It was a worship service at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kakau Daji last month. A time to praise God and lift the hearts of the congregation to Him.
And then the attackers came.
According to one report, they first headed for the children's section of the church. Then they changed their mind and surrounded the entire church. People began to run. One member of the church was shot to death. Sixty more people were rounded up and taken away as hostages.
As is often the case, understanding the motives of the attackers is not simple. No one is sure if these Christians were taken because they are believers, or if they just made an easy target -it could be both. But what is clear is that this kind of attack can cause more tension and distrust, and that there don't seem to be consequences for the brutal violence.
"This kidnapping is a shocking example of the audacity of the so-called bandits and the impunity that is escalating, seemingly without bounds in Nigeria," commented Jo Newhouse, an Open Doors spokesperson. "The government is grossly failing it's citizens in this matter and the continuing lawlessness is creating ideal breeding ground for extremism. We call on the international Body of Christ to remain in fervent prayer for the release of the church members and that the Lord's protection over these believers and that they will experience His peace in the midst of the situation."
Join us in praying for the people of Nigeria in this time.
Ask God to cause the bandits to let the captives go without harm or further difficulties.
Pray for the people who are held captive, and those who wait for them to return. Ask that God rain His peace down upon them in this difficult time.
Lift up the bandits themselves, that the demeanor and behaviour of their captives will touch their hearts and show them Christ in real lives.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert
And then the attackers came.
According to one report, they first headed for the children's section of the church. Then they changed their mind and surrounded the entire church. People began to run. One member of the church was shot to death. Sixty more people were rounded up and taken away as hostages.
As is often the case, understanding the motives of the attackers is not simple. No one is sure if these Christians were taken because they are believers, or if they just made an easy target -it could be both. But what is clear is that this kind of attack can cause more tension and distrust, and that there don't seem to be consequences for the brutal violence.
"This kidnapping is a shocking example of the audacity of the so-called bandits and the impunity that is escalating, seemingly without bounds in Nigeria," commented Jo Newhouse, an Open Doors spokesperson. "The government is grossly failing it's citizens in this matter and the continuing lawlessness is creating ideal breeding ground for extremism. We call on the international Body of Christ to remain in fervent prayer for the release of the church members and that the Lord's protection over these believers and that they will experience His peace in the midst of the situation."
Join us in praying for the people of Nigeria in this time.
Ask God to cause the bandits to let the captives go without harm or further difficulties.
Pray for the people who are held captive, and those who wait for them to return. Ask that God rain His peace down upon them in this difficult time.
Lift up the bandits themselves, that the demeanor and behaviour of their captives will touch their hearts and show them Christ in real lives.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert
Dear group, let's lift up 
Hello everyone! Let's lift up 
Let's pray for baby Paxton who's rushed to ER not breathing due to RSV. And for 
Prayer Updates
Let's lift up 
Baby Paxton needs urgent prayers for healing! 
Praying for 
