Faith
Nigerian Christians Stand Firm Amid Rising Persecution Challenges
Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Dorowa Maitozo village in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on February 26, killing Rev. Joshua Ajiya of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ.
Dozens of Christians were abducted during the nighttime assault on this faithful community, highlighting escalating persecution.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Ajiya served the Dorowa congregation for just two months before his martyrdom.
- Village residents face repeated bandit threats amid land grabs to impose Islam.
- Nigeria recorded 3,490 faith-based Christian killings, 72% of global total.
“Fulani bandits attacked Dorowa community in Maitozo, located in Ninzo Chiefdom in Sanga Local Police Area of Kaduna state,” Pastor Emmanuel Stephen said.
“The attack tragically led to the killing of Rev. Joshua Ajiya, a pastor of the ERCC Church congregation in Dorowa community.”
“May God comfort the affected families and continue to protect our communities during this difficult time,” resident Thomas Hassan said.
“They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity,” a UK report states.
These jihadist assaults echo Biblical persecution, urging believers to remember those suffering as bound with them (Hebrews 13:3); pray fervently for Nigerian saints defending faith amid terror.
Faith
Concerns Mount as Court Rulings Test Believers’ Religious Liberties Despite Hope in Divine Justice
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that police can require physical identification during investigative stops if a suspect’s response is incomplete, in a case involving Pastor Michael Jennings arrested while watering a neighbor’s plants.
This decision emphasizes the biblical call to submit to governing authorities as outlined in Romans 13, upholding law and order to protect communities grounded in faith and freedom.
Faith Facts
- Pastor Jennings was arrested in 2022 despite identifying himself verbally and neighbor confirmation of his legitimacy.
- Majority opinion by Justice Sellers clarifies Ala. Code § 15-5-30 empowers officers with reasonable suspicion to demand physical ID.
- Ruling questions a federal appeals court decision, prioritizing state law on cooperation with law enforcement.
As Christians, let us pray for wisdom for our judges and officers, standing firm for godly order in our nation. Subscribe to Faith and Freedom Report to stay informed and defend our values.
Faith Facts
- Scottish MSPs voted 69-57 against legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill adults.
- Christian leaders praise the decision as affirming life’s sacred value from God.
- MSPs urged to prioritize palliative care over death for the vulnerable.
The Scottish Parliament has rejected a bill to legalize assisted suicide in a historic vote, upholding the sanctity of life.
This outcome protects the vulnerable from coercion and safeguards true compassion rooted in Christian values.
Simon Calvert of The Christian Institute said: “We thank God that MSPs got the message that they simply could not pass this wretched bill.”
“I think the lesson for Holyrood – and for Westminster too – is that there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ assisted suicide bill.”
Rev. Alasdair Macleod of the Free Church stated: “This decision affirms that every human life is precious and worthy of protection.”
“As Christians we believe that human life is a gift from God, and that our calling as a society is to care for one another, especially in times of weakness.”
Bishop John Keenan affirmed: “Every human life possesses inherent value.
Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer.”
Praise God for Scotland’s stand for life, family, and freedom—now let’s champion world-class palliative care to honor the suffering with Christ’s love.
Faith Facts
- Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds crafted album ‘Closer’ from sincere prayer and fasting.
- Title track challenges believers: change follows drawing nearer to God.
- McReynolds ensures lyrics reflect Scripture accurately through seminary training.
Gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds, a Chicago native and Grammy winner, released ‘Closer’ on March 27.
The live-recorded album mixes worship, soul, Afrobeats, and 1980s pop to unify its sound while pushing gospel boundaries.
I think that reaching is probably the best term. We can do all the churchy things, all the spiritual disciplines. But while you’re doing it, is there something from your heart that’s truly reaching for God?
The reflective title track ‘Closer’ questions, ‘How much will it take for me to change?’
My songwriting partners and I were wrestling with this question: Which comes first, the change or getting closer to God? It was like God saying, ‘Bigger isn’t going to do it. You being better isn’t going to do it. Just come closer.’
McReynolds prioritizes spiritual intimacy over perfection, deepening existing disciplines like prayer and Scripture study.
A Moody Seminary graduate and Mensa member, he vets lyrics biblically.
I never want to represent God and His Word poorly.
His music impacts daily decisions post-church, aiding discipleship for struggling loved ones.
Recording in Chicago, his ‘grandma’s house,’ reflects personal growth and God’s faithfulness.
Through Life Label Group, he mentors talents like DOE, stressing creativity to vitalize gospel.
What saves a genre is creativity.
Draw nearer to God daily through sincere faith; let His Word guide your walk and creativity.
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