“My name is Mashingil Philemon of Rugu community, Gashish, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. I am married and have four children. I was a successful farmer.
“On 23 June 2018, I was sitting with my friend; we were talking with one another. Suddenly we heard gunshots, so we ran into the community to see what was happening. The sight of Fulani men killing our people greeted us. We all began to run, seeking refuge. I ran with one of my friends into a room. We did not know that the Fulani men had seen us. They started shooting into the room where we hid. As they shot at us, they shouted (in Arabic), ‘Allah is great.’ We cried out and they said they had come to kill us.
“The room was locked, and we heard loud sounds like people trying to break the wall. They stopped and soon after we could smell petrol. They set fire to the house. The fire was intense, and my friend said he would go out. I said to him that I would rather die in the fire than go out for those men to kill me. We stayed in the room even as the fire grew more intense and began to burn us. We screamed in pain then lay very still on the floor, pretending to be dead.
“After the fire died down, the men came in and checked us. They must have thought we were dead as they soon left.
“Hours later, when the raid was over, we came out of hiding. We were both badly burned. At first, we thought we were the only ones left alive, but we soon found other survivors. No one wanted to take us to the hospital as they feared encountering the Fulani men. My brother decided to take me to the next village for medical help. It was a long journey.
“I have had many surgeries for my burns and I still need more.”
VOM partners have provided medical help and other necessities to Mashingil, his family and the community.
“I am truly grateful to them for coming to the aid of my people. It has really given me hope and I know that we are not forgotten. The medical aid has provided me with the opportunity to once again be reviewed by doctors. I could not afford to go to the hospital for follow-up. My family is grateful for the food aid. We have been short of food for a long time.
“We pray that God gives you the means to extend this help to other areas of northern Nigeria.”
If you would like to financially support the work of Voice of the Martyrs, please go to: vom.com.au/donate
Voice of the Martyrs Australia is an endorsed deductible gift recipient (DGR) by the Australian government. This means you can claim tax deductions for all donations over $2 to Voice of the Martyrs Australia on your tax return.
Our Father in Heaven, we read in Habakkuk 2:20, ‘The Lord is in his Holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent in his presence.”. Almighty and most merciful Father, have mercy on the people of Northern Nigeria and especially our brothers and sisters who are consistently targeted by Fulani Tribesmen. Give grace, patience, peace and love to our dear brother Mashingil Philemon (and family) of Rugu community, Gashish, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. Bring healing to him, his family and the many others affected by this senseless violence, and help them to bear testimony to you. Mashingil Philemon’s life and the lives of 1000s of others are constantly in danger and unprotected. We pray again for the Nigerian president, the government and the military leadership and for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ. Please rescue our brothers and sisters and strengthen their faith. Have mercy Lord. Have mercy. Work in the hearts of our own Australian Government Leadership to seek justice and protection for the vulnerable and weak. Give influence to Christian agencies seeking help and protection. Lord bless your people and the work of your Gospel to your glory.
Father, thank You that You are a merciful God of justice and peace. Thank You for providing for Mashingil Philemon through VOM and Your Spirit, despite their persecution. God thank You for his and his friends’ perseverance and hope, even facing death and disorder. Thank You for delivering them through the fire like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, might You continue to provide for them as they receive medical treatment. Give the doctors wisdom, give the authorities discernment to govern with peace and order, and Lord, make Your Presence, Your justice and Your mercy known to the persecutors, the Fulani men. Let them come into Your light. Lord please bring Your Kingdom of peace, hope and love to Northern Nigeria. May they know Your truth. Let Your people shine like stars, season the communities with salt and scatter Your seeds that You would bring in an abundant harvest for Your Kingdom. God thank You for Your mercy and Your presence and please raise up help and supporters near and far, as we love each other as brothers and sisters.