human-rights | The Recovering Legalist

I have never been considered an activist, but I may become one.

In recent months I have become more aware of the dire predicament of Nigerian Christians. They have called on my country, America, for help, but our government has practically done nothing.

Now, crossing a line that used to mean something, Boko Haram (the Muslim terrorist group in control of most of northern Nigeria) has threatened the United States, France, and others. They want to become the al-Qaeda of the region and branch out internationally. What is our government going to do, stand by and let them grow in strength as they blatantly slaughter Christians and Muslims alike?

Boko Haram means “Western education is sinful.” Therefore, true to their name, this group has burned hundreds of churches and schools, killing children as indiscriminately as men and women. Southern Nigerian Christians have taken about all they can stand. Their ability to openly worship has been severely hampered by threats of murder. Many in the south are not even going to church any more out of fear. In many cases, pastors are leaving their families at home while they risk their lives to sit in empty churches on Sunday.

I am asking for not only my country, the United States, to do something, but for the whole Western world to hear the cry of Nigeria.

Please, make calls, send letters, do something! Don’t allow our brothers and sisters to suffer in silence.

I don’t know how to go about doing it, but I am considering putting together a charity, a fund, or something to raise funds for the hurting church in Nigeria. If nothing else, I wish it was possible to take team of Christians representing the Body of Christ, much like what Paul did in the New Testament, and minister to those who are under persecution. I would love, as a Caucasian American pastor, to put my arms around the neck of my Nigerian brothers and let them know they are not alone, that their cries have been heard.

Galatians 6:10 – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Hebrews 6:10 – For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Acts 11:29-30 – Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Please read the following articles and pray for God to show you what you can do.

America’s ‘stunning betrayal’

Nigerian terrorists target the U.S.

“The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a “final call” to the Federal Government to neutralize the violence against Christians” – (from the Nigerian Website)