“I decided not to allow the circumstances I went through to weigh me down... And meeting with other Christians really strengthened and encouraged me.”
– Rabo, West Africa
Once a country known for its cross-religious harmony, a dramatic rise in violence has led Niger to enter the World Watch List this year.
In regions under Islamic control, Christians must gather carefully because of an increased threat of violence. Some churches have been burned and pastors forced to flee their homes. Meanwhile, the local authorities have occasionally stopped believers from meeting, and the registration process for churches is long and difficult.
Those who leave Islam to follow Jesus face the most pressure from their families and communities. Female converts can face divorce, separation from children, forced marriage, and sexual assault. Male converts can face rejection, dismissal from work, and house arrest.
Christians living in areas under Islamic control or in the region bordering Nigeria are most susceptible to violent attacks, as are those living in the west where Niger borders Burkina Faso and Mali.
– Pray for the physical, mental, and spiritual healing of Christians impacted by trauma.
– Pray that God will soften the hearts of extremists in Niger, drawing them nearer to Him.
– Pray that our local partners will equip believers to withstand persecution.
