Gunmen killed 24 people and left at least 18 wounded when they targeted a church service on 16 February in the village of Pansi. Upon entering, the attackers separated the men from the women, and locals from non-residents. They chose to kill resident men, including the church pastor.
After setting the church building on fire, the perpetrators looted local shops and forced three kidnapped youths to transport the stolen goods. Villagers fled to the nearby town of Sebba for safety, to find it had also been attacked by the same militants.
Less than a week earlier, also in Sebba, another distressing incident occurred. On 10 February, a church deacon was murdered. His car was then used to kidnap Pastor Tindano and five of his family members.
Prior to the abduction, a church deacon had been murdered, and it was his car that had subsequently been used to kidnap the pastor’s family. The bodies of Pastor Tindano, his son and two nephews were found three days later. Fortunately, the pastor’s two daughters were released unharmed.
Violence in northern Burkina Faso has increased at an alarming rate, as jihadists use any link to the government or Christianity as justification for murder. Over 1,300 civilians were killed in targeted attacks last year alone, more than seven times the previous year.
Sources: New York Times, CTV, Aljazeera, The Guardian
- Intercede for the Christians of Burkina Faso, as they face ongoing threats because of their faith.
- Pray that the authorities will be able to thwart any further attacks and provide the country’s innocent civilians much needed protection.
- Intercede for the attackers. Ask God to reveal to them the truth of the Gospel and remove the hatred and violence from their hearts.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Tags: attacked, christian persecution, injured, islam, killed
Farther God Almighty. You are the one who gives life to all. Yet, there are some who think they can take the life out of someone. I join hands with other Christian friends and family around the world petitioning You to intervene for our Christian brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso. May you bring those attackers to face justice and shall be confronted by your grace, love, mercy. They shall have no real peace until they (militants) come to know and accept You, Lord Jesus as their savior. I ask this in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
Amen and Amen! Praise to the one, true and living God who has revealed Himself in the person of Christ His Son and given to those who trust in Him, His Holy Spirit!!
How long O Lord? Gracious Father in heaven, we know of your comfort and deliverance for your persecuted people. Come to the aid and rescue of your children in Burkina Faso. Give them patience and joy in their suffering as they look to you their only hope and King. In Psalm 76Vs7-9 we read, “It is you alone who are to be feared? Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgement, and the land feared and was quiet — when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the humble of the land.”… Read more »