The local communications director of the church, John Jerome Laikei, put out a statement saying, “I want to inform the general public of the kidnapping of one of our priests. We ask for your prayers from all people of goodwill for his safety and quick release by his abductors. May God bless you as you join us in prayer for God’s intervention.”
The kidnapping of Tarhembe is coming on the heels of outcry by Christian leaders in Taraba State over the resurgence of cases of terrorist attacks and kidnappings carried out against Christians and their communities.
Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in September, issued a statement lamenting the terrorist activities which have adversely affected and brought untold hardships on Christians in the state, such as the kidnappings of priests and pastors.
Reverend Isaiah Jirapye, Chairman of CAN, challenged the Nigerian government to be more proactive in its war against terrorists and their incessant attacks on Christians and their communities. Jirapye, in his statement, said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria condemns in total the resurfaced banditry, terrorism and kidnapping activities across Taraba State.”
Jirapye further shared, “Those who cannot raise enough money to pay kidnapping ransoms are still facing ill treatment in the den of kidnappers. The people perpetrating these evil acts are not ghosts. They are humans and live amongst us.”
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In Isaiah 40:11, it says, “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart.” We believe that, although taken and held against his will, Father Thaddeus Tarhembe is still being cared for by God. He is not alone and will never be abandoned.
Join us in praying for Father Thaddeus Tarhembe now.
God, we can’t imagine the hardship this believer is facing. He is surrounded by strangers—extremists—and is far from everything he’s known. We ask You carry Tarhembe in Your arms and hold him close to Your heart. Strengthen him every day. We pray for his immediate release, so he can return to his church and lead his congregation. And we pray boldness for Tarhembe, that he will be able to minister to those around him and lead them to You. Hear our prayers, Lord. Amen.
About the author
Tim Dustin writes for Global Christian Relief and passionately shares the stories of the persecuted with the worldwide Church. Get the latest stories and prayer requests at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
