Eagles Nest Ministries

 

EAGLES NEST MINISTRIES

Jawaban bagi Indonesia

Indonesia dikenal sebagai sebuah negara kepulauan yang memiliki keragaman suku, budaya dan bahasa daerah. Mayoritas penduduk Indonesia merupakan orang non Kristen dan merupakan negara Muslim terbesar di dunia. Masih ada sekitar 129 suku dari 23 rumpun suku di Indonesia yang sama sekali belum pernah mendengar berita Injil. Gereja Tuhan di Indonesia mungkin telah berupaya memberitakan Injil dalam masyarakatnya namun hasilnya belum optimal. Begitu banyak orang yang menolak berita sukacita tersebut karena menganggap berita tersebut sebagai “kepercayaan asing”. Sebab dibagikan dalam kemasan yang kebarat-baratan, yang mungkin tidak cocok dengan budaya setempat dari masyarakat yang hendak dijangkau. Ada banyak suku yang siap dan terbuka seandainya kita memberitakan berita keselamatan itu dengan menyajikannya sesuai kebiasaan, adat istiadat serta budaya mereka.

Eagles Nest Ministries berdiri 1 Juli 2007 di kota Bandung, salah satunya untuk menjawab tantangan ini. Pelayanan ini dirintis oleh suami istri Dave Broos dan Novie Durant yang merindukan umat Tuhan meresponi Amanat Agung Tuhan (Mat 28:19-20, Karena itu pergilah, jadikanlah semua bangsa muridKu dan baptislah mereka dalam nama Bapa dan Anak dan Roh Kudus, dan ajarlah mereka melakukan segala sesuatu yang telah Kuperintahkan kepadamu. Dan ketahuilah, Aku menyertai kamu senantiasa sampai kepada akhir zaman) untuk menjadi murid dan menjadikan segala bangsa murid Tuhan hingga kerajaan Tuhan diperluas, suatu umat yang bukan “sekedar beragama Kristen” tetapi mengetahui panggilan Tuhan atas hidupnya dan membawa dampak bagi komunitasnya. Dave Broos merupakan hamba Tuhan yang ditahbiskan oleh United Christian Faith Ministries dari Amerika Serikat, ditunjuk sebagai regional director dari Shadow of the Cross di Indonesia (sebuah pelayanan bagi sub kultur di perkotaan), pendoa syafaat Global Prayer Network – Johan Maasbach Wereld Zending dan utusan Injil dari Gereja Oikos Indonesia jemaat Surabaya.

Visi Eagles Nest Ministries adalah “MEMBERITAKAN KABAR BAIK, MEMURIDKAN & MENGUTUS SETIAP ANAK TUHAN UNTUK “MENJADI” GEREJA DIMANA PUN MEREKA BERADA”. Kerinduan kami adalah bekerja bersama dan memperlengkapi semua denominasi gereja, persekutuan, pelayanan Kristen lainnya dalam menyelesaikan amanat agung. Pelayanan ini berjejaring dengan pergerakan pemuridan dan penanaman gereja dunia Zoe Ministries, LK10 dan Outreach Fellowship International.

Missi kami adalah:

• MEMPERKENALKAN PENGHARAPAN & KASIH BAPA SURGAWI PADA DUNIA TERHILANG
• MEMULIHKAN & MEMURIDKAN MEREKA YANG BERKOMITMEN UNTUK BERTUMBUH DALAM KRISTUS
• MELATIH DAN MENGUTUS MURID KRISTUS SEBAGAI AGEN PERUBAHAN KE SELURUH DUNIA
• MELIHAT TERANG TUHAN BERSINAR DIMANA-MANA MENERANGI DUNIA SAMPAI TUHAN DATANG KEMBALI

Kami menyadari bahwa kami tidak bisa bekerja sendiri tetapi diperlukan kebersamaan dan kesadaran bersama akan kehendak Tuhan. Diperlukan sebuah kesehatian dan kesatuan (meski kita berbeda organisasi tapi satu dalam Tuhan Yesus) agar kita dapat berfungsi sebagai tubuh Kristus yang menjadi berkat dan dampak bagi mereka yang belum mengenal Tuhan.

Bagaimana Anda dapat menjadi rekan kami?

Keberhasilan pelayanan ini berarti juga keberhasilan umat Tuhan di Indonesia. Roma 10:13-15,”Sebab barangsiapa yang berseru kepada nama Tuhan, akan diselamatkan. Tetapi bagaimana mereka dapat berseru kepadaNya, jika mereka tidak percaya kepada Dia? Bagaimana mereka dapat percaya kepada Dia, jika mereka tidak mendengar tentang Dia? Bagaimana mereka mendengar tentang Dia jika tidak ada yang memberitakanNya? Dan bagaimana mereka dapat memberitakanNya, jika mereka tidak diutus? Seperti ada tertulis:”Betapa indahnya kedatangan mereka yang membawa kabar baik!” Kami mengajak Anda untuk dapat terlibat bersama dalam menjangkau jiwa terhilang melalui 3D

DIRI

Bagi mereka yang mau terlibat dalam mewartakan Injil, pemuridan, penanaman dan pengembangan gereja. Kami memberi diri untuk memperlengkapi baik seorang pribadi maupun gereja atau persekutuan yang hendak bermultiplikasi atau menanggapi amanat agung. Bukan jumlah orang tetapi kesediaan menanggapi panggilan Tuhan adalah tujuan kami. Kami memiliki bahan-bahan pemuridan yang dapat digunakan baik untuk pribadi, persekutuan maupun gereja yang hendak bertumbuh.

DOA

Anda dapat berdoa syafaat keluarga kami dalam memenuhi panggilan Tuhan dalam kehidupan kami. Kami juga menyediakan blog yang berisi berita dan pokok doa bagi suku-suku terabaikan baik di Indonesia maupun mancanegara.

DANA

Bagi mereka yang mau mendukung kami agar kami bisa pergi memperlengkapi umat Tuhan maupun gereja Tuhan di daerah terpencil atau tak mampu hingga kami dapat memperlengkapi dan mengutus lebih banyak lagi anak Tuhan dalam pemuridan dan perintisan gereja. Bagi yang terbeban dapat menghubungi kami lebih lanjut.

