1. Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Organised in Ireland by

2. Christians face persecution in 60 countries Red – Severe Orange – Significant Green – Limited

3. Today we focus on one country Nigeria

4. Christians in northern and central Nigeria face ongoing attack from Boko Haram militants

5. Boko Haram Fighting for a caliphate (an Islamic state under Sharia Law) Targets government, Christians and I moderate Muslims Has killed at least 12,000 people in past six years

6. “Western education is forbidden” The Boko Haram flag

7. Numerous churches in cities and villages have been destroyed by terrorist attacks

8. Over 1,600 Christians killed Jan – June 2014

9. A pastor surveys the remains of his church building

10. Often whole villages are destroyed in attacks

11. Tens of thousands of Christians have become refugees in their own country

12. Pastors Rebecca and Samuel Dali Many churches in the area where they work have been destroyed

13. Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria has been criticised for inaction in combating Boko Haram

14. In April, Boko Haram kidnapped 219 schoolgirls and forced them to convert to Islam

15. Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram boasted about the forced conversions

16. 90% of the kidnapped schoolgirls are Christian

17. An international campaign gained millions of supporters on social media

18. Martha Mark holds up the photo of her kidnapped daughter, Monica

19. Archbishop Ben Kwashi (Anglican Archbishop of Jos)

20. Almighty and everlasting God, We praise and glorify You for the creation of the world. We thank You for Nigeria and her people. Have mercy on all her people. Deliver and free Nigeria from violence, corruption and evil; deliver her from the sponsors of abduction, destruction and persecutions; bring speedily the days of peace and restoration. Help Nigerians to build a nation strong, generous and prosperous, we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

21. Nigeria will be featured in the next Church in Chains magazine (published in late November) Sign up today to receive your free copy Regular updates at www.churchinchains.ie