Light in the Darkest Places: Hope for the Persecuted Church in Nigeria
“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5
Northern Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to follow Jesus. Extremist attacks continue to devastate Christian villages, destroy livelihoods, and tear families apart. Yet even in the midst of suffering, the Light of Christ is shining—and God is using your prayers and support to bring hope where darkness tries to rule.
When Darkness Came to Malama’s Home
One night, Boko Haram militants stormed the village where a Christian mother named Malama lived with her family. Houses were set on fire, believers were hunted down, and chaos filled the air.
Malama recalls that night with tears:
“They burned our house and killed my husband and my three sons. My two daughters were tied up to be taken away. I begged the men to release them, but they mocked me. One pressed his gun into my face. I fainted from grief. That day, I lost everything.”
For Malama, hope seemed gone—until God sent help.
Call of Hope’s Nigerian team found her among the ruins and brought her to safety in a refugee camp. She received clothing, food, a Bible, a hymnbook, and compassionate prayer. Slowly, hope began to grow again.
Today, she shares:
“God’s light found me in the darkness. Through your prayers and love, I have hope again.”
She now prays for her two abducted daughters to be rescued and restored to her.
Call of Hope on the Frontlines in Nigeria
Despite great danger, Call of Hope’s local coworkers travel directly into regions affected by terrorism to strengthen the persecuted church. Their mission: bring practical help, spiritual encouragement, and the message of Jesus.
Our frontline ministry leader in Nigeria, says:
“We travel through terrorist-controlled regions to comfort the wounded body of Christ. What we see is heartbreaking. But it is a privilege to stand with believers in their suffering.”
Through our teams, persecuted families receive:
Emergency food when fields and homes are destroyed
Bibles and hymnbooks to replace those burned by extremists
Medical care where there are no doctors or clinics
Schooling for refugee children who have lost everything
Prayer and pastoral care for deep trauma and grief
Recently, with the support of mission friends, our team distributed 110 bags of maize flour, 110 bags of rice, and 75 bags of beans to displaced and suffering families.
Protected by God
On a recent aid trip near Chibok, terrorists learned of a Call of Hope relief vehicle and set an ambush. The coworker transporting Bibles and food had no idea danger was waiting ahead—but God intervened.
Held at a military checkpoint for several hours, he grew frustrated—until he learned the delay saved his life. Villagers had spotted the militants and alerted soldiers, who intercepted them before our worker reached the road.
Even in danger, God worked: seven people came to Christ during that trip.
Sharing Jesus in Muslim Villages in Nigeria
Call of Hope supports 45 Nigerian “farmer-evangelists”—believers who live alongside Muslim communities and share the Gospel through daily life, Bible teaching, and practical love.
Though they often face threats, God is protecting them. And hearts are opening.
After receiving food aid, a Muslim widow said:
“You are Christians and I am a Muslim—yet you helped me. Through your lives, you show what Christ taught.”
This is the Light shining in darkness.
How You Can Help Christians in Nigeria?
Violence has increased this year, and more Christian families need urgent help to survive. With your support, Call of Hope is responding through:
Food for Christian families and refugees
Replacement Bibles and hymnbooks
Shelter for evangelists forced from their homes
Medical outreach in remote villages
Solar-powered wells for clean water
Every gift—whether a Bible, a sack of rice, or support for an evangelist—shines the Light of Christ where it is needed most.
As we enter the Advent season and see lights glowing in windows and sanctuaries, may we remember: Jesus came into a world full of darkness, and the darkness did not overcome Him.
Thank you for helping His Light shine in Nigeria!