Saya percaya Anda dapat menanggapi salah satu atau bahkan ketiga hal tersebut sebagai anggota tubuh Kristus yang telah mengalami kasih karunia dan anugerah keselamatan. Anda dapat merenungkan dan mendoakan ke tiga hal tersebut demi menjangkau mereka yang berseru,”Menyeberanglah kemari dan tolonglah kami.” (Kis 16:9). Dapatkah Anda mendengar seruan mereka yang terhilang? Tuhan menunggu partisipasi dan pengabdian Anda kepadaNya.

Salam dan doa,

Dave Broos

Kontak kami dapat melalui inbox Facebook atau direct message Twitter, email: davebroos@yahoo.co.uk , telpon 022-92050322 atau SMS 087832744286.

500 Assyrians from Syria Flee to Turkey

500 Assyrians from Syria Flee to Turkey in Last Three Days

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

Syrians help an injured comrade as they flee from Syria after clashes between Syrian rebels and government soldiers in Rasulayn region, a few hundred meters from Turkey's Ceylanpinar (Photo: AAP)

TUR ABDIN, TURKEY (ANS) -- According to the Assyrian International News Agency (www.aina.org) some 500 Assyrians from Syria have crossed the border into Turkey in the past three days, seeking refuge from the war in Syria.
Assyrian church officials in Tur Abdin, Turkey, say that the refugees are now in Gazentap. The Assyrian churches and monasteries in Tur Abdin and its surroundings are at capacity. Church officials are now considering building a tent city to house the refugees.
"Assyrians and other Christians in Syria have been disproportionately affected by the war, and have been targeted by the Muslims rebels," said the AINA story. "The Muslim Jihadists have kidnapped Assyrians for ransom, attacked places of worship and created a climate of fear, forcing many Assyrians to abandon their homes and villages and seek safety in Turkey.

Suad Malki and her three sons (Photo: Jubilee Campaign)

The case of Suad Malki, they are reporting, is a "typical example." In July of 2011 her husband, Dr. Staefo Malki, was sitting in his car, in Hassaka, when two Muslims approached and told him to remove the Holy Cross from his car. He refused. The Muslims shot him. Dr. Malki died later in the hospital. But the trouble for the Malki family was not over. The Muslims telephoned his grief stricken wife and told her that they would kill her three sons if they did not leave. Swedish journalist Nuri Kino, is reporting: "Even though Christians make up more than 10 percent of Syria's population, this amount is not reflected in the UNCHR registered refugees numbers who fled to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.
"The mostly ignored tragedy of the Christians in Iraq has convinced Christians of Syria that international authorities will not step up to protect them. While their plight is well known to the western media outlets they still are forgotten by international aid organizations. They are fleeing massively."
Nuri Kino's comprehensive 40-page report is available at www.betweenthebarbedwire.com

---

Dan Wooding, 72, who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for 49 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS) and he hosts the weekly "Front Page Radio" show on the KWVE Radio Network in Southern California and which is also carried throughout the United States and around the world. Besides this, Wooding is a host for His Channel Live, which is carried via the Internet to some 192 countries. Dan recently received two top media awards -- the "Passion for the Persecuted" award from Open Doors US, and as one of the top "Newsmakers of 2011" from Plain Truth magazine. He is the author of some 45 books, the latest of which is "Caped Crusader: Rick Wakeman in the 1970s." To order a copy, go to: Caped Crusader - Amazon

God At work through all difficulties (Open Doors)

God At Work Through All Difficulties Pastor Yosef was stunned … his 22-year old church did not have the proper building permit, and was now facing closure by the government! Church development was going well; in fact, it exceeded his expectations. Over the past five years, Pastor Yosef eagerly watched as his congregation grew to over sixty people. This was especially surprising since his church was located in a Muslim majority neighborhood!  Although members of the community were not interested in Christianity, they were tolerant of a Christian church. The neighborhood was peaceful, and Pastor Yosef felt very optimistic about the future. In the middle of this joy, trouble arose. On Feb. 12, 2012, Pastor Yosef received a memo from the Forum Komunikasi Umat Beragama (FKUB), requesting that he attend their next meeting. In spite of its stated purpose to foster understanding and tolerance between religious groups, the FKUB – or Inter-religious Harmony Forum, an organization comprised of representatives from all religions in Indonesia - had a Muslim majority. Pastor Yosef knew that they would not be impartial.  At the meeting, the FKUB presented Pastor Yosef with a petition stating that the people in his community wanted the church to move away. The leaders also stated that the church did not have a proper building permit. Pastor Yosef’s stomach knotted. This was impossible to believe! The church had been established 22 years ago, well before the law was created which made church permits mandatory. A few days later, Yosef interviewed several villagers. “I went around and asked their opinion about our church’s location. I found out only five Muslim neighbors petitioned to close our church!” Pastor Yosef immediately began working to obtain the correct building permit. One With Them In the face of uncommon circumstances, where only five people could create so much trouble for many others, Pastor Yosef remained steadfast. Today, despite unusual circumstances in your life, remain One With Them in your prayers and love for believers in East Java. Please pray for all persecuted believers as they go through their daily lives, fully relying on God’s provision. 2013.02.20

"See, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Revelations 3:8 )

The Muslim soldier who became the 'Apostle to the Pygmies'

