At Release we hear stories of persecution around the world every day.  Our partners engage with Christians suffering extreme hardships, providing them with the essential support they desperately need. For young people, trauma can be especially difficult to deal with, as it is often their parents or extended family that have been targeted, attacked or killed due to persecution.

In March 2010 more than 500 Christians were killed as extremist mobs attacked three villages near Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. Men, women and children were killed as an estimated 400 attackers stormed the villages in the early hours of March 7th. Our partner; the Stefanos Foundation, has been supporting the survivors as they attempt to rebuild their lives: physically, mentally and spiritually. For the young people of the villages, processing what has happened to their parents, their friends and their communities is an essential part of their healing process.

The Stefanos Foundation run trauma healing workshops, working with young people aged between 12 and 23, counselling them through their issues of grief, anger, and abandonment using biblical teaching and the process of forgiveness. Some of the young people witnessed horrific scenes and are now having to deal with the aftermath of such violent attacks.

Gyang Yohanna, aged 17, said:

The death of my mum and my sister was a painful experience for me. I watched as they were brutally murdered. I miss my mum’s care for me. My older sister was my closest friend. We used to study together, helping each other at school. I miss them both.

Fear of further attacks is widespread in the area, as rumours that the mobs will return circulate. The Stefanos Foundation, local churches and other Christian agencies are working hard to encourage responses of peace and forgiveness by the Christian communities, in the face of violence and injustice.

HEALING THE WOUNDS OF TRAUMA

Following the workshop 17-year-old Wurim Gyang Yakubu said:

The massacre has affected me greatly; I used to be interested in school but now I am just going through the motions. Please pray for those who lost their loved ones and their properties, and also for God’s grace for us.

Release Potential is committed to the long-term support and investment into the situation in Nigeria through our partners, such as the Stefanos Foundation, who are continuing to offer counselling and practical support of those affect by the violence. As these young people begin their journey towards healing and restoration, Release Potential is committed to journeying with them.

Fresh attacks on Christians and churches in Plateau have raised fears that extremists are trying to stir up unrest ahead of presidential elections next month. A blast on March 20^th killed two suspected bombers, but failed to catch the churchgoers for which it was probably intended. In other attacks in Jos three Christians were killed and six stabbed.

As we face the challenges of 2011, please pray for Christians in Plateau State and Release’s partners who work there.

PRAY FOR NIGERIA

Pray for those who lost their loved ones and their homes and their possessions

• Pray that they might know God's peace and healing presence
• Pray that the violence would stop
• Pray that forgiveness and reconciliation 
• for God’s grace for them.