The Beginning of a Genocide in Northern Nigeria? Urgent Action Needed to Stop the Massacre of Christians

Warning:

This alert contains extremely graphic images that may be disturbing to some readers.  Please ask any young children to leave the room before clicking "More".  We are not including these images to shock or offend, but simply to convey to you the reality of what is happening in Nigeria – the time has come to wake up to the truth!

 

Dear Friends and Partners,

You may recall our alert following the horrific Christmas Day 2011 church bombing by Islamic extremist group Boko Haram that claimed the lives of at least 45 Christians.  Sadly, far from serving as a wake-up call for both the international community and the Nigerian government, the Christmas Day attacks were merely a sombre preview of things to come.  The situation in Nigeria is increasingly urgent, and if immediate action is not taken to bring to an end the slaughter of Christians, we could be witnessing the beginning of a genocide in Northern Nigeria.  

This Sunday morning (Nigerian time), Islamic extremists carried out 3 coordinated attacks on churches in Kaduna region, leaving at least 44 dead andhundreds more wounded – although the numbers are likely to rise as the casualties are fully accounted for.  The first attack took place in the town of Zaria, when a suicide bomber drove through a barricade and detonated a massive explosion that killed 24 worshippers and wounded over 100 others.  Within a few minutes, a second bomb went off at a nearby church, killing another 10 and wounding approximately 50.  A third bomb was detonated in the city of Kaduna approximately 30 minutes later.

Even by the most conservative estimates, at least 200 Christians have been killed at the hands of Islamic extremists during the first 6 months of 2012, in addition to the thousands killed over the previous two years.  Although the Western media has used phrases such as “sectarian violence” and “religious conflict,” the past two years can only be described as a massacre of the Christian community.  Boko Haram and its followers have repeatedly and publicly stated their goal: to remove the Christian presence from Northern Nigeria either by killing Christians or driving them out of their homes through fear.  Such a plan amounts to nothing less than genocidal intent.

The growing danger faced by Christians in Northern Nigeria is further illustrated by the fact that Christian churches have been targeted on each of the two Sundays leading up to the latest attacks.  The June 3 attack in Bauchi left 21 Christians dead and at least 45 others injured, whereas the bombing in Jos the following Sunday killed 2 and injured more than 40 Christian worshippers – the third such attack in Jos in 2012.  Also on June 10, gunmen affiliated with Boko Haram killed at least two Christian worshippers during a church service in Borno state.

These attacks are merely the latest bloody chapter in a violent campaign aimed at Christians in Nigeria.  While we will not endeavour to bring you anexhaustive list of these horrific attacks, the following examples should serve as a wake-up call for all who care about human rights (Christian and non-Christian alike) to speak out and take action to bring to an end the violence in Nigeria.  On Easter Sunday (April 8), for instance, a suicide bomber attempting to attack a Christian church killed over 40 people and injured dozens more.  At least eleven more Christian worshippers were killed in two separate attacks on churches in Jos, on February 26 and March 11 respectively – and in both cases the bomber was diverted just prior to detonating the explosives, failing which the casualty figures would have been even higher.  Other bombings in Suleja on Sunday, February 19, and in Bauchi City on Sunday, January 22, left approximately 10 more Christians dead and many others injured.  In the week from January 3 to 9 alone, Boko Haram took credit for the killings of 44 Christians in 4 Nigerian states.

There are reports from some media outlets that a group of Christians engaged in retaliatory killings after the latest gruesome attacks.  At this time, we cannot confirm either the reports of the killings themselves or whether the attackers were, in fact, Christians.  If these reports are true, our hearts are grieved for this additional loss of life, and our prayers go out to the families of those who died.  One Free World International does not condone violence of any kind, and we urge the Christian community in Nigeria not to seek retribution by returning evil for evil.

However, even if these reports are true, the isolated actions of a few in no way diminish either the horror of the past attacks or, more importantly, the present and increasing danger facing Christians in Northern Nigeria. Additionally, such regrettable actions are a testament to the lack of protection provided by the central government, which causes some to believe (however wrongly) that their only option is to take matters into their own hands.

