Christians will not give up

Christians in a war zone will not give up! Below we have some pictures that were all taken very close to the CFI compound. Everything around us was burn to the ground. These are Christian properties.

This attack was planned. It did not start, as some media claim, as a spontaneous argument after a football match. Youth were supplied with guns and churches were attacked on a Sunday. This is normal procedure to rid a city of Christian property and lives, to drive them out of a city.

You may remember last year people said to be Taliban were seen staking out our suburb. They looked in at the AOG church pictured below, now burnt out. This is very close to CFI. The pastor lives behind the building and I had dinner in his flat with his family. I thought then what a risk these people were taking to shepherd the people of Jesus. They were glad. This family was not hurt. We have preached in this church several times.

The mechanic’s yard is very close to CFI. You remember I said that a wounded Muslim mechanic came to our office for treatment during the attacks. We know all these people around us. One of our staff had a shop in this row of buildings.

The internet cafe pictured below was destroyed. This is situated just over our back wall, adjacent to CFI. Our internet provider and his shop were miraculously unharmed. It is a miracle that with the total destruction all around us, none of us were hurt, we lost nothing, we had food in store and even our internet still works so we can communicate. Our building still stands as a freshly painted building and clean, probably the only one in the neighbourhood (the landlord painted it late last year).

To get food is a major problem. First, when the attacks were on all week no one could move. Secondly, after the attacks all the local Christian shops have been looted and destroyed. Two days before the surprise attacks CFI bought a store of food expecting students to return this week. So we have food to share with those in need and those we look after. We have delayed the start of college for two weeks.

I feel strength within. We will not run away. Christians will not give in. Jos shall rise stronger than before. The gospel shall go out more than before. The Lord shall help us tremendously this year and glorify His name. We shall preach, teach and heal and through His word God shall do mighty things. Where sin abounds grace much more abounds.

Please help. We have many needs at present. We ask you to stand by us, support and pray. CFI starts mid February: the Bible College and our much needed local primary school for children.  This is perfect timing from the Lord. Please help us to get ready and to help others.

At Christmas we electrified and fitted out a new building for children’s classes. We lost none of it! We need a generator to run it. We have cloths and books to bring in from the UK and need funds to get it all to Jos. We are holding a Pastor’s Conference in Kafanchan nearby when I return next week and also in Abuja. This will encourage many in the north. Thank you. Love from Kent, Ruth and all the team.

• For more pictures go to (Flickr)
• To support Christian Faith Institute