Let's lift up Smilee for relief from leg pain and a restful night's sleep. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isa 40:29). Trusting Jesus for complete healing and a swift return to work. In Jesus' name! 
Let's lift up 
"Stop worshipping and close the doors of your churches, or risk ferocious attacks!"
That's the gist of the letters a group of bandits in northern Nigeria has written to the Christian community in Zamfara State. Some churches have even now been listed for attack between now and the end of December. The churches and believers are taking the threats very seriously - and they're asking for your prayers.
A church leader reported that churches were given a three-year ultimatum to close all the churches in the state. He said the threat came from a Fulani group, but further details are not available at this time.
The police notified Christian leaders of the threat after they and several other security agencies received copies of the letter. Currently, police are working with with the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) on security measures around the church. A special squad has been created by the police to patrol and protect worshipers, especially on Sundays. Plain-clothes personnel have also been deployed to gather further information.
In addition to increasing security at places of worship, efforts are also intensifying at pastor's homes, other Christian centers and places where Christians gather. The state has also told churches not to hold activities beyond 5pm for the next three months, the church leader said.
Suleiman M, Open Door's team leader for West Africa, described the threat as extremely credible and a very worrying development. "Over the past few weeks, our research team has warned about the increased likelihood of attacks against Christians over the Christmas season," he said. "There is reason to believe the threat will spread to other states as well." Zamfara state is one of 12 states in northern Nigeria governed by Sharia law.
Please lift up our Nigerian brothers and sisters as they face imminent danger.
Pray that the federal and local governments and the security forces will work diligently to protect churches and Christians in this region.
Ask God to thwart the plans of those who mean evil against believers and congregations. Ask Him to amaze the would-be attackers with their inability to carry them out (Psalm 55.9)
Pray for grace to the leaders and believers in Zamfara State as they take measures to protect themselves and respond in Christ-honouring ways.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
That's the gist of the letters a group of bandits in northern Nigeria has written to the Christian community in Zamfara State. Some churches have even now been listed for attack between now and the end of December. The churches and believers are taking the threats very seriously - and they're asking for your prayers.
A church leader reported that churches were given a three-year ultimatum to close all the churches in the state. He said the threat came from a Fulani group, but further details are not available at this time.
The police notified Christian leaders of the threat after they and several other security agencies received copies of the letter. Currently, police are working with with the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) on security measures around the church. A special squad has been created by the police to patrol and protect worshipers, especially on Sundays. Plain-clothes personnel have also been deployed to gather further information.
In addition to increasing security at places of worship, efforts are also intensifying at pastor's homes, other Christian centers and places where Christians gather. The state has also told churches not to hold activities beyond 5pm for the next three months, the church leader said.
Suleiman M, Open Door's team leader for West Africa, described the threat as extremely credible and a very worrying development. "Over the past few weeks, our research team has warned about the increased likelihood of attacks against Christians over the Christmas season," he said. "There is reason to believe the threat will spread to other states as well." Zamfara state is one of 12 states in northern Nigeria governed by Sharia law.
Please lift up our Nigerian brothers and sisters as they face imminent danger.
Pray that the federal and local governments and the security forces will work diligently to protect churches and Christians in this region.
Ask God to thwart the plans of those who mean evil against believers and congregations. Ask Him to amaze the would-be attackers with their inability to carry them out (Psalm 55.9)
Pray for grace to the leaders and believers in Zamfara State as they take measures to protect themselves and respond in Christ-honouring ways.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
