Mission Partners in Nigeria Request Prayers

“As North Americans, we have been hearing through both the Christian and secular media about the challenges that churches have been facing in Nigeria, especially in the north and in the Middle Belt,” said Zachary King, general secretary, in a recent phone call with the leaders of three Nigerian denominations. “People have been wondering about our historic mission partners – the RCCN. the CRCN, and the NKST – and how we can support and pray for them.”

The phone call included Rev. Andemun Rimamnde Musa (outgoing general secretary of the Reformed Church of Christ for Nations – RCCN), Rev. Isaiah Magaji Jirapye (president of the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria – CRCN), and Rev. Titus Targba (general secretary of the Universal Reformed Christian Church – NKST), as well as Kevin DeRaaf (director of Resonate Global Mission), Joyce Suh (international missions director for Resonate), Shirley Roels (president of the CRCNA’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee), and Mike Van Der Dyke (Resonate missionary leader for Nigeria). 

According to the BBC, Nigeria is facing a number of complex insecurity issues leading to kidnappings and other forms of attack for people of all faiths. This includes criminal gangs in the northwest of the country, an Islamic insurgency in the northeast, land clashes in the central regions, and a separatist movement in the southeast. Over the Christmas season, the U.S. intervened and launched several missile strikes against Islamic groups in the northwest. 

Several of these conflicts are impacting communities where the CRCNA’s mission partners – denominations including more than 4,173 churches – live and worship.

The phone call, arranged by the Office of General Secretary, was scheduled as a way to check in with these partners and learn how CRC members in North America can best support and pray for them.

“The current wave of violence and kidnapping in Nigeria has significantly affected our churches and communities. Many of our members live in fear, especially in rural areas where attacks are frequent. Some congregations have been displaced, worship gatherings are sometimes disrupted, and ministers often travel at great personal risk. The economic consequences of insecurity have also deepened poverty among our members,” said Targba.

“We have suffered a lot of attacks – from the Fulani militia, from bandits, and from Boko Haram,” added Musa. “The RCCN has 26 district church councils [similar to CRC classes]. Out of these 26, only six have not experienced any form of attack. Churches have been destroyed, members have been killed, and quite a number of pastors have been displaced.”

Musa added that their denomination has already lost over 500 members. In addition to kidnappings and killings, Musa said that the Fulani militia have forced people to flee for safety and have then taken over properties and farmland. For subsistence farmers already struggling to get by, this situation has deepened the poverty of local communities and has made it more difficult for people to gather for fellowship and worship. Some churches have retreated further into the bush to be more hidden. Others are gathering in schools instead of churches as a way to avoid attention.

The frequent attacks are “creating a lot of trauma and fear in the hearts of people,” Musa said. “As the bandits come up with a fresh method of kidnapping, there have been new security warnings. Churches have been told to be very careful. They should avoid night worship. They should avoid night journeys. They should avoid gathering in a place for too long. They have to barricade entrances to the churches, and so many other things.”

Despite these hardships, the leaders of the Nigerian denominations express that pastors and members remain committed to their faith and their ministries. “In the midst of these challenges, the church continues to minister to the people with resilience and faith,” said Targba. “We emphasize pastoral care, prayer, and mutual support within congregations. Where physical gatherings are limited, leaders find alternative ways to encourage members through small fellowship groups, home visits when possible, and constant spiritual guidance. We also seek to provide comfort to victims of violence and to families affected by kidnapping and loss.”

He added that the message they consistently share with people is one of hope, perseverance, and trust in God. 

“We remind them that God remains present even in suffering, that Christ understands persecution, and that the church is called to stand firm in faith, love, and unity. We encourage believers not to respond with hatred or fear but with prayer, endurance, and commitment to the gospel,” he said.

Both World Renew and Resonate Global Mission have long histories of partnership with these denominations. In recent years World Renew’s work has included trauma-healing programs that train local church leaders to facilitate group discussions on trauma, grief, and resilience. 

“In response to the disruption of subsistence farming in most communities, livelihoods vanishing due to the prolonged violence experienced, and the displacement of families, World Renew, together with local partners, continues to bring hope through trauma-healing and livelihood programs. This has built resilience in community members, renewed hope, and restored lives and communities,” said Grace Garnvwa, World Renew’s country director for Nigeria.

Together, World Renew, Resonate Global Mission, the Office of General Secretary, and the leadership of the three Nigerian denominations request that CRC members in North America support this country in prayer. 

“We humbly ask you to pray for us in the following ways: for peace and an end to violence and kidnapping in Nigeria; for protection for our pastors, members, and communities; for wisdom, courage, and strength for church leaders; for healing and comfort for those who have suffered loss and trauma; and for the continued witness of the church in difficult times,” said Targba.

Garnvwa added, “We need prayers for an end to this prolonged violence, and we need the emergence of visionary and patriotic leaders who will promote justice and ethical industry.”