Nigeria (MNN) — We begin our Christmas broadcast today focusing on Nigeria, where violence is expected. Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace and pray for unity and progress of the country as they celebrate.
While Christmas is a time for peace in part of the world, radical religious elements use this day as a day to attack Christians.
Nigeria's Boko Haram terrorist group is one such group. General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria Musa Asake expects the worst. "The concern is there, and they continue to [threaten]. But all we continue to do is to pray. We know that our protection comes from God."
While the government is responding with troops and police, Asake says, "In some cities, the government is sending policemen and soldiers to guard the churches, but that hasn't prevented them from doing their own havoc."
Asake says Christians are praying. "It is our prayer that the Lord will help us to focus on Christmas and the meaning of Christmas so we are not distracted by the happenings of Boko Haram."
