This African country accounted for 90% of Christian martyrs in 2022
Persecution at Christmas: Stories of Triumph and Hope
Over 2,000 years ago, shortly after Jesus’s birth, persecution reared its ugly head. In the second chapter of Matthew, we learn of King Herod’s desperate search for the newborn Jesus, fearing that his rule might be challenged one day. Herod’s rage led to the slaughter of innocent children in Bethlehem.
But Herod’s rage was in vain. He soon met his own demise, and Jesus returned to begin his ministry.
This pattern continues to unfold across the world today. Governments and enemies of Christianity persecute believers who prioritize their allegiance to God. Yet, through their unwavering faith, these Christians bear witness to the enduring strength of Christ and emerge triumphant.
Christmas is a time to remember the persecuted, just as Jesus and the Holy Innocents were persecuted during that first Christmas. It is also a time to give thanks when their witness triumphs over their oppressors.
Northern Nigeria stands as a place where the Church faces some of the most severe persecution on earth. According to Open Doors, over 90% of all martyrs in 2022, amounting to more than 5,000 Christians, were from Nigeria.
Among those martyrs was Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Christian student at a university in Sokoto State. In May 2022, she was stoned to death and burned by her Muslim classmates due to her unwavering faith in Jesus. Another Christian woman, Rhoda Jatau, faced a hostile mob and was arrested for blasphemy after defending the lynching of Deborah.
Rhoda endured 18 months in a Bauchi State jail, only seeing her family and lawyers during court hearings.
However, her case sparked national outrage, shedding light on the injustice faced by Christians in Northern Nigeria. Earlier this month, after immense public pressure, Rhoda was finally released on bail, allowing her to spend Christmas safely with her family. Efforts are underway to have the charges against her dropped entirely.
This year, legal victories in Nigeria may provide greater freedom for Christians in the northern region to practice their faith. Converts to Christianity, particularly from Islam, often face extreme danger in expressing their beliefs.Daniel Kefee*, an evangelist in Northern Nigeria, faced threats from the family of a young Muslim woman, Hafsatu*, whom he brought to Christ. Daniel found a Christian residential school to provide her with safety.
Nigerian authorities charged Daniel with kidnapping for his act of compassion. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the judge not only acquitted Daniel but also questioned the prosecutors, asking what would have happened to Hafsatu if he had abandoned her.
Similarly, in another state in Northern Nigeria, Mary Olowe* converted to Christianity and faced death threats from her family. She managed to escape and obtained a restraining order against her persecutors. The court’s decision recognized Mary’s fundamental right to change her religion without fear of violence.
Even when legal remedies are not possible, we witness God working through the persecuted to advance His kingdom. In Sudan, Nada and Hamouda, a married Christian couple, were falsely charged with adultery after converting to Christianity from Islam. Threatened by Nada’s brother, their marriage was dissolved by a Sharia court. However, Nada returned to her husband and embraced Christianity. Her brother then sought police intervention.
Unable to remain in Sudan, Nada and Hamouda sought refuge in the United States with the help of international partners. They now serve as leaders in their local church community, sharing their stories of persecution and celebrating their first Christmas in freedom and safety.
During Christmas, we remember the vulnerable and persecuted, reflecting on the vulnerability and persecution our Savior faced in Bethlehem. These stories from around the world remind us of the hope found in the Gospel and the promise of Christmas.
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Sean Nelson is an international human rights lawyer serving as Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. ADF International has supported the cases of Rhoda Jatau, Daniel Kefee*, Mary Olowe*, and Nada and Hamouda.
*These names have been changed to protect these individuals’ identities.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
How did Mary’s case gain attention and compel the police to investigate?
, but her family continued to harass and intimidate her. Mary filed a complaint with the police, but they initially refused to take action. However, with the help of a local advocacy group, her case gained attention and the police were finally compelled to investigate.
In both Daniel and Mary’s cases, the courage and perseverance of these individuals, along with the support of their communities, led to positive outcomes. These stories of triumph over persecution give hope to countless others facing similar challenges.
While these victories are worth celebrating, it is important to acknowledge that countless others continue to suffer. Christians in Nigeria and around the world face discrimination, violence, and death simply because of their faith. This persecution has deep and lasting impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the true meaning of faith and hope. It is a time to remember those who face persecution for their beliefs and to support organizations and initiatives that provide assistance and advocacy for persecuted Christians.
We can draw inspiration from the stories of triumph and hope amidst persecution. They remind us of the enduring strength of the Christian faith and the power of individuals to make a difference. As we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who still face persecution and let us strive to create a world where religious freedom and tolerance are upheld for all.
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