Edited and adapted by Mark Ellis He was a Muslim soldier who fought against Christians until a Scripture verse stopped him in his tracks and set him on a new path in life. Waswa Munubi grew up in Uganda. During his youth, he was an avid marijuana smoker. In military service, he fought against Christians until he came under the influence of Alexander Mackay, a Scottish missionary with the Church Missionary Society. Challenged to read the New Testament, one verse in the Sermon on the Mount grabbed his heart in an unexpected way. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13) After he read that passage, Munubi surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was born again. At his baptism, he took the name “Apolo,” after the eloquent Alexandrian Jewish believer who “was fervent in spirit, spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25). Apolo left military service and began his discipleship training under the Anglican Church. He almost married, but his fiancée died unexpectedly before their wedding. After her death, Apolo decided to take the Apostle Paul’s advice in 1 Cor. 7:32, so he stayed single, and committed himself to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and completely. He was the first to volunteer as a missionary to the neighboring region of Toro. After that, he was sent to Boga, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To get to Boga, Apolo walked over the Rwenzori Mountains, then he traveled another 50 miles through the forest. He only took his Bible and his hoe on the arduous journey. The Bible fed him spiritually; the hoe allowed him to find work along the way. When he arrived at Boga, Apolo began to boldly proclaim the gospel. However, many were offended by his preaching, because he spoke against traditional practices and behavior, such as sorcery, polygamy, and drunkenness. He even offended Chief Tabaro, who gave the order that no one should give Apolo any food, in the hope that Apolo would die of hunger or leave his village. Undeterred, Apolo remained steadfast and loyal to the Lord’s calling on his life and continued his ministry. Against all odds, he watched in amazement as the Lord provided for all of his needs. Then a strange incident happened. Chief Tabaro’s sister died by accidently falling onto a spear that was carelessly left in the tall grasses at a building site. Apolo was blamed for her death, imprisoned and beaten, then sent back to Uganda where he was placed on trial for murder. One night in the prison, Apolo had a life-changing dream. “I saw Jesus shining like the sun, He said to me, ‘Take heart, for I am with you,’” Apolo recalled later. At the same time he had this powerful dream, God miraculously changed Chief Tabaro’s heart. Inexplicably, the chief requested that Apolo be released from prison and returned to his village. Through Apolo’s influence, the chief became a believer himself and the two men became close friends. After these dramatic events, Apolo’s heart was revived and encouraged. Full of the Holy Spirit, he began to preach with even greater boldness. Wherever he spoke, people gave up their old customs, repented, and began to follow Jesus. Apolo declared the year 1921 as “the year of the Gospel.” God began to touch his heart about reaching the pygmy tribes who inhabited forested areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Faithful to God’s call, he went to live among the Walese, Wanyali, and Wambuti as a friend. When he preached, he often told them about another unusual encounter with Jesus: “Christ appeared before me as a man. It was like seeing a man who was my brother. He said to me, ‘Go, preach in the forest, because I am with you. I Am who I Am–this is my Name.’” Due to the Lord’s favor and an anointing propelled by the Spirit, Apolo became known as “the Apostle to the Pygmies” for his work among the Bambuti people of the Ituri forest in the eastern part of the country. He died in 1933 at Boga, his mission field. Contrary to local customs, he was buried with his head toward the west (not the east) at his request. This signaled his desire that the Gospel should go to the western part of the country. Others, inspired by his example, continued his work throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This article, edited and adapted by permission of the Dictionary of African Christian Biography, was originally researched and written by Rev. Yossa Way, Project Luke Fellow and Professor of Theology at the Institut Supérieur Théologique Anglican in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chris Wilkinson assisted Mark Ellis in editing this article.

Pakistanis Pay Tribute to Cecil Chaudhry, a National Hero

By Ashfaq Fateh Special to ASSIST News Service LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- People from various sections of Pakistani life, including many from the Christian community, paid tribute to Group Captain (Retired) Cecil Chaudhry, one of the Pakistani national heroes of 1965 and 1971 wars against India, at his funeral at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lahore, on Sunday, April 15, 2012. A recent picture of Cecil Chaudhry Chaudhry, 71, a veteran fighter pilot of Pakistan Air Force, died at the age of 71, on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, after suffering from lung cancer. At the funeral, and on behalf of the ASSIST News Service-Pakistan, I spoke with Christian activists who had attended the service and they each applauded the role of Mr. Chaudhry as fighter pilot and an icon of minority rights. Rafia Salomi, a women rights activist said, "Cecil Chaudhry was the Chairman of Society for Human Development and he tasked the workers to strive to build strong Pakistan empowering the weaker sections of society including labor, religious minorities, children and women. He made several nationwide visits to educate Pakistanis to struggle for equal rights for minorities. "He trained youths like Clement Shahbaz Bhatti, the former Minister for Minorities Affairs [who was murdered on March 2, 2011] to dedicate their lives to uplift our Pakistan minorities." Rafia Salomi She went on to say, "As the head of the Christian Organizations for Social Action in Pakistan (COSAP), he struggled to restore joint electorate system in Pakistan that enabled minorities to be a part of mainstream politics of the country. His contribution to democracy will remember forever. He addressed various international forums to represent Pakistan and he highlighted the role of minorities in our country's development." Atif Jamil Pagaan, Executive Director the Harmony Foundation, said, "Cecil Chaudhry was a role model for Christian youth. As a great pilot fighter he destroyed India's hunter planes and was awarded with the Sitar-e-Jurat and Tamga Jurat awards from the President of Pakistan in recognition of his services to the nation. Later, he supported India-Pakistan peace process and was a well-known educationist. "He was one of the founding fathers of Punjab Education Foundation, a government-run education department that introduced educational development programs in the province of Punjab. He also inspired hundreds of youth to join hands to educate younger generation with the values of love, peace and hard work. He was a great politician as well." Fr. Bonnie Mendes Fr. Bonnie Mendes, one of the founding fathers of the Christian rights movement in Pakistan had been a close associate of Mr. Cecil Chaudhry and worked with him under the umbrella of Society for Human Development, as well as the National Commission for Justice and Peace, both important Christian Organizations for social action in Pakistan and other countries." Cecil Chaudhry and Fr. Mendes initiated various movements against discriminatory laws affecting religious minorities, restoration of joint electorate and for adding a religious column in national identity card. Fr. Mendes spoke to ANS-Pakistan and said, "The loss of Mr. Cecil Chaudhry is great. Last year, the icon of minorities rights Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated and now another strong voice is no more. However, his vision and great examples of service and empowering weaker sections of the society will continue to be followed by others." Johnson Gill, a Christian youth leader, stated, "The death of Cecil Chaudhry is a national loss, but our youth will follow in his footsteps to promote peace, love and harmony in the country." Mian Shahbaz Shari, Chief Minister of Punjab, presenting flowers on the occasion of funeral Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, paid a special tribute to Chaudhry at the funeral, saying "Group Captain (Retired) Cecil Chaudhry was a legendary fighter pilot of Pakistan Air Force, and the services rendered by this legend were beyond the call of normal duty. His aerial battles during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India will be remembered for all times to come." Later, on behalf of ANS-Pakistan, I held a meeting in Lahore with Ms. Michelle Chaudhry, the daughter of Mr. Chaudhry and Executive Director of the Iris Foundation, to give our condolences to the family. Ms. Michelle said, "The Iris Foundation was initiated in memory of my late mother, Mrs. Iris Chaudhry, to empower and help women and children, The Iris Foundation has provided food and other relief aids to Hindus, flood-affected women in Sindh last year. We are pledged to carry on the mission of my great father [and mother] to support the weaker groups of the society in Pakistan."

