PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA CONTINUES
According to Global Christian Relief, more Christians are being killed in Nigeria than in ANY other country! Nigeria ranks 1st in Killings, 3rd in Displacements and 2nd in Abductions/Assaults! Read more at Global Christian Relief HERE.
Lord, HELP US!
In recent Nigerian news,
the kidnappings and killings just keep coming.
On Palm Sunday in Jos, Plateau State, gunmen fired sporadically on passers-by, killing 20-30 men, women, and children, including one pregnant woman. We have friends who live in Jos. We have a school there. Our friends' ministry, Wheelchairs For Nigeria, is there, and very near this shooting.
On March 25th, a friend of a SFA Board Member was kidnapped and held for 2 days in the Nigerian bush, hiding in a cave. Praise God, he was released with only minor injuries. Kidnapping is BIG business in Nigeria these days, especially if you are white or perceived as 'rich'.
Other articles of interest:
And yet, God's kingdom is moving forward!
According to Church In Need, "the numbers of Christians are growing astronomically in Northern Nigeria... Despite the difficulties, despite their poverty, despite the persecution, the people remain a happy people. They are happy because they have Christ.”
Global Christian Relief reports that Nigeria is one of the TOP 20 countries with the fastest Christian growth! Nigeria is experiencing a significant rate of population increase among Christians, driven by high birth rates and Christian charismatic movements. This is despite the increases in violent Islamic extremism.
There are SO MANY Christian churches and ministries in Nigeria!
Christian churches in Nigeria are diverse, comprising of large Pentecostal denominations, evangelical organizations, and interdenominational bodies often coordinated under the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Key denominations and organizations include:
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion): One of the largest protestant denominations, headquartered in Abuja
Catholic Church in Nigeria: A major, structured presence with cathedrals across the nation
Methodist Church Nigeria: Established in 1842, one of the oldest denominations
Nigerian Baptist Convention: A significant convention with roots in the 19th century
The Apostolic Church Nigeria: Known for its large National Temple in Lagos
Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA): A large evangelical denomination with roots in the early 20th century
Cherubim and Seraphim Church: A prominent indigenous Aladura church
Celestial Church of Christ: Another large indigenous, white-garment church
Aside from Schools For Africa, other ministries we praise God for are:
I will quit listing ministries now, but I could go on ALL DAY! God's kingdom will never stop moving forward, despite horrible persecution. Please join us in praying for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. Pray for those who know Jesus, for their comfort in this horrific season. Pray for the unbelieving, that they would KNOW our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the lost and the seeking!
Our beloved friend Carol (right) went to be with the Lord March 14th, 2026. Phyllis and Carisa enjoyed touring schools with Carol in Nigeria July/August last year. Carol was a retired teacher, who helped SFA develop a curriculum for phonetic reading in our schools.
Carol was deeply moved by the Lord in a village near Jos to help build a school there. She gave generously to build the school, and had just started a fundraiser to raise another $50,000 for the work. We will name the school in her honor, The Carol Barrett Nursery Primary School. Her family and friends will continue the fundraiser, and have created a matching campaign through Carol's work with DoTerra Essential Oils, HERE.
Port Harcourt APRIL FOOLS??
We Hope Not!
From Missionary Phyllis, 3/30/26: We just returned from the Rivers State Government House, where we met with our contact in the DSS Security Force. He told us that Tuesday 3/31, the Director of DSS has called the Traditional Ruler and the Chairman for a meeting. The Chairman is the one who swore that if our project would benefit even ONE Fulani or cow, he would do his best to shut us down. The Director will tell them NOT to stop our work in any way. Wednesday, we are to meet the Director and, I believe, will receive written permission to begin work in Port Harcourt! Can you believe we'll receive the go ahead - FINALLY - on Wednesday, April Fools Day?? I truly hope this is no joke!! I'll let you know!! God bless!! Phyllis
Please Pray for *Obed!
We have a chief who wants to come to Jesus, we're calling him *Obed. He has been quietly asking questions, and has been given resources! Over time, he has become afraid to say more. There is SUCH terrible persecution for Muslim Nigerians who want to come to Christ...
IF this man comes to Christ, he will bring his whole HUGE family to Christ as well. He will bring his whole village to Christ. We will hold church services in his school for the surrounding community!
Lord Jesus, you know the man I speak of. You know his heart. Please continue to pursue him. Help him find a way to give his heart to you! Give him courage, and protect him and his family from persecution. Oh LORD, how we want them in our family!
