Despite the Danger, Refugee Children Know the Love of Jesus
NIGERIA - In the past 18 months, the cycle of violence, hunger, and death in rural Nigeria has only intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions. Even though many have died in Nigeria from the virus, by the grace of God, Call of Hope’s Frontline Workers and friends have miraculously been spared.
While we have been forced to respect the pandemic restrictions in some areas, bandit and terrorist activities have not slowed. In fact, it’s worsened, as many in the area are desperate for food, including Fulani bandits and Boko Haram!
Many villagers in rural Nigeria could not grow crops this year as it attracts violent Fulani militia. Without a strong military presence, those in northern Nigeria are left at the mercy of these roaming bands. In addition to pillaging crops, food, and other resources, our Farmer Evangelists report, “the Fulanis will come in the night and kill or kidnap as many as they can.”
Brother Abdul explains, “Security has affected us greatly in terms of visiting our Christian brothers and sisters in the villages. Using our truck will attract the Fulani bandits, encouraging kidnapping and heavy ransoms. To avoid risking the lives of the Farmer Evangelists we sometimes use the motorcycles to go to their stations. On our last visit, we barely missed the kidnappers!
On the way, we came upon people who were running and bleeding from various parts of their bodies. They warned us of the armed bandits, so we immediately left and took those who had gun shots to the nearest hospital for treatment.”
In spite of the daily danger to life, our co-workers are not deterred from carrying out the Great Commission in this dangerous Islamic region of Nigeria.
Call of Hope Frontline Workers are always on their way to the people in the refugee camps. This implies a high degree of risk! Fully loaded with relief supplies, Bibles and songbooks, they are subject to being stopped and kidnapped by the Boko Haram at any time. It is a miracle how God has protected them time and again as they carry out their work in dangerous and deadly areas. They also care for the teachers in the Call of Hope school for more than 350 refugee children in the very dangerous area of Borno State. One of the girls is 16-year-old Danjwaya.
When Boko Haram burned down her village 5 years ago, she and her mother were one of the few who were able to escape. The mother, who was pregnant at the time, lost her child during the flight. As they arrived in the refugee camp, they had nothing but the clothes they were wearing and little hope. Today Danjwaya says,
“I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse one day and being able to help people. When I arrived in the refugee camp, I was so sad that there was no school. My dream had died. But since Call of Hope came here and started the school, I have been full of energy. I am learning my lessons well and I am studying Gods Word with my friends. I am thankful to God for this safe place and for giving us this school. I also thank all those who are helping me with my school education and making my future as a nurse possible. It is especially the study of the Bible that strengthens me. This has made me a disciplined and hard-working pupil. I am very, very grateful."
