NIGERIA — Rev. Jonathan Ugbede is deputy chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. He shares what he’s seeing of the displacement crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and how the global church can respond.

Rev. Jonathan Ugbede – Deputy Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria:

The fact is millions of people are displaced from their ancestral homes. The violence against Christians in Nigeria simply stated it is Islamisation. The area where the attacks is mostly carried out is in Benue and in Plateau State.

These are the epicenter of the attacks against the church in the camp today in Benue State. We have over 2 million people there. They are scattered across 13 camps. They are living from hand to mouth. They are living on benevolence. They are living on the goodwill of the church. And how we as a family continue to live like that.

Just imagine a family of five, for instance, being in the camp for over five years. Had this or standing themselves. How different? Most of them. The children are no longer going to school for years. Someone who is displaced. First and foremost is an angry person. This person is no longer worshiping. That will definitely affect their spiritual lives. Some would have been baptized members.

Now if not for this situation, the chances of they are going back. Rest completely in the government. I need to our government is not talking about you. The international community is not aware. Then the church in Benue is saying they feel bad that this matter is not being reported the way it should. The Christians overseas, I appeal to them to rise to support the church in Nigeria.

First and foremost, they need prayer. Number two, they need material support. They need encouragement so that they cannot abandon the Christian faith. Is is is shouting. When we hear that from anybody outside of Nigeria, telling us we are praying for you is very comforting. We need them now more than ever before. They should support us in whichever way that the Lord lay on their hands.

Rise up to tell the world that something is wrong in Nigeria. Tell everybody. Tell all the powers that be that the church in Nigeria is under persecution. Talk to our government about it. The mind that they know in strong terms the actions that the government of the country are doing to alleviate or to bring this matter to it to an end.

So I see the Nigerian church bouncing back in its glory.

I see the Nigerian church advancing. I see the Nigerian child prospering, and I see the Nigerian to taking the gospel to where it is supposed to go. If only we had people to stand by us now.

Read more news on Non Profit / Faith Based Organizations and Religious Freedom.

About Open Doors UK

For over 60 years, Open Doors UK has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.