Comforting those who mourn

Gunshots rang out around Hakuri’s* village in Niger. She and her husband, at home with their three smallest children, scrambled to the floor for protection. Hearts racing. Terrified.

When extremists started burning buildings, the family had no choice but to break cover and run…

“That’s when militants started shooting the men,” Hakuri remembers.

The women and children took shelter in a school, but extremists warned they would kill any male they discovered. Hakuri thought fast; she dressed her boys in girls’ clothing. Then they fled.

“We saw the bodies of men who were killed, in the wilderness, and we walked on alone without our husbands, only our children.” Later, Hakuri’s worst fears were realised: her husband was among the dead.

After a long and perilous journey, Hakuri reached safety. But with no breadwinner and protector, no money and no home, she’s intensely vulnerable. Her older eight children returned from boarding school, as Hakuri couldn’t pay the fees. Now, the family barely has enough to eat.

“Our life is so difficult,” says Hakuri. “We have to buy firewood, water, food – but I have no husband. So where can we go to find help?”

Thankfully, you are standing with this vulnerable family – and your generous support helps Hakuri survive.

Start the healing

“My pastor called and said you sent money to buy a bag of rice, oil and other food for my children,” said Hakuri. She also received support with housing. And, thanks to you, Hakuri now has access to vital trauma healing.

“Before I received counselling, I didn’t sleep,” said Hakuri. “I grieved for my husband day and night. But now I see changes in my life. I don’t worry so much. I have learnt that if I remain in bitterness, my children will not have peace.”

Hakuri added, “I am paying the price of following Jesus. But I will never say God has rejected me.”

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 16 million Christians like Hakuri have been forced from their homes by unprecedented violent persecution. In Niger, the largest country in West Africa, Islamic extremists are gaining territory. The church in the region is in crisis – but your gifts and prayers are making a vital difference.

“We need peace,” says Hakuri. “Pray that God will make our faith in Christ strong, in order to endure persecution.”

*Name changed for security reasons

please pray

• For Hakuri and her children, for safety, security and good health. Ask God to fill them with courage and strength.
• For wisdom and love within church leaders in Niger, as they minister to persecuted, broken communities.
• For the militants who are persecuting Christians. Ask God to turn their hearts away from violence, and pray they will encounter Jesus’ love.

please give

• Every HK$275 could provide trauma care to a Christian who has faced extreme persecution.
• Every HK$430 could give food, shelter and clothing to four believers in Africa for a month.
• Every HK$630 could help a persecuted believer set up a business and give financial security.

*Any excess funds from this appeal will be used to strengthen other persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.