Faith
Rising Persecution in Nigeria Tests Faith Amid Deadly Attack
Tragedy struck a predominantly Christian community in Jos, Nigeria, as gunmen launched a horrific assault on Palm Sunday. The assailants arrived via motorcycles and vans to target innocent families during what should have been a sacred time of worship.
As believers gathered for business and fellowship, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving 28 people dead and numerous others wounded. This assault highlights the growing persecution faced by the faithful in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
Faith Facts
- Nigeria remains the deadliest place in the world for Christians, accounting for 72 percent of believers killed for their faith globally.
- Radial Islamist groups frequently target Christian farming communities to seize land and forcefully impose religious ideologies.
- The Christian population continues to endure targeted raids and violence despite government curfews and promises of increased security.
Arin Izere, a local gospel singer, witnessed the terror firsthand as gunmen dressed in military fatigues began shooting moments after arriving. This calculated deception allowed the terrorists to approach the defenseless community before unleashing their deadly barrage.
“I went to drop my friend at Angwan Rukuba, and at that moment we saw the terrorists coming down from their vehicle with guns.”
Resident Debra Jalmet voiced the collective heartbreak of a community that has seen far too much bloodshed for the sake of the Gospel. She called for an end to the silence as mothers grieve the loss of children stolen by this senseless violence.
“There is no pain greater than a mother holding a child whose life has been taken too soon. Jos is not just bleeding it is crying through the hearts of its mothers.”
We must stand in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who risk their lives daily to stand for Christ. May the Lord provide comfort to the grieving families and strength to the Church in the face of ongoing persecution.
Faith Facts
- The Johnson Amendment was established in 1954 to limit nonprofit political endorsements.
- U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that federal law barred relief in this tax matter.
- National Religious Broadcasters and several churches plan to appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
A federal judge recently rejected a proposed agreement between the IRS and Christian ministries.
The deal would have kept churches from being punished for political speech from the pulpit.
The ruling leaves the restrictive Johnson Amendment in place.
It continues to threaten the religious liberty and free speech rights of American pastors.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said the order avoids correcting a wrong that strikes at American freedom.
“Fortunately, the NRB plans to appeal this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.”
“Family Research Council will support that effort.”
Christians must continue to pray for full liberty.
They should seek a day when houses of worship can speak truth without fear of government overreach.
Faith Facts
- The broadcast featured traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs, including Nothing But the Blood of Jesus and Jireh.
- Contestants held backstage Bible studies and prayer sessions to support one another throughout the competition.
- Judge Lionel Richie said the world is in need of prayer and reminded viewers that God remains in control.
The hit television show American Idol recently dedicated a live broadcast to Songs of Faith, allowing contestants to openly worship and proclaim the Gospel.
Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan joined the top 14 contestants in a gospel-filled opening that set a reverent tone for the national audience.
Country star Carrie Underwood closed the evening with a powerful rendition of How Great Thou Art.
The performance reportedly caused the studio to vibrate with the Holy Spirit.
Host Ryan Seacrest noted the incredible atmosphere, pointing out that the bold theme provided moments of genuine worship in front of the world.
“When you hear people praising Jesus in this light, it’s something that I feel like maybe the country’s gotten away from.”
Luke Bryan reflected on the importance of returning to these foundational spiritual roots, noting that many performers first discovered their gifts within the church.
Contestants shared personal testimonies of how God delivered them from depression and provided strength during times of spiritual warfare in Hollywood.
Witnessing the bold proclamation of Christ on such a massive platform serves as a powerful reminder that our nation is hungry for the Truth found only in Him.
Faith Facts
- A former GLAAD president is urging an end to the medicalization of gender-confused youth.
- He said minors are not mature enough to make irreversible decisions about their bodies and health.
- The discussion comes as courts and medical leaders weigh the risks of these procedures for children.
A prominent figure in the LGBT movement is now sounding the alarm over the dangerous push to subject gender-confused children to life-altering medical procedures. Former GLAAD president Herndon Graddick recently called for an end to the medicalization of youth, urging a correction of the movement’s current path.
Graddick emphasized that minors lack the maturity to make irreversible decisions regarding their bodies and health. He noted that the movement must admit its mistakes to protect children from further harm.
-
Self-Reliance1 year agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
Faith12 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
News1 year agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
News1 year agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Family1 year agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
Freedom1 year agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family11 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith4 months ago
Congress Hears Pleas for Nigerian Christians