith Facts
- A Nigerian Christian leader falsely accused of kidnapping was finally vindicated after a High Court ruling overturned his conviction.
- The man, known as David, faced torture and imprisonment simply for assisting two Christian converts to escape religious persecution.
- This case highlights the urgent need to defend religious freedom for embattled Christians amid rising violence in Nigeria.
A courageous Christian church leader in northern Nigeria has received justice after enduring a harrowing journey of persecution and wrongful imprisonment. The man, identified as David for his protection, had his conviction for kidnapping overturned by a Nigerian High Court, affirming the importance of faith-driven efforts to help the persecuted.
David’s only crime was living out his Christian faith and helping two women, forced to flee their community after choosing to follow Christ. These brave converts faced deadly threats from their own families and neighbors because of their decision to embrace Christianity. David and another church leader acted selflessly, assisting the women to relocate to a safe place where they could practice their new faith without fear.
Their compassion was met with evil. After helping the women find refuge, David and his fellow leader were abducted by Islamist militants who targeted them for their Christian beliefs. They suffered three weeks of captivity and torture before being turned over to the local authorities.
Despite being innocent, David was deprived of justice. While his companion secured legal help and was released, David was forced into a three day trial, denied legal representation, and sentenced not only for kidnapping but a slew of other unfounded charges. He was handed nine years in prison and heavy fines—all for demonstrating Christian compassion.
The advocacy of faith-based legal group ADF International proved vital. With their assistance, David was released on bail and his case appealed to the High Court. As justice finally prevailed, his conviction was thrown out, and the court ordered his fine returned. Notably, not a single state representative appeared to defend the wrongful case, underscoring the groundless nature of the prosecution.
Nigeria, despite its strong Christian presence, remains a perilous place for followers of Christ. Islamist violence targeting believers continues to rise; in 2022 alone, approximately 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith—more than in any other nation. The case of David is only one example of the increasing threat to Christian freedom in Nigeria.
Sean Nelson, legal counsel for global religious freedom at ADF International, spoke to the significance of the decision:
“This case is a powerful reminder of the urgent crisis facing Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. David was tortured, prosecuted, and imprisoned simply for helping a woman escape violence because of her faith.”
He went on to declare:
“We welcome the court’s decision in this case and pray that others will never have to face what David went through. Protections for religious freedom must increase within Northern Nigeria.”
The deliverance of David is a powerful testament to the enduring strength that faith, courage, and legal advocacy can bring in the face of adversity. It also calls on American Christians to stand with the persecuted alongside ministries defending biblical freedom and justice around the globe.
Faith Facts
- The BEST Center in Cambodia celebrated 15 years of using the Bible to teach English, with many students becoming followers of Christ.
- Leaders in Colombia reported nearly 900 baptisms and ran a youth camp to encourage discipleship and leadership among young believers.
- A new Bible institute in Malawi opened after years of prayer, aiming to train ministers for service and outreach.
From Cambodia to New Zealand, God’s Word is being shared as ministries and churches equip believers and serve their communities. Each story shows the strength and unity found in faith, as families are transformed and leaders step forward to guide others in righteousness.
Efforts such as evangelism campaigns in Romania and youth leadership training in Colombia highlight how the global Church nurtures spiritual growth and discipleship, motivating believers to stay true to biblical values.
“I love the spirit of cooperation among these Transylvanian churches,” Marty Knight said, speaking of teamwork among Romanian congregations.
These international testimonies remind us that the gospel is alive, reaching hearts and changing lives as people respond in faith and service. Let us give thanks for the faithful believers spreading hope around the world.
Stay prayerful and bold in supporting Christians as they proclaim truth, defend families, and promote liberty through biblical foundations.
Faith Facts
- Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen is facing renewed legal action for expressing biblical beliefs on marriage and sexuality in a 2019 tweet.
- Despite being acquitted twice, the state prosecutor is appealing again, taking the case to Finland’s Supreme Court.
- This case highlights concerns over religious freedom and the right to express faith-based views in public discourse.
Päivi Räsänen, a Christian parliamentarian and former minister in Finland, is facing her third trial for referencing biblical teaching in a tweet questioning her church’s sponsorship of an LGBT pride event. The Finnish prosecutor has appealed her two previous acquittals, and Finland’s Supreme Court will consider her case later this year.
The tweet included a Bible verse from Romans 1, which describes same-sex relationships as sinful according to Scripture. Räsänen’s public statements and a church pamphlet from 2004, co-published with Bishop Juhana Pohjola, are central to the charges of “agitation against a minority group.”
Räsänen’s defense maintains that quoting the Bible and sharing Christian doctrine should never be criminalized.
“It isn’t a crime to tweet a Bible verse, or to engage in public discourse from a Christian perspective.”
Throughout this legal journey, both Räsänen and Pohjola have been acquitted twice, yet the prosecution continues its pursuit despite strong support for biblical freedom from many Christians worldwide.
Paul Coleman, a leader in Räsänen’s defense team, emphasized the broader fight for liberty:
“In a free and democratic society, all should be allowed to share their beliefs without fear of punishment.”
This case is a crucial moment for the protection of religious liberty and free speech, standing as a reminder of the importance of defending biblical truth and Christian conviction in the public square. Stay vigilant and pray for those standing for faith and freedom in the face of adversity.
Faith Facts
- Iran’s regime arrested 53 Christians, accusing them of espionage and anti-security activities after confiscating Bibles and Christian materials.
- State television aired forced confessions and linked Evangelical Christians to foreign intelligence, further targeting the faithful community.
- Most Iranian Christians, primarily converts, face persecution and lack legal places to worship or gather safely.
Recent mass arrests in Iran show the price believers pay for standing firm in their faith under regimes hostile to Christianity. The government continues treating Christian worship, prayer, and gatherings as criminal, targeting religions that threaten oppressive ideologies.
State media broadcasts forced confessions and confiscated Bibles, seeking to shame and silence Christians in a campaign equating faith with disloyalty.
“The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Mansour Borji, director of Article18.
Human rights lawyers and international observers say these Christians likely face unfair trials, denied legal counsel, and suffer persecution for ordinary acts of worship.
In Iran, Armenian and Assyrian Christians may worship but cannot include converts or use Persian, isolating new believers and pushing gatherings underground or abroad.
Many arrested Christians had attended worship events in neighboring countries, as options at home are unsafe or unavailable.
“All those arrested on charges of security, political, ideological or ‘espionage’ offences are denied a fair trial, subjected to severe torture and do not even have access to an independent lawyer,” stated Hossein Ahmadiniaz, a human rights attorney.
Despite pressure and injustice, Iran’s Christians remain steadfast, highlighting the power of faith to withstand tyranny. Their sacrifice is a call for believers everywhere to support religious liberty and defend the right to worship.
Pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, and urge leaders to champion religious freedom as a God-given right.
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