Christians in peril as Sudan and South Sudan head towards war

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN (ANS) -- The threat of an all-out war between Sudan and South Sudan is mounting amid intensifying fighting in the disputed border region, putting Christians in both nations in great danger.

3,700 people are said to have fled Jau, which lies across the border from Southern Kordofan,
since the attacks
(AFP/HO Stuart Price)
Barnabas Fund, based in the UK says that Fierce clashes in the oil-rich territory over the last three weeks have been described as the worst fighting since South Sudan gained independence in July 2011.

The UN Security Council last week expressed its "deep and growing alarm" over the "escalating conflict", and said that the situation threatened to return the countries to full-scale war.

Sudan, which has been indiscriminately dropping bombs in the border regions and the South for almost a year, said that if Southern troops do not comply with a UN order to withdraw from the Heglig oilfields, Khartoum "will chase them out" and "hit deep inside South Sudan".

"The tensions threaten a return to the deadly civil war that devastated the South and left more than two million people, mainly Southern Christians, dead," said a Barnabas Fund spokesperson.

"The independence of South Sudan was meant to herald a new dawn of peace, but a number of serious issues between the two countries remain unresolved, including disputed border territory, oil revenue and citizenship rights."

Left in limbo

South Sudanese boy shows he plans
to protect himself
The spokesperson went on to say that the hostility between the two nations has left people of Southern origin, who are mainly Christian and mainly African, in the overwhelmingly Muslim and Arab Republic of Sudan in a state of limbo and increasing danger. They were stripped of their citizenship of Sudan after the South voted to secede in January 2011 and given until 8 April to sort out their papers.

That deadline has now passed, and, treated as foreigners in Sudan, they have been denied work permits, while South Sudan has not yet started issuing identity documents. Thus they have been left without an official nationality.

A deal that would have given citizens of both countries key rights - to live, work and own property - in the other state has stalled, and there is little hope of further progress; a planned summit between the two presidents at the beginning of April was called off because of the violence in the border region.

A mother and child trying to shelter from the possible upcoming all-out war
"Thousands of people are consequently living rough, hundreds of them on wasteland around Khartoum, having had to give up their homes; many do not have the money and resources to transport their families and possessions to South Sudan. Around three-quarters of them are Christians," said the Barnabas Fund spokesperson.

One community leader said: "We've been out of our homes for three months. We're going to South Sudan, but we need the help of the two governments to return to our country. The people here are very tired. The men have no work, no food; that is our situation."

Barnabas Fund is helping to meet the practical needs of Christians in both Sudan and South Sudan. We are providing returning refugees with emergency supplies, including sorghum (grain), salt, plastic sheeting for shelters, mosquito nets, blankets, water drums and cooking pots.

A family that has been provided shelter

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said: "A return to war would be a tragedy, especially for Christians in both territories who, during the long civil war, were particular targets of Khartoum's aggression. Christians in Sudan are already suffering greatly as a result of the unresolved tensions between the two countries; many have been left homeless and in great need. The humanitarian situation will only deteriorate as the latest conflict intensifies."

Give Today

If you would like to help Christians in Sudan and South Sudan, please make a donation to the Sudan and South Sudan General Fund (project 48-990). Donate Online (www.barnabasfund.org/donations/usa/?id=48-990&appealCode=SUD%2004/12 ) using their secure server.

Afghan Viewer Testifies to God's Healing Power

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

IRAN (ANS) -- It was only by chance that Mina* caught a glimpse of a SAT-7 program on TV. In fact, she doesn't even own a TV or know what email is. Mina was visiting a friend in Iran who was watching SAT-7 and-as normal social protocol could predict-Mina joined in watching.

An Afghan woman
According to a story by Melissa M. Brown, Communications Assistant at SAT-7® (www.sat7usa.org), at the time, Mina was suffering from depression that followed a serious medical procedure. Doubtless the taxing health problems and psychological stress made this middle-aged woman dream of a more sublime existence.

"A few days before the New Year, Mina had unusual dreams in which Jesus appeared to her. Jesus told Mina that He needed her to help him by making dough from flour," said Brown. "Then, Jesus disappeared and a man saying he was a helper of Jesus told Mina that there is too much dough.half the world is filled with dough and waiting for Jesus to make bread with them. Like most dreams, the vision was an ephemeral experience, but this one was not easily forgotten throughout the day.

"Mina awoke and responded to the suggestions in her dreams by seeking more knowledge about Jesus. She later contacted SAT-7 to share her story. In tears, she said that she is healed of her depression and that she loves Jesus with all her heart."

1 John 1:3 in Farsi
Melissa Brown went to to say, "Mina's faith is exceptional! Personally, I have a tendency to struggle with the intangible. A Bible can be held and passed around and quoted, but a vision or dream? I pit the surreal against the scientific because my ability to explain events in my life makes me feel in control, and superior to other forces at work.

"I tell myself a strange dream means that maybe I shouldn't have eaten that cookie dough or taken melatonin before bed. Not all dreams are necessarily God-inspired, and maybe they are just a sleepy-time manifestation of ideas that have been long-forming in the subconscious. But at the same time, this woman's dream had a productive function-she responded to Jesus! Am I missing out on the miraculous in my own life?