Indeed, despite the escalating campaign to eliminate Christianity from Northern Nigeria, the central government has failed to suppress Islamic extremism and groups such as Boko Haram, or to prevent repeated attacks on Christian communities.  While we acknowledge that some efforts at protection have been made, when it comes to preventing the massacre of human beings, ‘best efforts’ and ‘good intentions’ are simply not enough.  Moreover, our sources indicate that police and security forces were warned on a number of occasions that the attacks detailed above would take place, but did not intervene to protect the Christian churches.  By turning a blind eye to the attacks, the police and military have become complicit in these atrocities.

It is vital that we call on our political leaders to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its failure to protect the Christian community.  We are grateful that both Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have issued statements following two of the attacks this year – on April 8 and May 1 respectively.  However, it is imperative that our governments’ response not be restricted to isolated statements condemning individual attacks.  Public statements by our governments, while vital, are only the first step and must be backed up by consistent and sustained pressure on the Nigerian government to take action against Islamic extremists through diplomatic efforts and through linking our trade and aid to progress on human rights.

We must not forget that our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are not blessed with the peace and security we enjoy. We cannot afford to stand by as Christians are massacred simply because of their faith and religious practices. OFWI has been working to provide medical and humanitarian aid to the wounded in these attacks through our contacts in the region. Nigerian Christians desperately need our support, so please take a few moments from your day to join us in seeking justice and peace for our brothers and sisters. Your prayers, letters, and financial support are vitally important to reach the victims of these attacks with your comfort and encouragement.  We must stand with our brothers and sisters and for their right to live and worship without fear of being killed for their faith.  Please make your voice heard on behalf of the Christians in Nigeria.

Please pray:

• for courage, faith, and strength for the Christians in Nigeria during this time of deep trial. Pray that they would be encouraged and strengthened to stay true to their faith, in order that they might be a shining beacon of truth and the love of Christ both in a country desperately looking for light and throughout the whole world;

• for peace and healing in the country of Nigeria. Pray that the violence would be stopped, and that Christians would be able to live and worship in peace and security without fear of attack;

• that those carrying out these attacks would come to realize the wrongfulness of their acts and that they would seek the love and forgiveness of God and in turn apply their energies toward spreading peace rather than violence;

• that the Lord will give the Nigerian Christians the ability to forgive even when they are under constant attack.  Pray that the Christians would not seek vengeance or return evil for evil, but that they would be filled with God’s love and grace even towards those who seek to kill them;

• for the Nigerian people as a whole, that they would be united and find true peace and meaning in the Prince of Peace.

ACTION:

The Bible teaches that faith without action is dead, so please take action urgently and write (contact details are included below):

• to the Nigerian high commissioner or ambassador to your country demanding that the Nigerian government take immediate and meaningful action to ensure the security of Christian communities and to control the violent extremist groups responsible for these attacks;

• to your Foreign Minister or Secretary of State, thanking them for their statements on the Nigerian attacks and insisting that they continue, through consistent attention to these issues both on the diplomatic front and through trade and aid policy, to hold the Nigerian government accountable for the protection of its citizens from Islamic extremism;

• to your Prime Minister or President directly, urging them to intervene in this urgent matter and use the full influence of their office to secure an immediate end to these massacres and to obtain assurances that the Christians will be protected from further attacks.

Please remember to send us a copy of your correspondence at:

info@onefreeworldinternational.org

Remember that the persecuted Christians are dying every day, but they are still smiling. They are in a very deep dark night, but they have the candle of the Lord. The enemy can have a very strong weapon and a very strong army, but we have the Lord Almighty.

"They can kill the dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream" in the Lord’s name.

Be with God and may God be with you.

Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder One Free World International El Shafie Ministries

CONTACT: In Canada: His Excellency Iyorwuese Hagher High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria 295 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1R9 Tel.: (613) 236-0521; Fax: (613) 236-0529 Email: chancery@nigeriahcottawa.com

The Honourable John Baird Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 Tel.: (613) 996-0984; Fax: (613) 996-9880 Email: john.baird@parl.gc.ca

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington St Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A2 Tel.: (613) 992-4211; Fax: (613) 941-6900 Email: pm@pm.gc.ca

In the United States: His Excellency Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 3519 International Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 986-8400 ext. 1097 or 1098; Fax: (202) 362-6541 or (202) 775-1385 Email: hm@nigeriaembassyusa.org

Secretary Hillary Clinton U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Tel.: (202) 647-4000 (Main switchboard) Webform: http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=F5OZZa6i&p_lva=&p_sp=&p_li

