Victims of Violence Relief Fund
Gathering in a burned out church to receive encouragement and relief
The vision of this project is to lovingly support victims of sectarian violence in central and northern Nigeria. We are providing emergency relief in the form of food, clean water, clothing, bedding, medical supplies, fuel, and temporary shelters. We are distributing these through local churches, SIM and ECWA Ministries, and other recognised agencies. Assistance will extend to hospitals and clinics providing medical care to survivors. Beyond immediate needs, the fund is helping rebuild destroyed churches.
Background
Communal violence throughout 2010 and 2011 killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands in northern and central Nigeria including, as one of the focal points, the city of Jos. Some press observers consider Jos a ‘fault line’ for religious and tribal reasons, with the city's tragic events making international news. However, the actual causes are complex and it is impossible to isolate a single reason for the violence.
The Story of One Community
Dutse Uku is a section of Jos where violent clashes in early 2010 resulted in many Christians and Muslims being killed and injured. Much property was destroyed as well, with the loss of homes and resources used for income generation.
SIM Responds
The first phase of response was to address the urgent needs of the two communities and hear their deeply moving stories. The second phase was to provide microfinance.
As a confidence building measure, the intended recipients of the microfinance assistance were required to attend a four-day course on business, bringing Muslims and Christians together. Seeing Muslims and Christians enjoying learning together has given credence to our prayerful hope that perhaps one village will find better ways to manage community relations.
We fervently desire that one day, in God’s providence, the leaders will sit down and look for resolutions to the complex undercurrents that can be addressed at the village level.
Pray
- for leaders from the national to traditional level to have an authentic desire to work for real peace in Plateau state
- for thousands who have lost homes in the turmoil
- that local communities will be willing to actively seek confidence building measures to increase local trust
- thanks for those who give sacrificially in Christ’s name towards practical support to devastated people
- for a means to address not only the consequences of sectarian violence but also to point people to Jesus Christ
- that amidst great suffering, Jesus will be revealed as Savior and Lord
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