Recently a CSW staff member encouraged us to ‘pray without ceasing’ for those we work with in Nigeria, in particular Pastor Gideon Mutum and journalist Steven Kefas, who have received death threats.
Praying without ceasing is a tall order, but this week you might want to leave a post-it note on the fridge with ‘Pray for Nigeria’; or perhaps print out this page and put it somewhere you walk past often, to remind you to keep Nigeria in your prayers at this dark time.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria
Sunday 24 October
Pastor Gideon Mutum, the founder and director of a camp for communities in southern Kaduna state fleeing militia violence, and Steven Kefas, a journalist and activist, have received death threats for speaking out against attacks by the Fulani militia. Pray Psalm 91 over them and their families, and that these threats come to nothing
Monday 25 October
The past year has seen a huge rise in mass abductions from schools, with over 1,000 children taken between December 2020 and July 2021. While Christian and government schools were particularly targeted initially, Islamic schools are being attacked increasingly. As both Muslim and Christian families suffer the terror and heartache of losing children, please pray for the success of our latest campaigns (page 2, Response) in fighting this crisis.
Tuesday 26 October
Eleven of the 135 children kidnapped from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state in July 2021 remain in captivity, pending payment of further ransom. While we thank God for those who were released, we also remember the remaining 11 children and their parents, along with all who have been abducted for ransom, praying that they would be protected and rescued, and can soon resume their education.
Wednesday 27 October
While abductions used to be confined to remote rural locations in southern Kaduna and local government areas near Zamfara state, people are now being taken from their homes within the capital city, including the predominantly Christian Sabon Tasha district in Kaduna metropolis. Pray that this deterioration in security would be brought to an end.
Thursday 28 October
Religious leaders and activists are particular targets of terrorist groups like ISWAP, Fulani militia and kidnappers. Pray protection over religious leaders in the north and centre, including Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW Nigeria, and for the CSW team of staff and volunteers who often travel to very dangerous places in order to meet with victims.
Friday 29 October
‘Father God, we thank you for the beauty and rich cultural diversity of Nigeria. We thank you for those who work to bring about unity, peace and understanding between religious groups and ask that you watch over them and bless their work. Amen.’
Saturday 30 October
‘He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.’ - Daniel 2:20. Nigeria is in desperate need of righteous leaders. Pray that God would raise up men and women of wisdom and courage.