"Not being a theologian, I can't verify to anyone that her dream was definitely a manifestation of God's will. But perhaps the more important point is the spiritual change the dream encouraged in Mina's life by revealing God and drawing her closer to Him. In the Old Testament, dreams and visions were not an uncommon way for God to express Himself."

She then said that the Bible states that in the end days, these experiences will be an integral part of spiritual life: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17)

*Name has been changed for privacy

Pakistani Woman Accused of 'Blasphemy' Illegally Held in Jail

Authorities fail to file charge sheet against young mother of 6-month-old

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that the mother of a 6-month-old girl has been wrongly jailed for more than a month, as Pakistani authorities have failed to file a charge sheet within the mandatory 14-day period against the young Christian woman falsely accused of "blaspheming" the prophet of Islam, her attorney said.

CDN says that Shamim Bibi, 26, of village Chak No. 170/7R Colony, in the Fort Abbas area of Bahawalpur district, was charged under Section 295-C of Pakistan's "blasphemy" statutes after neighbors accused her of uttering remarks against Muhammad. She was arrested on Feb. 28.

"Speaking ill of Muhammad in Pakistan is punishable by life imprisonment or death under Pakistan's internationally condemned blasphemy laws," said the CDN story. "Her lawyer, Mahboob A. Khan, said police were supposed to register a charge sheet within 14 days of filing the First Information Report under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

"Police say that they have forwarded the charge sheet to the prosecution department, but there has been nothing from them either, he said."

Khan added, "The judicial process is painfully slow, and it's even slower in such sensitive matters. I just hope the judge realizes the gaps in the case, and even if he does not muster enough courage to quash the case, he should at least set her free on bail."

For more information please go to: www.compassdirect.org

Mali: Christians flee imposition of Sharia

- plus Nigeria update (Kaduna Easter bombing)

By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 154
Special to ASSIST News Service

AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Having seized the capitals of the three main northern provinces in three days -- Kidal, on 30 March, Gao on 31 March and Timbuktu on 1 April -- the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (NMLA) declared it had achieved its military goal. (NMLA is the ethnic Tuareg rebel group that has seized control of northern Mali.) Consequently, on Thursday 5 April the NMLA announced a ceasefire. Whilst the NMLA has been fighting for political ends -- specifically for autonomy in their homeland -- they have been aided by Islamic jihadists who have been fighting for religious ends, specifically an Islamic state where Sharia (Islamic) Law is enforced. No sooner had the NMLA achieved its goal, the jihadists of Ansar Dine hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia. Some 100 Nigerian Boko Haram militants who assisted in the capture of Gao have also established a presence there. Sources advise there are four distinct flags flying in Goa: the NMLA, Boko Haram, Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). However, it is the jihadists calling the shots, not the professedly secular NMLA.

The Tuareg rebellion has left northern Mali devastated. There have been reports of pack rapes as well as massive destruction and looting. The UN's office of humanitarian affairs reports: 'Malians in the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu are hiding in their homes in fear following the weekend takeover by rebel groups, during which hospitals, health clinics, government buildings, and most NGO and UN offices and warehouses were looted, and in some cases destroyed, leaving the bulk of humanitarian operations suspended.' (IRIN, 3 April.) Head of the Malian office of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Julia McDade, told IRIN: 'Everyone [in Gao] is in hiding, everyone's vehicles have been stolen . every single office has been ransacked.' Caritas Mali reported that its local office in Gao was destroyed along with the local church which served Gao's 200-strong Catholic community.

Reportedly, Ansar Dine has distributed leaflets containing a contact number saying that anyone who feels threatened or endangered should call Ansar Dine for assistance. One resident reports being on a bus of families fleeing Gao that was ambushed by Tuareg militants who were robbing everyone. People called the Ansar Dine 'hotline' and jihadists were quickly on the scene. The passengers then watched in horror as the jihadists slit the throat of one of the Tuareg militants to cries of 'Allahu Akbar'.

The shocking violence and destruction, but especially the Islamist threat, has forced virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali to flee for their lives. The Guardian received an unconfirmed report that the Christian prefect of the town of Bourem had been executed along with his whole family. More than 90 percent of Timbuktu's approximately 300 Christians have fled according to Baptist Pastor Nock Ag Info Yattara, whose congregation has worshipped in Timbuktu since the 1950s. He added that not one of its 205 people is left. In Timbuktu, Ansar Dine is controlling the city and its military base, while the NMLA is camped out at the airport. 'What I deplore,' laments Ou smane Halle, the mayor of Timbuktu, 'is the departure of the Christian community . . . I cannot guarantee their safety. And these are people that have lived side by side with us for centuries.'

For full report see:
MALI: Christians flee as jihadists sieze control of north
Religious Liberty Monitoring, 11 April 2012

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL --

* guarantee the safety of his displaced and threatened people and supply all their needs: spiritual, emotional and physical (food, medical supplies and refuge).

* 'frustrate' (NIV) / 'thwart' (NASB) the way of the wicked (Psalm 146:9c) so that northern Mali will not become an Islamic state and al-Qaeda sanctuary; may he intervene to restore democracy and liberty to northern Mali so that the light of Christ might shine there openly.

* redeem the present sufferings for his own ends, turning the schemes of the wicked 'upside down' (Psalm 146:9c KJV), so that falsehood might be exposed and rejected, truth might be illuminated and lifted up and doors long closed might be opened for gospel ministry.

'The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.' (Psalm 146:9 ESV)

SUMMARY FOR BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
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MALI CHRISTIANS FLEE IMPOSITION OF SHARIA

Ethnic Tuareg rebels have seized control of northern Mali. Whilst the main rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, is professedly secular, its ally, a jihadist faction known as Ansar Dine, has wrested contr ol, hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia Law. The Tuareg rebellion has devastated northern Mali. There have been reports of pack rapes and violence, whilst the massive destruction and widespread looting has left the humanitarian aid sector totally crippled. Christian charities and churches have been destroyed. With Christians being targeted, virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali has been forced to flee. Please pray for the Church in Mali.

