Feb. 11, 2013
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley...you are with me" (Psalm 23:4a, Common English Bible).
More Nigerian Brethren die in violent attacks, US workcampers return home safely.
A symbol of hope: Bright flowers spring up in burnt earth. This photo was taken by Global Mission and Service executive Jay Wittmeyer during his trip to Nigeria. |
More Nigerian Brethren have died in violent attacks on churches of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The LCC Samunaka church on the outskirts of the city of Mubi was attacked twice in four days, first on Feb. 1 and again on Feb. 4. At least 15 people were killed, including eight members of the congregation.
The Samunaka church building and the pastor’s office were burned down, along with some houses belonging to Christians. Two EYN churches in other areas were burned the same weekend. These attacks on Brethren occur in a month in which Nigeria has experienced other well-publicized attacks by a militant Islamist group.
Two visitors from the US were in Mubi on the day of the first attack on the Samunaka church, but had returned to the EYN headquarters just a few miles away before the violence occurred. The two were on a “mini workcamp” representing the US church.
Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren, edits Newsline. Look for the next regularly scheduled issue on Feb. 20.
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