President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC  20500 Tel.: (202) 456-1414 (Main switchboard) Webform: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

In the United Kingdom: His Excellency Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria 9 Northumberland Ave London WC2N 5BX Tel.: (44) 207 8391244; Fax: (44) 207 83987463519 Email: hc@nigeriahc.org.uk

The Right Honourable William Hague Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Foreign & Commonwealth Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH Tel.: 020 7008 1500 (Main switchboard) Webform: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/ministerial-feedback-form

The Right Honourable David Cameron Prime Minister of the United Kingdom The Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA Fax: 020 7925 0918 Email: https://email.number10.gov.uk/

Nigerian Churches Attacked on Christmas Day and in the New Year

Dear Friends and Partners,

Once again, as we in the West wind down our celebrations of the birth of Christ and begin a new year, blessed to enjoy the warmth and joy of the season together with friends and family in peace and security, our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are under attack and need our support.

At least 26 Christians were killed in two attacks carried out by Islamic extremists on January 5 and 6. These attacks, targeting Christians attending church services and a town hall meeting, come on the heels of a series of bombings carried out by an Islamic extremist group called Boko Haram less than two weeks ago which claimed the lives of at least 40 Christians and left dozens more wounded on Christmas Day.

The first and most devastating bomb struck St. Theresa Catholic Church, some 40 km away from the capital city Abuja, just as hundreds of worshippers were leaving Christmas mass. Later in the morning, two bombs exploded at churches in the city of Jos, along with other bombings in the cities of Gadaka, Damaturu, and Kano targeting both churches and security infrastructure, while in the town of Mubi authorities were able to disarm bombs planted around three churches before they were detonated.

Sadly these massacres are only the latest bloody chapter in a violent campaign aimed at Christians in Nigeria since the Christmas attacks we mentioned to you one year ago. This country in northern Africa is deeply divided along religious lines with a largely Christian and animistic south and a predominantly Muslim north. Despite accounting for nearly half of the population, many Christians, particularly in the northern states where Islamic extremists seek to enforce strict shariah law, live in constant fear of attack.

Hundreds of Christians were killed and thousands more injured or displaced in 2011. The central government has failed to suppress Islamic extremism and groups such as Boko Haram, or to prevent repeated attacks on Christian communities, especially since the summer, despite a paramilitary crackdown in a number of states. In several attacks in Plateau state alone, for instance, at least 150 Christians were killed and hundreds more wounded. Perhaps the most horrific attack, however, took place in Yobe state on November 4, as more than 200 members of Boko Haram surrounded the state capital of Damaturu sealing off all exit roads, and proceeded to systematically murder over 150 people, approximately 130 of whom were specifically singled out and executed because they were Christians.

It is critical that we continue to make our voices heard and call on our political leaders to encourage the Nigerian government to protect Christians. Shortly after the Christmas day attacks, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird stated that "Canada strongly denounces such cowardly acts without reservation," adding that Canada will "stand with the people and the government of Nigeria at this difficult time." The White House also condemned the "senseless violence and tragic loss of life," pledging to "assist [the Nigerian government] in bringing those responsible to justice." We welcome these swift responses by our leaders to the Christmas attacks as well as earlier statements about two of the more serious incidents that took place in 2011. However, it is imperative that our governments’ response not be restricted to isolated statements condemning those attacks that are severe enough to attract the attention of international media. Public statements by our governments, while vital, are only the first step and must be backed up by consistent pressure on the Nigerian government to take action against Islamic extremists through diplomatic efforts and through linking our trade and aid to progress on human rights.

As we close out this holiday season, we must not forget that our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are not blessed with the peace and security we enjoy. We cannot afford to stand by as Christians are massacred simply because of their faith and religious practices. OFWI has been working since Christmas Day to provide medical and humanitarian aid to the wounded through our contacts in the region. Nigerian Christians desperately need our support, so please take a few moments from your day to join us in seeking justice and peace for our brothers and sisters. Your prayers, letters, and financial support are vitally important to reach the victims of these attacks with your comfort and encouragement.

Please pray:

• for courage, faith, and strength for the Christians in Nigeria during this time of deep trial. Pray that they would be encouraged and strengthened to stay true to their faith, in order that they might be a shining beacon of truth and the love of Christ both in a country desperately looking for light and throughout the whole world;

• for peace and healing in the country of Nigeria. Pray that the violence would be stopped, and that Christians would be able to live and worship in peace and security without fear of attack;

• that those carrying out these attacks would come to realize the wrongfulness of their acts and that they would seek the love and forgiveness of God and in turn apply their energies toward spreading peace rather than violence;

• for the Nigerian people as a whole, that they would be united and find true peace and meaning in the Prince of Peace.

