Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NRSV)
Musa and Alexander Bakut (1992)
Nigerian Riots
This father and son were martyred together when Muslim rioters went on an anti-Christian rampage in Nigeria’s Kaduna state in May 1992. They had both dreamed about their deaths before they were murdered.
During an evening service at their church on 17 May, Musa led the congregation in praying about the rioting in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna. The Christians were told not to retaliate even if they were attacked. Musa went home but had to return to the church because it had been set on fire. He came home weeping.
At 1 am stones were thrown at Musa’s house, and attackers returned later to pour petrol on the property. He went outside to talk with them and found 15 men waiting with sticks, guns and arrows. They ordered Musa to take them to someone who could identify him. His wife begged them not to take her husband, but they responded by wounding her. Their eldest son, Alexander, followed them but could not save his father. One group killed Musa by pouring petrol on him and setting him alight while the other group beheaded Alexander.
Father in heaven, often have we found that the world cannot give us peace. Oh but make us feel that you are able to give peace; let us know the truth of your promise; the whole world may not be able to take away your peace.
Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)