Via email, from the ANiC office:
Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi (Jos, Nigeria) requests urgent prayer. He reports that Christians in Jos (a large city in Nigeria) “…are being attacked by Muslims. Churches have been burnt; no exact figures of casualties yet. We need prayer to stay the hand of bloodshed, destruction, violence and death. Pray for instant return to peace and order. The crisis began around 2am after local elections in Jos. Why Christians must pay for this I do not know.”
The Associated Press confirms these reports, saying that at least one clergyman has been killed. Anglican Mainstream reports that Muslims burned Trinity Church then began attacking people with machetes.
UPDATE, from here.
Some media reports about violence in Northern Nigeria are false: Archbishop Ben Kwashi.
December 1st, 2008In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit amen.
We have heard foreign media report that about three hundred Muslims were killed by Christians, this is an old propaganda tactic against Christians in Jos using a carefully calculated system of reportage to always put the Christians on the defence. (e.g. here – ed)
1. This morning the government has reported an arrest of about 500 persons with dangerous weapons, some of them dressed in police and military uniforms. The government further confirmed that these people did not have to be provoked: the attacks began at the same time throughout the city of Jos and by 6am on Friday damage had been done to a lot of Christian businesses, homes, lives and Churches. When government was trying to take control of the situation, the carefully planned attacks moved to next level.
2. This became the worst for because as we were now sure government was in control we urged members to go out and take stock of losses. This was when more lives were shot at and killed; we have heard of a few pastors and many members killed. We were therefore unable continue with our assessments yesterday, we are hoping that today Sunday 28th will hold, for us to be able to know exact figures and so on. I was to be in Trinity Church Naraguta today, to dedicate their new instruments and bless the youth group; all that is gone as the Church is razed to the ground and my priest David barely escaped. Another of my priests Rapha also escaped but lost his house to Muslim arsonists.
3. We thank you for standing with us at this time. We know we have lived this long only on the WINGS of praying friends and partners like you.
The Lord be with you,
+benjos
As we intercede for our Christian family in Nigeria, we can be sure that the Lord Jesus himself cares for them.
“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Rev 7:17 KJV
To Bishop Benjamin and his people,
Uphold my footsteps in your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.
I have called upon You, for You will hear me,
O God.
Incline your ear to me, and hear my prayer.
Show your loving kindness by your right hand.
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Amen Psalm 17:5-8
Father, hear this our prayer for our beloved ones
in Jos, Kaduna and other Muslim majority areas in
Nigeria.
in Jesus name.
Amen
Our congregation prayed for you Sunday morning, as I am sure many others did also. We continue to pray for you.
Our hearts go out to you with love in the name of our Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.