All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth… they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13, 16
Nigerian Christians (2002, 2004)
History Repeating Itself
Christians were killed at the hands of Muslim extremists in attacks on 27 February in both 2002 and 2004. The first incident happened in the town of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria, where Christians were targeted after Muslims who were celebrating Eid became violent. Three Christians were murdered in the ensuing clashes.
On the same date two years later, Yelwa Muslims brought along visiting militiamen to attack the village of Ngwazam. This incident also saw three Christians martyred.
Violence against Christians in some parts of Nigeria is quite frequent, and often appears to be planned rather than spontaneous. The result is an ever-growing list of martyrs from the country, which is divided between a predominantly Muslim North and a mainly Christian South with a Middle Belt where numbers of Muslims and Christians are roughly equal.
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! His the sceptre, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood.
William C Dix (1837-98)