As terrorist groups ravage Nigeria in a years-long campaign targeting Christians that some leaders deem a genocide, believers are clinging to their hope in Christ as The TideĀ® brings them the gospel in their native languages.
āIn the past five years, thousands of Nigerian Christians have been killed by Boko Haram jihadis and Fulani militants. As Christians seek to remain faithful in their persecution, The Tide ministry encourages them in their walk with Christ through radio broadcasts,ā said Director Don Shenk.
Nigeria is ranked 12th on Open Doorsā 2020 World Watch List for Christian persecution. Nigerian Christians witness burning homes and churches, receive threats and beatings, and some are martyred for their faith.
Amid the atrocities its listeners face, our broadcasts encourage them with Godās Word, relevant to their volatile circumstances. In an episode on suffering, the speaker discussed Romans 5:3-5, which says, āNot only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because Godās love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.ā
āThe Christians in Nigeria trust in and live out these words from Paul as they are persecuted,ā Shenk added. āThe message of the hope of Jesus Christ and encouragement of the Holy Spirit emboldens them to stand for their faith, no matter the cost.ā
More people are able to hear this message of hope because of our presence in Nigeria. What began in 2009 as one radio program in a single language has now expanded to 11 weekly broadcasts, each in a different language. The Tide ministry promises to continue working diligently to fulfill the Great Commission and support Christians throughout Nigeria with Godās Word.
Nigerian Christians desperately need prayer and support from the global church. More than 6,000 Christians have been targeted and killed in Nigeria since 2015, with little protection from military and police or from international leaders, in violent campaigns many members of British Parliament say could meet the definition of genocide.