Fear of a gang of thugs roaming our streets looking for Christians to beat up, maim, even kill is thoroughly foreign to Disciples in America. Not so in other parts of the world. A Voice of the Martyrs publication tells the story of Seyi, a 22 year-old Christian who lives in Jos, a city of northern Nigeria. In November of 2008, a riot broke out in his city. Ostensibly, the result of local elections, it soon became clear that Muslim insurgents were using the riot as a pretense to attack Believers in Christ.
“Groups of Muslim warriors roamed the city with machetes. More than 100 Christians were killed, and thousands more were beaten, shot or cut. The Muslims also burned the homes and cars of Christians. Many more were wounded, and about 25,000 people were displaced. Nigerian security officers used extreme force to quell the two-day uprising.”One mob broke into Seyi’s family home. The rest of Seyi’s family, his parents and four siblings, fled but “… the mob grabbed Seyi before he could get out. They struck him with machetes, slicing a deep gash in his head. The mob set the house on fire and left him for dead. His family managed to drag his unconscious body from the house and saved his life.” This young Believer had been attacked for no other discernable reason than that he was a Christian.
With VOM’s financial help, Seyi spent 11 days in the hospital before being released to finish his recuperation. His family lost everything in the fire! Thank God their church stepped in to provide them with a place to stay. In the face of this tragedy, Seyi confessed that he “… sometimes feels afraid, but he trusts God to protect him and prevent other attacks. His favorite verse, Psalm 91:7, is about God’s protection.” This young man is convinced the Lord spared his life for a special mission. Great is his rejoicing that he has been counted worthy to share in the Lord’s suffering. Seyi “… plans to use his experiences as an opportunity to share Christ.” He commented that he knew the Lord had a higher purpose for all that happened to him.
“A thousand may fall at your side; And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:7
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