Update on Persecuted Teen (Danjuma)

VOM Canada Correspondent 11 August 2016

Danjuma with his mother.

Some may remember a report that was published in the May 2016 issue of VOMC's publication about a young teen named Danjuma. The 13-year-old has endured horrific physical assaults for his Christian faith, resulting in the loss of his eyesight (one of his eyes had also been gauged out by Boko Haram militants), in addition to other serious injuries.

We are pleased to inform you that Danjuma has received a prosthetic eye, and is doing well. Our ministry partners, who are in contact with the young teen and his mother, relay this good report to all who've been praying for him: "He is always so upbeat and positive. All the people, including the medical community treating him, say what an encouragement and blessing he is to be around."

We encourage our readers to continue praying for Danjuma and his family as they make important decisions regarding his future and ongoing education. His situation represents hundreds of other children from Christian families who are suffering the aftermath of similar attacks. These children and their families are in need of our prayers and support.

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.