ACTION:

The Bible teaches that faith without action is dead, so please take action urgently and write (contact details are included below):

• to the Nigerian high commissioner or ambassador to your country demanding that the Nigerian government take immediate and meaningful action to ensure the security of Christian communities and to control the violent extremist groups responsible for these attacks;

• to your Foreign Minister or Secretary of State, thanking them for their statements on the Nigerian attacks and insisting that they continue, through consistent attention to these issues both on the diplomatic front and through trade and aid policy, to hold the Nigerian government accountable for the protection of its citizens from Islamic extremism.

Please remember to send us a copy of your correspondence at:

info@onefreeworldinternational.org

Remember that the persecuted Christians are dying every day, but they are still smiling. They are in a very deep dark night, but they have the candle of the Lord. The enemy can have a very strong weapon and a very strong army, but we have the Lord Almighty.

"They can kill the dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream" in the Lord’s name.

Be with God and may God be with you.

Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder One Free World International El Shafie Ministries

CONTACT: In Canada: His Excellency Iyorwuese Hagher High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria 295 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1R9 Tel.: (613) 236-0521; Fax: (613) 236-0529 Email: chancery@nigeriahcottawa.com

The Honourable John Baird Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 Tel.: (613) 996-0984; Fax: (613) 996-9880 Email: john.baird@parl.gc.ca

In the United States:

His Excellency Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 3519 International Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 986-8400 ext. 1097 or 1098; Fax: (202) 362-6541 or (202) 775-1385 Email: hm@nigeriaembassyusa.org

Secretary Hillary Clinton U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Tel.: (202) 647-4000 (Main switchboard) Webform: http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=F5OZZa6i&p_lva=&p_sp=&p_li

In the United Kingdom:

His Excellency Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria 9 Northumberland Ave London WC2N 5BX Tel.: (44) 207 8391244; Fax: (44) 207 83987463519 Email: hc@nigeriahc.org.uk

The Right Honourable William Hague Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Foreign & Commonwealth Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH Tel.: 020 7008 1500 (Main switchboard) Webform: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/ministerial-feedback-form

Victory Report: Relief for Ola

Victory Report: Relief for Ola

Dear Friends and Partners,

We would like to extend a special thank you for all your prayers and support for Ola and Alice after our alert on September 9th. You may recall that Ola has lived in sanctuary at her church for almost two years in order to avoid deportation to Nigeria and separation from her Canadian daughter.

On the afternoon of Monday, September 22, 2008, we received word that Ola had been arrested after a neighbour of the church complained to police after seeing Ola outside in the church’s garden. After many anxious moments for Ola, Alice, and their pastor, and a flurry of telephone calls with immigration and border services officials, we are pleased to report that, although Ola spent the night in detention, she was not deported. Instead, she has been allowed to leave the church to wait for the decision on her humanitarian and compassionate application. She is free to live at home and no longer has to fear being arrested as long as she abides by conditions placed on her by Border Services.

A final decision on Ola’s application has not been made, but this new development is worth celebrating in the meantime. It means that Ola can attend Alice’s school functions and spend time with her doing mother-daughter things and living a fairly normal life. As a result, we would like to acknowledge the support and understanding that Ola has received throughout this ordeal from Peel Regional Police as well as immigration and border authorities who showed compassion even as they did their jobs enforcing Canadian law. We would also like to express a special thanks to Toronto immigration lawyer Chantal Desloges who spent much of Monday afternoon on the telephone to secure this result.

Due to this surprising turn of events, the support rally we had planned this Sunday has been changed into a celebration. Please join us on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. The event will take place at Trinity Anglican Church at 26 Stavebank Road North in Mississauga (in Port Credit at Stavebank Rd. and Lakeshore Rd., west of Hurontario).

Despite the celebration, Ola’s ultimate outcome is still uncertain. Please continue to pray that her application will be approved and that she will be granted permanent resident status so that she can stay in Canada and live in security with Alice.