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NIGERIA: GIVE THANKS AND KEEP PRAYING

On Easter Sunday a Boko Haram bomber attempted to get access to the 1st Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) on Gwari Road, Kaduna. However, his car was turned away at the barricades despite his having a military uniform folded on the back seat. As he drove away, the massive bomb exploded outside a hotel opposite the church. So far 39 people have died, most of whom were Okada (motor-cyc le taxi) drivers parked at the hotel. The massive explosion damaged the ECWA Good News Church and the nearby All Nations Christian Assembly Church, blowing in the windows and destroying fans and roofing. However, the churchgoers worshipping at Easter services inside were protected. Thank the Lord while continuing to pray that he will protect his people (Psalm 125:2) and frustrate the schemes of the wicked (Psalm 146:9).

Suicide Bomber Targets Churches in Kaduna, Nigeria

Repelled by church security, suspected Islamic extremist detonates blast at nearby taxi stand

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

KADUNA, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that churches celebrating Easter services were the targets of a suicide bomber who killed at least 38 people yesterday in Kaduna city in northern Nigeria, sources said.

Site of a bomb explosion at a road in Kaduna, Nigeria on Sunday, April 8, 2012
CDN said that security personnel at one of the church buildings blocked the bomber, believed to belong to the Boko Haram Islamic sect, who then decided to detonate his explosives in the street at a nearby motorcycle taxi center, the sources said.

"Dozens of people were injured in addition to those killed," said the CDN story. "The bombs damaged the buildings of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Good News church and the All Nations Christian Assembly, besides blasting off roofs from homes and hotels and destroying vehicles."

Located on the same street, Gwari Road, are the Redeemed Christian Church of God and an Assemblies of God church. Luka Binniyat, a Christian resident of the city, told Compass that law enforcement agents believed the ECWA church was the primary target.

"Richard Markus, a detective, mentioned that the bomber's main target was the ECWA Good News church a few meters from the scene of the bomb blast," Binniyat said. "He tried forcing his way past, but the security man stood in between him and the blockade. He even pushed him a ways before some policemen manning the gate of the church rushed down to the scene."

Another scene of the aftermath of
the bombing in Kaduna
Boko Haram (literally, "Forbidden Book," translated as "Western education is forbidden") has targeted state offices, law enforcement sites and some moderate mosques in its effort to destabilize the government and impose a strict version of sharia (Islamic law) on all of Nigeria, but Kaduna resident Stanley Yakubu said that Christians are one of its main targets.

"The truth is that there is a deliberate effort to silence or eliminate the Christians in the north," he said.

For more information, please go to: www.compassdirect.org

Syrian Christians in Desperate Times

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

SYRIA (ANS) -- The city of Homs, the third largest in Syria, has now seen almost its entire Christian population of 50,000 to 60,000 flee for safety as fighting continues in the stricken country.

'This church was damaged by the fighting in Homs.'
(Freedom House).
According to a story by Barnabas Fund, the number of Christians left in the city has reportedly fallen to below 1,000 after the strife between the troops of President Bashar Assad and anti-government forces reached its peak there last month.

Christians have fled to surrounding villages, other major Syrian cities, and even Lebanon. Those who remain have spoken of a growing "atmosphere of fear."

Barnabas Fund said during the worst of the conflict, opposition forces attacked churches and also occupied an evangelical school and home for the elderly, which were then shelled by the army. Church leaders have reported that Muslim neighbors are turning on the Christians, and that Muslim extremists from other countries have been coming to Homs to join the fighting.

Barnabas Fund said Christians have also suffered kidnappings and gruesome murders. Some Christian families, unable to pay a ransom for their relatives' release, and fearing that they may be tortured, have been driven to ask the kidnappers to kill their loved ones at once.

The number of doctors in Homs has dwindled from 850 to 35-50, and the number of functioning hospitals from 40-45 to just five or six. Some hospitals have been attacked and destroyed; others have closed because they have no drugs or other resources, and two more have been robbed to equip field hospitals. Five schools have also been damaged.

Barnabas Fund said the displaced Christians face an uncertain future and are concerned that they may be unable to return home, while the plight of those who remain is truly desperate. Prices have rocketed, supplies have run low, and it has often been too dangerous to go out.

Danger beyond Homs

Christians are seriously endangered in other parts of Syria too, Barnabas Fund said. Not only are they generally assumed to be pro-Assad, but also a strongly Islamist element amongst the rebels will attack them just because they are Christians.

Barnabas Fund said bombs have already exploded in the Christian quarters of Damascus and Aleppo. Church leaders hesitate to travel at night, believing that, as symbols of the Christian presence they may be special targets for assassination. The authorities have warned the churches not to gather in large numbers over the Easter celebration period in case their meetings are bombed.

One church leader told Barnabas Fund, "We hope for a safe future but nobody knows what will happen. There are many outside influences. We fear sectarian conflict. We fear becoming like Iraq. If the Christians leave the Arab countries, it will be a loss for everybody."

Another added, "God willing, Syria will come out of it, but at what cost? I am not very optimistic that our Christian community will survive."

Barnabas Fund is working directly with Christian partners in the country to get emergency aid to needy Christians throughout Syria, including those from Homs and the victims of the bombings.

Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said in a news release, "I have just returned from meeting Syrian church leaders, and I am more than ever convinced that our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria need our help."

He added, "The dark days of the Middle Ages when many churches were burned and Christians slaughtered in the region are threatening to return, endangering the very existence of the churches in this land that has had a Christian presence for almost 2,000 years. Please help us to support the Christians of Syria in their desperate need."

Barnabas Fund provides hope and aid for the persecuted church. For more information go to www.barnabasfund.org

Iran: Historic Christian Cemetery demolished in Kerman Province

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

KERMAN PROVINCE, IRAN (ANS) -- News of the destruction of a 200 year old historic cemetery in the Ghal'e-dokhtar area of Kerman province, south-east of the Iranian capital of Tehran, by agents of the Iranian government, has just reached the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

A man points to the destruction of gravestone in the cemetery
According to the Iranian Christian News Service, Mohabat News (http://mohabatnews.com), the Islamic republic's agents had first of all destroyed an historic church building in Kerman, and now they have also "completely demolished" the Christian cemetery.

"Based on this report, local people estimate that this cemetery has existed for more than two hundred years," said a spokesperson for Mohabat News.

