Open Doors: Mexico, Nigeria

Four Young Christians Ambushed in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, Mexico

Agustin Gomez, 21, and Carlos Perez, 24, were hospitalized. Carlos sustained five gunshot wounds to the chest and was treated for internal bleeding and shock. He remains in serious condition. Agustin was also treated for gunshot wounds, but was released. Along with 15-year-old Andres Gomez Gomez and 13-year-old Santos Jiménez Perez, Agustin and Carlos were ambushed on the road while heading home from collecting water for their families, living in a village where there is no water. Read More>>

Please Pray:

For these four young men—for healing, comfort, strength, perseverance, and God’s demonstration of His love for them during this time। 2 Chronicles 16:9a

For local Christians in San Juan Chamula who face similar persecution and violence—that God will protect them, use their testimonies to challenge surrounding beliefs, and bring glory to Himself. John 17:20-24

Muslim Students Set Fire For the Third Time to High School Chapel in Nigeria

The Government Science Secondary School’s Chapel of Adonai was burned down three years ago by Muslim students, a time when many Christian students were also beaten to the point of hospitalization। This most recent arson attack is the second since services resumed last September, according to Compass Direct News. On both occasions, staff and students managed to put out the fires. Prior to this most recent attack, letters were dropped into the chapel mail, warning Christian students and staff members of an impending attack unless they left the school.*
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Please Pray:

For the students and staff of this school—that they will not be discouraged by the repeated attacks, but that they will see God’s sustaining hand of protection over them and their Chapel of Adonai: Psalm 55:22

That these Muslim students will be awakened to the love and compassion of God, who both preserves and blesses His children through trials of this kind, as well as offers forgiveness to those who inflict these wounds. 1 Kings 18:39

Open Doors: Nigeria

Nigeria

More than 200 Islamists attacked Christians in Nasarawa state as they were attempting to rebuild a Reformed Church building that had been burned down by Muslim extremists two years ago. Following the incident, the Nasarawa state government banned any further attempt to reconstruct the facility, according to Compass Direct News. “I personally witnessed the attack on the workers at the reconstruction site of the church,” said the Rev. Jerry Modibo, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa state chapter. “The Muslims were chanting, ‘Death to Christians, death to infidels. This town is for Muslims, we don’t want Christians here.’” According to Modibo, banning church-building is just one way the government is trying to stifle Christianity in the central Nigerian state. * Read More>>

Please Pray:

For the health and quick recovery of the Christians who were attacked and injured in this incident, and for the many other Nigerian Christians who face violence and persecution on a daily basis. 1 Peter 5:10

That Nigerian Christians will not cease to exhibit the grace and love of God towards those who persecute them; and specifically, that these 200 Islamists will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Luke 6:27-28

That all government attempts to stifle the growth of Christianity in Nigeria will be thwarted, and that the Nigerian Church will be strengthened and sustained by God to carry out His commission to the people of Nigeria and beyond. Proverbs 19:21