Nigeria (MNN) ― Nigeria continues to route Islamic militants out of the north, but the fighting has displaced thousands.
There are some conflicting reports over the nature of the fighting and whether or not it is sectarian. The militant group, called the Boko Haram, is pushing for sharia law in all Nigeria's states. The trouble started with an extremist attack on a police station in Bauchi state Sunday. Then came attacks in Kano, Yobe and Borno.
As the government works to keep the lid on an explosive situation, it raises concerns for those living in areas where Muslims and Christians have clashed in the past. Although sharia law was originally sanctioned to govern only Muslim citizens in the north and in central Nigeria, non-Muslims living in the regions have also been affected. Christians frequently face opposition in areas controlled by Muslims.
Evangelist Sammy Tippit has trained church leaders in Nigeria and still has ties to those he worked with. When asked if he thought believers were the initial target, he said, "I think that what is taking place right now is aimed at more than the Christians. The Christians are part of what's happening, but it's aimed at the government as well--at the institutions, because this particular group is really wanting Nigeria to be a Muslim country."
Tippit urges believers to follow the way of Christ because the extremists "are really intent on crushing any kind of Christian movement in those states and in those areas especially in northern Nigeria. We need to pray for God to intervene, for God to change the hearts of those who are intent on doing evil."
Tippit says this time is a challenge to ministry. It's a time when the natural desire is to avenge an attack. Tippit has been encouraging other Christians to follow the way of Christ rather than continue to follow a downward spiral of revenge.
The upside is, "When there is persecution, it doesn't hurt the church: it strengthens the church. When believers are scattered, then they plant churches in new locations, and the church actually grows."
Pray that Christians in Nigeria will demonstrate the love of Christ in spite of the opposition they face.
