News of hope delivered through a return visit to Open Door… Continuing ministry despite persecution
Ministers from Open Door, an international persecution monitoring group, recently visited Nigeria again and reported on the current situation of Pastor Barnabas and his family. Pastor Barnabas and his family are no longer living in an internally displaced person (IDP) camp, but in a new home built with the help of sponsors.
Pastor Barnabas lost his home in the past due to attacks by Fulani Muslim extremists and took refuge in an IDP camp located in Benue State, Nigeria, with his wife and eight children. He was targeted because he was a pastor, and had no choice but to leave his hometown for the safety of his family.
When the Open Doors team first met Pastor Barnabas in 2024, he was caring for over 1,000 displaced people in an IDP camp. He conveyed the reality of churches burning, houses being destroyed, and believers being sacrificed, while maintaining faith and serving the community in harsh environments.
Pastor Barnabas emphasized that the world church must speak out against the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. “Violence against Christians continues, but the world does not say enough about it,” he said. “We are still suffering in the silence of the government and media.”
The news from a recent return visit is hopeful. Pastor Barnabas and his family left the IDP camp, found a house to settle in, and were able to live together again. This house was built with the help of sponsors.
Pastor Barnabas said, “I am grateful to God who is with me no matter the situation,” and added, “This house has restored safety and dignity to my family.” He expressed his gratitude for allowing his children to grow up freely and for his family to be able to welcome guests and enjoy a normal life.
My wife’s health is improving, and the children are starting to go to school again. Unlike in the past when we had to stop our education, we can now prepare for the future.
Pastor Barnabas has not stopped his ministry even after regaining his foundation in life. He still visits IDP camps, leads worship, encourages people with his words, and cares for those hurt by persecution. He also started a small business to support his family.
Pastor Barnabas requested continued attention and solidarity against Christian persecution. He said, “We are children of God and have the right to worship God,” and added, “When this right is taken away, the world church must act together.” In particular, he emphasized that it is important to continue to inform people of the reality happening in sub-Saharan Africa.
He repeatedly emphasized the importance of prayer as well as solidarity. “Prayer gives those in pain the strength to recover,” he said, requesting churches around the world to pray together.
Pastor Barnabas shared specific prayer topics: pray for destroyed churches to be rebuilt and restored; for displaced people to return to their hometowns and rebuild their lives; for food and supplies needed for survival to be provided; and for leaders in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa to follow God’s will.
