Nigeria (MNN) — Several months ago, the story of 13-year-old Danjuma Shakura was released by Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).
(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs via Facebook)
Danjuma’s Nigerian village was attacked by over 1,000 radical Muslims
on January 28, 2015. They burned houses, killed Christians, and tried
to kill Danjuma.
They came after him with a machete knife, marring his face, cutting out one of his eyes, and leaving him blind.
Danjuma passed out, and survivors believed he had been another victim
among the 23 dead. They started preparing a grave for him with the
others, but before his body was placed inside, he woke up screaming.
Villagers jumped into action, rushing him to the hospital.
Because of his wounds, it had been almost 100% likely that he would die; but more than a year later, Danjuma is still alive.
Scars are still left, both on his face and in his mind. He remembers
running for his life, seeing others martyred and homes burning. He
remembers the pain from first strike of the machete, but fortunately
can’t remember anymore of the torture.
Even after being treated so cruelly, Danjuma forgave his attackers because he knew they had never known the love of Jesus.
Instead of blaming Jesus for his pain and handicap, he has grown
stronger in his faith and listens to God’s guidance. He told VOM, “God
continues to guide and protect.”
Danjuma has learned to use a walking stick to find his way around. He
will soon be attending a school for the blind and also has a surgery
scheduled. Though it’s unclear whether this surgery will repair damage
done to his eye, will you pray that it will?
About 51% of Nigerians are Christian and 43% are Muslim, according to
the Joshua Project. Boko Haram’s attacks started escalating in 2009 and
have continued terrorizing the country. The terrorists have slaughtered
thousands of Christians and displaced and more than 1.3 million
believers.
Please pray that God will bring an end to the attacks and make His presence known among radical Muslims.
Source: Mission Network
News
Topic: Nigeria: Scarred, but still forgiving
