Nigeria pastor: ‘You didn’t just leave us’

In a makeshift camp in northern Nigeria, patchwork tents stretch as far as the eye can see. Flies buzz in the still, hot air. Food is scarce, disease is rife and there’s no running water.

And yet, this is ‘home’ for Pastor Barnabas, his wife and five children.

  You might remember Pastor Barnabas, from last year’s Arise Africa campaign. Back then, he shared his story… A heart-breaking account of how the family was violently persecuted and driven from their home. They were struggling to survive in appalling conditions. The children were out of school and Pastor Barnabas carried painful injuries from the attack. 

This was a pastor overwhelmed with the task of ministering to a community losing hope. “Millions of Christians are displaced here in Nigeria,” Pastor Barnabas told us at the time, his voice cracking with emotion. “But nobody talks about it. We are remaining in darkness. How would you feel to be forgotten?”

Today, almost a year on, Pastor Barnabas is not forgotten – thanks to you.
 

Not alone

Your gifts and prayers have delivered vital support to Pastor Barnabas and many others. So although they remain in the camp for displaced people, they know they are not alone.



More than 4,700 families have received packages of food, including maize, rice, beans and oil, which will last three months. Believers have received Bibles, to keep them strong in faith. And our Open Doors partners have provided trauma care and face-to-face encouragement, to help people find hope amid their suffering.

Pastor Barnabas is also due for surgery to remove shrapnel from his arm, thanks to your support. Meanwhile, his wife has joined our livelihood training, where she’ll learn skills to help her generate an income.

  “I am happy and grateful that you didn’t just leave us,” said Pastor Barnabas. “My wife desired to learn a craft but there was no money to sponsor her. Thank God for you, she is now learning for free.”

He added, “My children are now back to school because of the support I received. And for my hand operation… thank you for the encouragement and support.”

More than 16 million Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa have been driven from their homes by violent. Many, like Pastor Barnabas, have spent years living in temporary camps. Now, thanks to you, the healing is underway…