Young Persecuted Teen Faces Upcoming Surgery


Pray for Danjuma's upcoming surgery.

Danjuma, a 13-year-old Christian boy who was severely injured during an attack on his village about a year ago, is scheduled for surgery to repair the damage that was done to his left eye. On January 28th, 2015, Islamic militants who are members of the Boko Haram terrorist group attacked Danjuma with a machete, cutting into the left side of his head and later gouging out his right eye.

As a result of the inhumane physical assaults he experienced, Danjuma is blind and unable to distinguish any light in his remaining left eye. He navigates his surroundings with a walking stick, and will soon be attending a school for the blind. The young teen has also experienced other major health concerns as a result of the attack, and yet his bright and cheerful countenance -- despite the physical challenges he contends with -- is a great inspiration to all who know him.

Our in-country ministry partners have requested prayer on behalf of Danjuma's upcoming eye surgery in hopes that the scheduled procedure will help him to regain his vision. Incidentally, Danjuma's testimony will be featured in the upcoming May 2016 issue of VOM Canada's monthly newsletter. If you are not already receiving this complementary publication, you may subscribe here.

Praise God for Danjuma's great love for the Lord and his joyful buoyant spirit, although he and his family have suffered so greatly. Pray that this young man will be further strengthened in his resolve to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, serving as a vibrant testimony to those of his village and beyond.... As the surgery approaches, may he experience the peace "that surpasses all understanding," resting in the assurance that God can be trusted to work out His very best plan with the outcome. May the future be bright and full of many wonderful opportunities for Danjuma who is grateful for VOM's provision of medical assistance and quality education.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.

  • Deadly Market Attack
    Bandits in Nigeria are carrying various types of weaponry. All have their faces covered.
    Bandits in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    As Nigerians were celebrating their national Democracy Day on May 29th, gunmen opened fire on the Maro Junction Market which happens to be located within a predominantly Christian community of Kaduna State. Reports state that as many as 12 people were killed and 20 others injured.

  • Hundreds Rescued from Boko Haram Captivity
    Masked Boko Haram fighters are holding various types of weaponry.
    Boko Haram terrorists have claimed
    the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
     

    On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.