Written by: Open Doors Southern Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Life is very difficult for Christians living in certain parts of Nigeria due to Islamic oppression, dictatorial paranoia, organised corruption, and crime. This West-African country is currently ranked at number 12 on the Open Doors World Watch List, which is compiled annually to list the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted the most.
After insurgents of the notorious Boko Haram extremist group attacked their Nigerian village, life for Mary Andimi, of Michika, changed drastically. At the age of 55, she has become a widow and the only provider for her large family. Mary’s husband, Reverend Lawan Andimi, was kidnapped and killed after nearly three weeks of negotiations.
Walking into a trap…
Mary recalls: “We were eating when we received a call warning us that Boko Haram soldiers were in our community.
Lawan ordered the children to run, but when we opened the gate, they were already at a neighbouring house. “We tried to escape through the back door to the church, but we walked straight into a trap. The men saw us, opened the door to one of their vehicles, and ordered Lawan to get in. He climbed in the car without protest and we watched as they drove off.”
Unattainable ransom
The next morning, Mary received a phone call from Boko Haram demanding 65 million Naira (roughly R3 million) for Lawan’s release, or they would kill him. “I begged them to have mercy and spare his life, but they said that I should get the money immediately,” she explained.
Every day for almost three weeks the commander called, threatening to decapitate Lawan if Mary didn’t pay the money. Unfortunately, she could only raise 25 million Naira (R1,08 million) with the help of the church headquarters. The leader of Boko Haram later said: “Even if you raise the money, if Lawan doesn’t accept Islam we will kill him.” She received a call later that same day telling her to forget about the money… they had killed Lawan.
“Nothing can and will separate me from the love of God, neither death nor hardship.”
Many challenges
As a widow and single mother, Mary faces overwhelming responsibilities. Her new role as sole provider for her children requires unwavering strength, while still dealing with her own loss. Five of her children are busy with tertiary education and two are in secondary school. “I have school fees and many other expenses to cover. I have no one to turn to but God. One thing I hold onto is this: ‘Nothing can and will separate me from the love of God, neither death nor hardship.’”
Open Doors visited Mary
Through local partners, Open Doors visited Mary and her children with food and monetary support, to which she responded with gratitude. “I thank God for your visit, encouragement, and gifts. The Church has also stood by me, and believers from all over have been praying for me. I am grateful, as I am constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness,” she said.
Support is vital
You can help protect and support more widows like Mary, whose husbands have paid the ultimate price for Christ. A gift of only R340 will help provide one widow and her children with food and housing for a month. Your gift will mean the world to a persecuted widow and her family – please make use of the banking details below or visit opendoors.org.za/goh6 for more information.
Open Doors | Nedbank
Branch code: 198765
Acc: 113 750 4552 (Business)
Reference: JE2008
Open Doors | Absa
Branch code: 632005
Acc: 160 340 568 (Current)
Reference: JE2008
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Date published: 07/08/2020
Feature image: Mary Andimi. © 2020 Open Doors International
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