Missions – Nigeria

Nigeria has enormous oil wealth, but much of the country’s money has been wasted or stolen by corrupt leaders. This means that the development of the country and the needs of ordinary people have suffered. Over a third of Nigeria live beneath the poverty line. It has been estimated that all the stolen money could actually pay off Nigeria’s national debt.

There is a wide cultural difference between the Muslim north and largely Christian south. These differences have created tensions which have escalated into violence and civil war. The current President, Olesegun Obasanjo, is a committed Christian and has tried to maintain a more united Nigeria.

In many of the northern Muslim states, a strict Islamic shari’a law has been imposed and Christians there face intense persecution.

Thank God that Nigeria’s President is a committed Christian. Pray that God would give him courage and wisdom in his work.

More persecution has meant more prayer! Nigerian Christians are passionate about praying – some of the biggest prayer meetings in history have been in Nigeria. As many as 3 million people have come together to pray in the city of Lagos – that many people would fill 50 football stadiums. How exciting is that?

Pray for peace, reconciliation and healing between people from the north and south of Nigeria. Pray that the introduction of the Islamic shari’a law would not present a threat to the future unity of the nation.

The Church in Nigeria has grown quickly and rapidly. Pray that this widespread evangelism would be followed by bible-based discipleship and teaching to help people follow Jesus in their lives.

The age-gap between older and younger Christian leaders is large, and many show unwillingness to train-up and disciple young people into leadership. Pray that God would raise up leaders who have a humble spirit and a desire to mentor others.

Persecution in Nigeria’s northern states has led to the death of thousands of Christians and the destruction of church buildings. Pray that God would comfort all who have lost their families and suffered. Pray also that the spirit of forgiveness would be stronger than any feelings of revenge.