The news service of a cultural heritage organization quoted Mohammad Mehdi Afzali, head of public relations for the Cultural Heritage organization of Kerman, as saying, "Destruction of this cemetery was conducted as part of a project by the municipality and Cultural Heritage organization, to release lands around Ghal'e-Dokhtar and Ghal'e Ardeshir."

He added, "After the reports and photos of this destruction were published by news services, a team of experts of the Cultural Heritage office of Kerman was sent out to the cemetery to prepare an expert report."

The spokesperson for Mohabat News said, Of course, Mr. Afzali denied this report in an interview with the pro-regime news service, IRNA on Wednesday."

Concerning this issue, Mr. Movahedi, Deputy Director of the General Office of Cultural Heritage of Kerman said, "The historical cemetery of Christians is located in the territory of Ghal'e-Dokhtar and as far as the territory of monuments is concerned, it is necessary for all the places located in the territory of Ghal'e-Dokhtar to receive proper attention."

Mr. Movahedi added that he is "still waiting" for the report of the experts and reliable information on this historical cemetery and specific results would be announced in the coming week.

Prior to this report, a historical church building in Kerman, which was registered as a national monument, was brought down using bulldozers. The church building was registered as a national monument in 2009 and so had to be protected and restored.

"However, it was completely destroyed overnight using heavy machinery for unknown reasons," said the Mohabat News spokesperson.

"Also, according to published reports, a historic English cemetery in Boushehr port, which was also used as a burial ground for Armenian minorities of Boushehr, is in a tragic condition in which all the crosses have been taken out of the ground.

"Day after day it seems that this historical graveyard is approaching complete destruction. Several attempts to contact officials of Cultural Heritage of Boushehr to obtain further information on this cemetery remain unanswered."
pr

Christian leader beheaded as Islamists terrorize Mali

By Charles Gardner
Special to ASSIST News Service

TIMBUKTU, MALI (ANS) -- A Christian leader has been beheaded and others are being threatened with similar treatment as Islamic militants run amok in Mali, West Africa.

Islamic troops in Timbuktu
Christians have fled the town of Timbuktu in the north of the country where harsh Sharia Law has already been imposed amid reports that churches in Gao, 200 miles to the east, have been completely destroyed.

The news comes in the wake of a military coup in the country, one of the effects of which is that sanctions applied from outside has cut off electricity supplies, further delaying reports of the latest upheavals along with desperate pleas for help.

Among those affected is British Bible college graduate Timothee (Tim) Yattara, who recently returned home to his home country in a bid to help spread the gospel in this remote - and now dangerous - part of Africa located on the edge of the Sahara.

Tim has fled with his family to Bamako, the country's main city some 400 miles away in the south-west, but without the money to rent a house.

Tim Yattara
"We have escaped in the wake of horrible death threats as the Islamists have a list of all the Christians in Timbuktu whom they intend to execute by beheading. As proof of their intentions, one leader has already been killed in this way and some churches in Gao have been demolished. Most Christians have already fled for safety, but Sharia Law has been imposed all over the north.

"As refugees in Bamako, life is very difficult for me and my family as we are in desperate need of finance, just to pay for shelter and safety," he said.

Already suffering famine through drought, Mali is being terrorized by Al Qaida and associated rebels said to be claiming the northern part of the territory as their homeland.

Only last week we were reporting that Timbuktu was surrounded by tents inhabited by impoverished people who have fled the countryside in the wake of the spreading famine, exacerbated by rising unemployment and massive inflation with many struggling to find food and work.

And with a government now overthrown by a coup, the security situation has been made even worse by rebels from Libya loyal to their former leader Col Gaddafi.

Anyone able to help should e-mail Tim at timfromtimbucktu@googlemail.com to whom you are able to send aid directly by Western Union.

Tim knows nothing is impossible with God, however. As reported on the site last week, he was miraculously raised from the dead through the prayers of his family when he was a little boy. (See: www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12030149.htm)

Seven Dead in Shooting Rampage at an Oakland Christian University

Suspected gunman identified by police. He was a former nursing student

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

OAKLAND, CA (ANS) -- A gunman who today (Monday, April 2, 2012), allegedly opened fire at a Christian university in Oakland, California, killing at least seven people and wounding as many as three more, has been arrested.

Shocking scene at the Christian University
(Photo: BBC website)
Police have named him as 43-year-old One L. Goh, a former nursing student at the Oikos University, which caters to the Korean-American Christian community.

Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan said that the shooter had opened fire in a classroom at Oikos University and the former student later surrendered at a supermarket in nearby Alameda city.

Jordan said police recovered the weapon they believe he used during the rampage.

"It's going to take us a few days to put the pieces together," Jordan said. "We do not have a motive."

Police first received a 911 call at 10:33 a.m. reporting a woman on the ground bleeding. As more calls came in from the school, the first arriving officer found a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, he said.

Mr. Goh is believed to be an Oakland resident, Mr. Jordan said during Monday evening's press conference.

He estimated it would take a few days "to put the pieces together," adding: "We do not have a motive."

The gunman had opened fire throughout the building, leaving a "very bloody scene," he told reporters.

"Officers found several victims throughout the classroom, throughout the building," he said.

Scene shortly after the shooting rampage
"There were several people hiding in locked buildings, locked doors behind desks, as you can imagine, very frightened, very scared. Some of them were injured so we had to rescue them out. We had to force our way into a number of rooms."

More officers arrived and formed a boundary around the school on the belief that the suspect was still inside, he said.

"This unprecedented tragedy was shocking and senseless," Jordan said.

Pastor Jong Kim, who founded the Christian university about 10 years ago, told the Oakland Tribune that the shooter was a former nursing student at the college.

He said he had heard about 30 gunshots in the building, adding: "I stayed in my office."

A witness, Brian Snow, told local news station KGO-TV: "One of the people who was inside the building, was saying there is a crazy guy inside.

"She did say someone got shot in the chest right next to her before she got taken off in an ambulance."

A woman who was doing errands nearby, Angie Johnson, told the San Francisco Chronicle she helped a woman with a gunshot wound in her arm.