Remember, that the persecuted Christians are dying every day, but they are still smiling.  They are in a very deep dark night, but they have the candle of the Lord. The enemy can have a very strong weapon and a very strong army, but we have the Lord Almighty.

"They can kill the dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream" in the Lord’s name.

Be with God and may God be with you.

Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder One Free World International El Shafie Ministries

Support Nigerian Woman Facing Deporation and Separation from Child

Support Nigerian Woman Facing Deportation and Separation from Child

 Dear Friends and Partners,

One Free World International invites you and your friends to join us in Mississauga on September 28 at 2 p.m. in a rally to support Ola Akins, a Nigerian woman who has lived in sanctuary at her church for two years to avoid deportation and separation from her twelve-year-old Canadian daughter.

Since 1995 Ola has unsuccessfully sought permanent resident status in Canada. A final decision is outstanding but Ola has been living in sanctuary since a deportation order went into effect in October 2006. She cannot leave the church yet the refuge it offers is uncertain since it is based on custom rather than law. The situation is also very challenging for her daughter, Alice, who spends her evenings after school with Ola at the church.

Unlike Canadian women, women in Nigeria have very little power or status. Discriminatory attitudes, policies, and violence against women, typically by family members, are common and accepted. Islam is very strong and religious conflict common, especially in the north where twelve states have implemented Islamic shariah law, as discussed in previous OFWI alerts. Moreover, Ola is from a rural area of Nigeria where tribal customs, such as female genital mutilation (female circumcision) and tribal markings or scarring, are common.

Ola has spent almost 18 years or most of her adult life in Canada and has few ties to Nigeria. Without family support or other ties, Ola fears discrimination, persecution, and cruel and dangerous tribal customs if she is deported. She will have little opportunity to support herself even temporarily while her Canadian status is processed and, hopefully, approved. Ola cannot leave Alice in Canada, but under these circumstances she cannot bring her with her to Nigeria. Alice would have few opportunities to obtain an education and her Canadian citizenship will not protect her from human rights abuses and tribal customs.

We want to take the opportunity of Ola’s second anniversary in sanctuary to show her that she is not forgotten and to encourage the government to stay the deportation so that Ola can rejoin her family and provide Alice some stability until a decision is made in her case. Ultimately we hope she will be able to stay in Canada where she can provide the care and guidance that Alice needs.

Also, please PRAY:

• for Ola and Alice, that they would be comforted and have patience and courage to endure, and that the deportation order would be stayed while they wait for the Immigration Department’s response so that Ola can live a normal life and provide the support and care that Alice needs;

• that Canadian immigration officials would be moved with compassion in Ola’s situation and grant her request for permanent resident status so that she and Alice can continue to live together in Canada with hope and personal security; and,

• for the people of Nigeria, that equality, respect, human rights, peace, and justice would prevail in their country.

ACTION:

The Bible teaches that faith without action is dead, so please take action by:

• joining us at the rally in support of Ola on September 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. The event will take place at Trinity Anglican Church at 26 Stavebank Road North in Mississauga (in Port Credit at Stavebank Rd. and Lakeshore Rd., west of Hurontario). Please also inform us if you are coming and how many people will be with you by email at info@onefreeworldinternational.org;

• spreading the word and asking your friends to join us; and,

• if you would like to write letters of encouragement to Ola and Alice, please send them to One Free World International by email at info@onefreeworldinternational.org or by regular mail (address below). Mark your email or letter clearly to the attention of Ola and Alice and we will ensure that they receive your thoughts and encouragement.

Remember, that the persecuted Christians are dying every day, but they are still smiling.  They are in a very deep dark night, but they have the candle of the Lord. The enemy can have a very strong weapon and a very strong army, but we have the Lord Almighty.

"They can kill the dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream" in the Lord’s name.

Be with God and may God be with you.

Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder One Free World International El Shafie Ministries

Nigeria: Christian Teacher Beaten to Death by Muslim Mob

Nigeria: Christian Teacher Beaten to Death by Muslim Mob

Dear Friends and Partners,

One Free World International has learned that a Christian teacher in a government high school in Gombe, Nigeria was brutally murdered on March 21, 2007 by a mob of Muslim students and local extremists. According to Compass Direct, Christianah Oluwatoyin Oluwasesin had been supervising an exam on Islamic Religious Knowledge in an all-girls’ class when she was accused of desecrating a Koran. She had collected the students’ belongings to the front of the classroom in accordance with routine procedure to prevent cheating when one of the students began to cry. She claimed that her bag contained a copy of the Koran and that the teacher, being Christian, had desecrated the Koran by touching the bag.

