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Ten Christian families lost their place of residence when a local church and its compound consisting of 30 rooms were demolished in the early morning hours of September 30, 2006. Local authorities in Rogo village, Kano state, ordered Christians to evacuate the compound a day before the demolition.
According to local Christians, an aggressive Muslim mob gathered at the church and demolished the compound without any hindrance from the police. 
Isaac*, a representative of Open Doors, paid a visit to the site of the demolished church compound, only to learn that a mosque is being constructed on the very foundations of what used to be the church building. The pastor of the demolished church has been transferred and two lay-leaders are trying to pick up the pieces.
The church is not surprised by the trouble they are facing. Christians have faced persecution in Rogo because of their continued refusal to embrace Islam. Their so-called stubbornness has led to the complete denial of their right to schools and hospitals. From time to time churches are burned down and authorities refuse to give Christians land to erect new churches. Rogo is in Kano state, one of the twelve northern states of Nigeria that is governed by sharia (Islamic law).
In reaction to the demolition, Peter Mallum, a police officer said, "It came as no surprise, nothing comes without a price. This was a price we had to pay for our faith in Christ. It is high time to boast in the Lord, because no one who lost belongings for the sake of their faith, can not find it in fold. We give God the glory in this situation."
Esther Musa, one of the relocated mothers who has three children, also said, "Nothing gives me joy like suffering for my faith, with or without earthly belongings, we are with Him [Christ] and I believe that His grace is always sufficient for us even in the worst of situations."
In many cases of persecution, Christians are timid and fail to make a stand for their rights as citizens of Nigeria, which promises religious freedom to all. However, Christians in Rogo village decided to take action. These Christians feel themselves called to help bring about change.
“Rogo will one day be won for Christ. No amount of hardship will make us turn from the love of Christ,” concluded Esther.
These brave Christians in Rogo needed to know they are not alone and that there are millions of Christians around the world who face similar challenges. Open Doors strives to strengthen persecuted Christians like these so they can continue to be “salt and light” in their part of the world.
At the end of March, 2007 Open Doors presented a Standing Strong Through the Storm (SSTS) seminar near Rogo. The aim of the seminar was to encourage Christians to look at their persecution from a Biblical perspective.
The SSTS seminar drew a lot of attention among the tumultuous Muslim authorities in the area. Despite the risk, 72 denominations sent representatives to attend the SSTS seminar, which miraculously took place without incident.
“The SSTS seminar has indeed created an avenue to stand firm in spite of any persecution from Islam in my area,” shared Magaji Abdu (49), a subsistence farmer.
“The SSTS seminar encouraged a new innovation in my life. Despite the denial of any assistance to Christians in our area, I am now able to stand firm in spite of any intimidation. The ministry of Open Doors was sent by God to alleviate fear and restore joy among Christians in Rogo,” shared Samson Lado.
“This SSTS has brought forth change in my life and the race I am in. My next step is to ensure that other people in Rogo area share in this knowledge I’ve obtained,” said Iliya Hamza.
Thank the Lord that the SSTS seminar built positively into the lives of local Christians. Please pray that the knowledge will be applied and not remain knowledge alone.
Please pray for Christians in Rogo village to continue to stand strong and live out powerful testimonies to the watching world.
Standing Strong Through the Storm is available from the Open Doors Canada website. 388 pgs., paperback, 2004, study questions follow each chapter.
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