Dr. Randel Everett, Senior Fellow for Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University and President Emeritus of 21Wilberforce shares:
Stephen is one of thousands of children we saw when some of us from 21Wilberforce traveled across the Middle Belt of Nigeria interviewing victims of religious and ethnic persecution. Actually, I don’t even remember his name although I renamed him Stephen since he was a survivor from a family who had been killed by militant Fulani Islamists.
Although I may not know Stephen’s name, I will never forget his situation and the look of sorrow in his eyes. Stephen was living with his grandfather and probably clung to me because I reminded him of his granddad. Stephen is just one of thousands of children we met living in IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps across northern Nigeria. We interviewed grieving mothers, parents anguished because of children who had been kidnapped, scarred victims of violence, and hundreds who had been driven from their homes.
They are plagued by haunting memories, grief, and hunger, and are still trying to hold to the faith that was attributed to their suffering. Some are saying The Middle Belt of Nigeria is the most dangerous place in the world for Christians.
Today, the terror is even worse. I recently asked Archbishop Ben Kwashi from Jos if the report that over 1045 Christians have been killed between May of 2023 through May of 2025 was correct, and he said it was probably understated.
We are calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinstate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a special U.S. government designation for the worst violators of religious freedom. If you wish to sign this petition to the Secretary of State, please select ‘Become an Advocate’ and complete the form with your name and email.
Click on 'Downloadable Slide' to access a resource you can use during your church service or gathering. Encourage your church to display this slide during the prayer for Nigeria, joining hundreds of Texas Baptists in urging the Secretary to take immediate action.
With Christians and other religious minorities around the world facing daily repression, join us on October 20-21 at Dallas Baptist University when we will convene for The Global Religious Freedom Gathering. Our collective prayer and advocacy will bring great comfort and encouragement to our brothers and sisters.
Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance, and Israel, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, asking for prayers for the church in Nigeria
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
