News
One Girl Still Held After Eight Years of Islamic Captivity
Faith Facts
- Leah Sharibu, kidnapped at age 14 by Islamic extremists in 2018, remains the only captive still held from the abduction of 110 Nigerian schoolgirls
- International pressure is mounting on Nigerian officials to combat radical jihadist groups persecuting Christian women and girls
- The young Christian girl has now spent eight years in captivity after refusing to renounce her faith
Eight years have passed since Islamic extremists stormed a girls’ school in Nigeria’s Yobe state and kidnapped 110 students on February 19, 2018. Among those taken was 14-year-old Leah Sharibu, a Christian girl whose unwavering faith would set her apart from her classmates. Today, she remains the sole captive still held by her jihadist kidnappers.
While 109 of the abducted girls have been released or escaped over the years, Leah’s continued captivity has become a symbol of the brutal persecution Christians face in northern Nigeria. Reports indicate she refused to renounce her Christian faith in exchange for freedom, a decision that has kept her in the hands of Islamic extremists for nearly a decade.
The prolonged captivity of this young Christian woman has drawn international condemnation and increased pressure on Nigerian government officials. Human rights advocates and Christian organizations worldwide are demanding action against the radical jihadist groups that continue to target women and girls, particularly those of Christian faith, in the region.
Nigeria’s northern states have become increasingly dangerous for Christians, with militant Islamic groups like Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, conducting systematic campaigns of terror. These extremist organizations have made the abduction, forced conversion, and enslavement of Christian girls a central part of their brutal strategy.
The international community has intensified calls for the Nigerian government to prioritize the rescue of Leah Sharibu and to take stronger action against the jihadist networks operating within its borders. Global leaders and faith-based organizations continue to highlight the failure to secure her release as evidence of inadequate protection for religious minorities in the country.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader pattern of religious persecution in Nigeria, where thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years and entire communities have been displaced by Islamic militant violence. Many advocates argue that the international response has been insufficient given the scale and severity of the crisis.
For Leah’s family and supporters around the world, each passing year deepens their anguish and strengthens their resolve to see her returned home. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of faithfulness and the ongoing threat that radical Islam poses to religious freedom and human dignity in Nigeria and beyond.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Hillsong United worship leader Joel Houston has spoken openly about a season of deep personal reflection after facing significant challenges in recent years.
- The well-known worship artist revealed that he spent two to three years largely removed from regular church involvement during this difficult period.
- Houston’s experience highlights the reality that even prominent Christian leaders face seasons of testing and spiritual struggle.
Joel Houston, the frontman for Hillsong United, has been candid about navigating a challenging season marked by personal struggles and spiritual introspection.
The worship leader shared that this period led him to step back significantly from church involvement for an extended time.
“I spent two to three years largely away from church,” Houston stated regarding his time of soul-searching.
His honesty about this chapter in his life serves as a reminder that faith journeys are not always straightforward, even for those in leadership positions within the Christian community.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Christian teaching affirms the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death
- Scripture calls believers to defend the vulnerable and protect the dignity of every person
- Traditional values uphold family responsibility and compassionate care rather than state-sanctioned ending of life
A recent report on Australia’s assisted suicide practices is drawing fresh concern from pro-life organizations across the nation.
According to the findings, a required nine-day waiting period is frequently being bypassed, raising questions about whether adequate safeguards are in place.
“We are seeing people rushed through a process that was meant to include reflection and protection,”
one pro-life advocate stated.
Supporters of the current law argue that the waiting period can be waived in cases where death is imminent or where the patient is experiencing severe suffering. Critics, however, warn that such exceptions risk turning a carefully regulated system into one that can be fast-tracked without sufficient oversight.
“The data shows that the safeguards are not being consistently applied,”
another voice in the debate noted.
Pro-life groups emphasize that every life holds inherent value and that society should focus resources on palliative care and family support instead of hastening death. They point to Australia’s experience as a cautionary example for other nations considering similar legislation.
“We must stand for life at every stage and reject the notion that some lives are expendable,”
a statement from one organization declared.
The report is expected to intensify debate as lawmakers and faith communities examine the long-term implications of assisted suicide laws.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Scripture teaches believers to guard against alliances that compromise the defense of truth and righteousness (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
- American elections remain a sacred trust entrusted to voters who must weigh candidates’ associations with care.
- Christian voters have a duty to examine every candidate’s record on religious liberty and national security.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is under fresh scrutiny after hosting a closed-door fundraising meet-and-greet with Muslim community leaders. Reports indicate that one of the organizers belongs to a coalition that has previously appeared alongside the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The private event has raised eyebrows among Texas voters who worry that Talarico may be courting groups whose public stances clash with core American principles of religious freedom and security.
“Transparency matters,” one longtime Texas voter said. “Texans deserve to know exactly whom their candidates are meeting behind closed doors.”
Critics point out that the Council on American-Islamic Relations has long been viewed skeptically by many Americans because of its documented ties to organizations that do not share our nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage.
Supporters of Talarico insist the gathering was simply outreach to a growing demographic. Yet the closed nature of the event leaves unanswered questions about what commitments, if any, were discussed.
“We are committed to building relationships with every community,” a Talarico campaign spokesperson stated. “This was one of many conversations we are having across Texas.”
Breaking News: James Talarico fundraises with the Dallas Palestine Coalition… a group with close ties to CAIR, the group designated a terror organization by TX Governor Abbott. Is this who you want in the Senate? https://t.co/exjIhzEjI4
— Grant Stinchfield (@stinchfield1776) October 20, 2026
Faith leaders across the state are urging voters to measure any candidate’s associations against biblical standards of wisdom and discernment.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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