Dear Friends,

As we remember our friends locally, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution throughout the world.  Also, please remember the people of Haiti, who are still trying to recover from the devastation of that country.  Pray for the surviving pastors as they seek to minister to their people.  Pray for the missionaries serving there, for strength and health and courage as they meet the physical needs of the people, and share with them the gospel.

Religious Riots in Jos

• Date: February 03, 2010
• Country: Nigeria

Hundreds of Christians and Muslims in Jos have been killed in riots that began Jan. 17 when Muslim youths attacked a Catholic church and burned other church buildings, according to Compass Direct News. "Also burned were the Christ Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God Church, three branches of the Church of Christ and two buildings of the Evangelical Church of West Africa," Christian leaders said.
The Nigerian army intervened to restore peace to the area several days after the rioting began. The BBC reports that the number of casualties has grown to at least 265 and the numbers are expected to rise. A Red Cross official told the BBC that some of the 17,000 displaced people were returning home, but others have fled the city.
A police official told Compass that Muslim youths started the riots. More than 300 suspects have been arrested in connection with the violence, but the last time such riots occurred most people arrested were never prosecuted.

Photo courtesy of Hassan John.

Please Pray!

Please pray for the families of those who lost their lives in the Jos riots. Pray also for the injured and the displaced. Pray that the Nigerian government will end discriminatory policies and hold accountable those responsible for these violent actions. Pray that God will calm the fears of believers and give them boldness to share the gospel and the love of Christ.

VOM supports hundreds of Nigerian pastors who have been persecuted but continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our ministry also provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked by Muslim extremists.