‘We will not repay evil for evil:’ Finding hope in Nigeria

The rumors came true

Before Boko Haram attacked us, we were living in peace with one another, in the church and in the markets, even in school—our children were all living in peace and very happy.

In 2014, we heard rumors of Boko Haram nearby. When they came to our town, they destroyed the villages, burned down the churches, ransacked homes and killed men and women. Our people fled and deserted the villages and the church stopped meeting. Also, Boko Haram burned down all the churches in nearby Mubi, but none of the mosques were destroyed.

After several months, Boko Haram left our town and I returned. There were very few of us. Some came late at night and entered their homes.

Dealing with trauma

When Boko Haram attacked, everyone’s heart was frightened. We were all full of trauma. When we came back, some of the churches had blood on the walls. Anyone who saw it or heard about it didn’t want to go to church anymore.

The attack put a lot of fear in the hearts of many. People thought if they went to church, they might get attacked too. So many people didn’t return to the church at the time. And with all that happened, the spiritual life of many became very weak. When you walk with the Lord and these things happen to you, there is great disappointment, fear and loss of trust and hope. Honestly, at that time, my spiritual life was shaken as well. I was so scared. Truly speaking, my faith was shaken.

But still, the Word of God kept reminding me that anyone who puts their trust in God won’t be forsaken. At that time, I was pastoring at another town, quite far from here and I was transferred to the hottest zone —near Mubi where Boko Haram camped. I began to visit the church members in their homes, but still only four members agreed to come to church. And that was how we began to worship again—until the members finally came in a larger number.

Finding hope and encouragement

When people gradually started coming back to the church, Open Doors came and hosted a seminar on trauma healing. They gathered pastors and members and kept encouraging and teaching us.

Gradually, people began to come back to their senses. Open Doors also distributed food for many, because no one had food stored—not only food but also financial support. You kept encouraging and training us. Because of these teachings, a lot of people became encouraged and strengthened to stand strong and they returned to the church.

Today, the church is full, and the greatest source of our encouragement came from you—through your teachings, encouragement and the support you have given.

We can’t quantify our gratitude, and only God can reward you. You have really strengthened our hope in God. On behalf of my congregation we are sending our appreciation to you.

Also, you have drilled two boreholes for us to provide clean water, which we never had and it’s functioning well. We know that is the love of Christ in you that has led you to extend this love to us—which we have never experienced.

A message for Boko Haram

If I were able to speak with a member of Boko Haram today, I would tell them we will not repay evil for evil. I would tell them what they are doing will not take them anywhere and they should repent, come and follow Jesus Christ. What you have done, we won’t pay you back, just turn back to Christ. All that you have done: You killed people, you looted people’s property; you destroyed houses and burned churches, but God is willing to forgive you all your sins, that is the good news I have for you today.

A special prayer request for their village

We have some challenges we are facing in our community. Our young ladies who have lost hope are being enticed by Muslims with material things. We have gone to court, and the village head for cases of Islamization and the abduction of some of our girls. In most cases, these Muslim young men give our young women clothes, food and plenty of money—and later force them to convert to Islam. This has really been a problem to us. Please pray for our young women.

*This interview was transcribed and lightly edited.