Nigeria (MNN) ― Nigeria's acting president's decision to dissolve the government comes at a tense time following deadly Muslim-Christian violence in Jos. Even as he tries to bring new order, some people can't wait.
The region was hit by another wave of violence on Wednesday, resulting in 20 more deaths. That's on top of an estimated 500 Christians in the Nigerian village of Dogo Nahawa who were killed by machete-wielding Muslims. Most of the victims were women and children.
Carl Moeller with Open Doors says, "Our relief projects are to cover three basic areas: First is immediate survival. Second, we need to get some of these people into safe houses. And then finally, since many of the children have been orphaned, we're providing orphan care and spiritual support and education."
Many surviving Christians are still shell-shocked. The danger comes when grief turns to anger. "Our biggest prayer request right now is that Christians would be filled with the spirit of Christ and would be an example of forgiveness and not engage with retribution killing."
The church in Nigeria is on the cusp of a spiritual battle. In an interview Open Doors released with their Africa Director, he says, "We need to understand that those Christians in northern Nigeria face discrimination, humiliation and attacks on almost a daily basis. They have built and rebuilt homes and churches so many times. They have gone to morgues to look for the bodies of their loved ones so often."
Tension multiplies as the Open Doors coordinator testifies that the youth of Dogo Nahawa are livid over the attack. Their director noted that, "When a pastor encouraged them to forgive, they were extremely offended. This is not to be commended, but it has to be understood."
Along with their physical presence, their team brings spiritual and emotional assistance. As they bring that support, Moeller says it's the Gospel speaking. "We're trying to involve not only material resources, but also the spiritual and encouraging resources to let these Christians know that they're not forgotten."
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