The world was shocked by the kidnapping of more than 250 Nigerian schoolgirls in April of 2014. According to Boko Haram, these girls converted to Islam. “This latest brutality was not an isolated incident,” said Earl Gast, USAID’s Deputy Director for Africa.
Before this incident, this same group used welding torches to topple all the cell phone towers in northern Nigeria. For years, Boko Haram terrorized people through bombings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
Many Muslims are outspoken critics of Boko Haram. Yet others say that Boko Haram is the true Islam. In their worldview, the best of all possible worlds is one in which sharia law is the law that we should all be forced to live in. Muslims are being recruited to this dystopian worldview. The whole system has to be opposed, overturned, and overcome—not by a competing system, but by a compelling love.
This love has to be delivered in person. That’s why we train and send Frontiers teams to the most difficult places—like Niger, a country that neighbors Nigeria. Many victims of Boko Haram have fled to Niger, where our workers are providing them with humanitarian assistance.
These refugees need everything. One of their most urgent needs is for water. And hundreds of refugees have been blessed by a well recently dug in the harsh, hot windy landscape.
That well cost $15,000. Thank you, donors; you know who you are.
Radical obedience to Jesus Christ is an active response.
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
That is the way Jesus lived. These are the commandments He expects of His followers.
Really, it’s a call to fight—in the manner of William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army:
While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end!
It is hard to see what must happen next. Boko Haram terrorists have done cruel things, and they must be stopped. But in obedience to Christ, we look ahead to His Kingdom, loving our enemies and overcoming evil with good.
It is empty to pray for the Kingdom to come—unless we choose to actively bring it where the need is the greatest.
Discover how Frontiers workers are following Jesus Christ in the midst of hostility by clicking the button below.
Original article: www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/healing-the-hurt-of-boko-haram
