Nanpak's Story: Orphaned by Islamic Extremists

Nigeria has been rocked by violence for years now, and Christians have been targeted by the tens of thousands. One of the most devastating aspects of this intense persecution is the way it affects our youngest sisters and brothers. VOM has provided help to Nigerian orphans for many years. During a visit with a VOM worker, one young brother, Nankpak, shared the story of losing his father, mother and two youngest siblings to the blades of Islamic extremists. Nankpak recounted the way his father, a pastor, held his Bible as he sat on the dirt floor and led family devotions every morning and evening. Nankpak’s father taught his children about the characteristics of God and the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, telling Bible stories in a way that made them come alive. Nankpak often sat on his father’s lap as he read from the Word of God. The family spent a lot of time together. They had a unity that could not be broken: the bond of Christ. One June day, that sweet family communion changed forever for Nankpak. Although most of his neighbors and schoolmates were Muslims, Nankpak could never have predicted what would happen to his family. During one traumatic day of community unrest, he began his journey through “the valley of the shadow of death.” He watched in horror as his family was attacked, barely escaping with his own life.

Help Orphans Like Nankpak

After the deaths of Nankpak’s family members, VOM workers began to help shoulder a burden that no child should ever have to carry. Today, Nankpak is learning to forgive, and VOM workers have seen firsthand how God is using him as a leader among his peers. The Voice of the Martyrs reaches out to Christian orphans around the world who have lost their parents in attacks by extremists. Many of these orphaned children are being raised by godly, loving “house parents” who help bring healing and growth so that these children can grow to serve and represent Christ.

Restore Hope to an Orphan