Mayor of Oakland Jean Quan speaking
The Mayor of Oakland Jean Quan said: "This is the kind of incident that hurts a whole community."

Mayor Quan stated that most of the victims appeared to be from the city's Korean-American community, and the city was working to find multilingual counselors to help survivors.

"No American mayor wants to have this situation," she said. "It seems over the last decade, we've gotten used to seeing senseless mass killings like this, and we'll have to question the availability of guns and the need for other services in our community."

The college, which caters to the Korean-American Christian community, offers degrees in theology, music, nursing and Asian medicine, according to its website (www.oikosuniversity.org).

Logo of the University
Youngkyo Choi, Chairman, Board of Directors of Oikos University said on the website, "We are an independent institution that was established specifically to serve the community of Northern California in general and San Francisco and Oakland areas in particular. Oikos University was launched to provide highest standard education with Christian value and inspiration.

"Oikos University has a very specific goal and mission to offer education programs in the area of religious studies, music, and vocational nursing in that we motivate, educate and equip students in such a way that they will be able to live enriched life by fulfilling their goals in life and serve the community with their learned professions and skills."

The website also says, "The mission of Oikos University is to educate men and women to be the leaders to serve the church, local communities, and the world by using their learned skills and professions in the areas of biblical studies, music performance, Asian medicine and practical vocational nursing."

It adds that its vision is, "to educate emerging Christian leaders to transform and bless the world at every level - from the church and local community levels to the realm of world entire. The fulfillment of this vision inspires, motivates, drives and defines the work of Oikos University."

The school is affiliated with Praise God Korean Church in Oakland and Shepherd University of San Francisco.

Now comes the long path back for those at this university who have suffered such a terrible event on their campus.

Some Afghan Parliament Members Embrace Christianity

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

AFGHANISTAN (ANS) -- Afghanistan, a country long suffering from civil wars, has not experienced peace for many years. Ongoing bombings by fundamentalist Muslims have stolen peace from the lives of Afghanis.

However, according to a story by Mohabat Christian News Agency, the country has recently seen signs of change.

Mohabat News said, "Informed Afghan authorities acknowledge that Christianity has obtained a special place not only among youth, but also among various layers in society. (In addition), house churches are growing tremendously."

Mohabat News said an independent Shi'ite website in Iran has quoted a knowledgeable Afghan official as saying, "There is evidence of widespread Christian propaganda in Afghanistan, and the existence of more than ten churches that operate secretly in residential houses have been proven."

Mohabat News said negative media reports have been published about in American soldiers and organizations providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The objective, Mohabat News says, has been an attempt to persuade Afghan rulers and politicians that the objective of the aid is really to spread the Christian gospel.

At the same time, Mohabat News said, human rights advocacy groups are concerned that reducing the power of the U.S. in Afghanistan will result in the growth of religious based violations and Islamic persecution of religious minorities, especially Christians.

On the other hand, Mohabat News said, new reports indicate that the Christian faith is spreading among Afghanistan's movers and shakers. Some members of the country's parliament have embraced Christianity.

Mohabat News said, "This clearly indicates that a reform is taking place in Afghanis' zealous and traditional beliefs."

Mohabat News said, "Farsi News Service of AghanTelex, also published a report on the conversion of some members of the Afghani Parliament to Christianity and wrote, 'Evangelism and Christian propaganda is taking place in the country at a high level, but this is the first time that those who call themselves representatives of the Afghani people not only have become 'apostates,' but have joined Christian ministries to evangelize. This time they want to present their Christian services to Muslim people through parliament.'"

Food crisis threatens millions in West Africa

By Mark Ellis

Child in Niger

The U.N. and international aid agencies are warning of food shortages in the Sahel Region of west Africa, which includes portions of Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The worst country impacted, Niger, needs millions of dollars in food aid or its crisis could become catastrophic, according to a report by the BBC.

“The hunger season is beginning here in the next few months,” reports Andrew Harding, with the BBC. “A lot of people will be running out of food very soon.” The aid agencies are pushing for more aid so the crisis coming in the next few months doesn’t become as bad as the recent famine in the horn of Africa.

On the arid plains of Niger, with little signs of vegetation amid the dusty reddish earth, brightly clad women pile stones around ditches they dig as catch basins in the event any rain falls. They will attempt to trap rainwater and divert it to their fields, in hopes of a future harvest.

The women are paid two dollars per day by the U.N. World Food Program for this work, which will allow their families a meager survival during the coming months.

“Years of unpredictable rains, intense poverty and a poor harvest in 2011 have left 5.5 million people –over a third of the country’s population — facing significant food shortages this year,” says Thierno Diallo, with MercyCorps in Niger. “A deeply worrying 1.3 million of that number are at serious risk from hunger and need immediate humanitarian assistance,” he notes.

Late rains and damage from insects at the end of last year left more than 70 per cent of farmers with no crops to harvest. Families struggle to make food last from one October harvest to the next during normal years, but with no stored food and little grazing for weakened livestock, the number of people with access to food is falling rapidly, according to Diallo.

Food prices have doubled in many areas. Those with any assets are selling what they have left to buy food, and others are taking on debts. Many people are leaving their communities altogether, in search of work, food and water. Schools are emptying as children leave with their parents to find work for food, according to MercyCorps.

“Women in particular are often missing meals for an entire day or longer,” Diallo observes.

In Filingué, one person reported to MercyCorps, “We have nothing left to eat in this village. Some households are only getting one meal within 36 or 48 hours; now we eat flowers and leaves of the ‘Garbey’ tree. We pound the flower, mix it with lot of water, drink some and keep some so that any time a child cries, we give him or her some mixture to drink and they calm down.”

“There is nothing we can do and sometimes they get diarrhea. We have nothing left, so we need help. This is the worst crisis we have seen in our village for so many years. In 2009 we had at least few of us that could harvest. This year no one could get anything out of the farms. We lost everything. We need help.”

Niger’s government – now a democracy – has taken important steps to acknowledge the scope of the problem. While government leaders have expressed concern, there is no sign of panic at this stage, according to the BBC.

If there is a future harvest, it will not appear until October, so June, July and August will be the most difficult months for survival in this region.