The class erupted in anger which very quickly spread throughout the school. Local Muslim extremists also arrived on the scene and joined the uproar. School authorities intervened and tried to protect the teacher but could not remove her from school property so they hid her in the principal’s office. They were unable to calm the students down and the mob eventually broke into the office. They dragged the teacher out of the office and beat her to death before burning her body. Afterwards they set her car on fire, engulfing one of the school buildings in flames. A few police officers and firemen called to the scene were pushed back by the mob and were not able to prevent the murder or fire damage. At least 12 students have been arrested and a committee has been set up to investigate the incident.

Nigeria is located in western Africa and its population consists mostly of Muslims in the north and Christians and animists in the south, with Christians accounting for close to 50% and Muslims 40% of the total population. Christians in northern Nigeria are facing serious challenges since twelve of the northern states enacted Islamic shariah law beginning in 1999 and the situation appears to be getting worse. Two days after Mrs. Oluwasesin was killed, Muslim extremists in the same town set a church on fire destroying the sanctuary and forcing the congregants to meet out in the open. According to reports, fifteen other churches in the state are also targeted for attack. Christians have difficulty purchasing property and obtaining permits to build churches while mosques are common. Muslim converts to Christianity in the area must flee for their lives to safer towns. In the town of Sokoto in the northwest, Christians fear for the safety of their children in the face of reports of kidnappings and forcible conversions of children. In an alert dated July 18, 2006 about a Christian woman who was stoned to death for evangelizing in Niger state, One Free World International indicated that the Nigerian government has been criticized for not doing enough to ensure respect for human rights in the country. The arrests and investigation in Mrs. Oluwasesin’s murder are an important first step. However, the state and federal governments must follow through and work together to ensure that justice is served and that respect for human rights becomes a reality for all Nigerians. Canada and the United States must use our diplomatic, aid, and trade relations with Nigeria to ensure that the Nigerian government does not avoid its responsibility in this area.

Please PRAY:

• for Femi Oluwasesin, Mrs. Oluwasesin’s husband, who was looking forward to his wife joining him after exams in their hometown where he had moved to take up a new job. Pray that he would be comforted at this time of loss and that in the midst of sorrow his faith would be strengthened;

• pray for the Christians in Gombe and elsewhere in northern Nigeria as they face persecution, threats, and challenges in daily life. Pray that they would be strengthened in their faith and that they would respond to their persecutors with the love and forgiveness of Christ; and,

• pray for the Muslim extremists in Nigeria that they would experience and be touched by the love of Christ and put away violence and persecution and that the people of Nigeria would be able to live in mutual respect and harmony.

ACTION:

The Bible teaches that faith without action is dead, so please take action and write (contact details are included below):

• to the High Commissioner or Ambassador of Nigeria, urging the Nigerian government to ensure that Mrs. Oluwasesin’s killers face justice and insisting that the government take strong action to enforce equality, religious freedom, and human rights throughout Nigeria; and,

• to the Minister of Foreign Affairs or Secretary of State encouraging your government to use its relationship with Nigeria to push for equality, religious freedom, and human rights for all Nigerians.

Please remember to send us a copy of your correspondence at:info@onefreeworldinternational.org

Remember, that the persecuted Christians are dying every day, but they are still smiling. They are in a very deep dark night, but they have the candle of the Lord. The enemy can have a very strong weapon and a very strong army, but we have the Lord Almighty.

"They can kill the dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream" in the Lord’s name.

Be with God and may God be with you.

Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder One Free World International El Shafie Ministries

CONTACT:

His Excellency Olufemi Oyewale George High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 295 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1R9 Tel.: (613) 236-0521/3; Fax: (613) 236-0529 E-mail: chancery@nigeriahcottawa.com

The Honourable Peter MacKay Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 Tel.: (613) 992-6022; Fax: (613) 992-2337 Email: MacKay.P@parl.gc.ca

In the United States:

His Excellency Professor George A. Obiozor Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 3519 International Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 986-8414/8415; Fax: (202) 362-6552 Email: gobiozor@nigeriaembassyusa.org

Secretary Condoleezza Rice U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Tel.: (202) 647-4000 (Main switchboard) Webform