MY ACCOUNT
When we last saw Suzanne, she inspired us with her miraculous testimony of healing and forgiveness after surviving an unimaginable act of terrorism in Nigeria.
She told us how Boko Haram militants had ambushed her and her father, demanding that they renounce their faith.
The terrorists shot her father repeatedly before turning to Suzanne, demanding that she deny Jesus and go with them. When she refused, one of the men shot her in the head.
But by the grace of God, Suzanne survived, although she lost her eyesight.
“God saved my life,” Suzanne told us. “My faith is still unwavering.”
She has taken Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44 to heart: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Suzanne has forgiven the man who murdered her father and attempted to murder her.
“In ignorance he committed his actions,” Suzanne said with a smile. “Oh God, forgive them.”
We recently visited Suzanne in the Internally Displaced Person camp where she is staying, one year after our first meeting. Though she could not see us, the joy in her face was evident as she welcomed and thanked us repeatedly and fervently in the name of Jesus.
Boko Haram may have stolen her sight. They could not steal her joy.
Suzanne is a picture of grace, resilience and infectious joy. “Love, let’s embrace one another!” she sang exuberantly.
In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Suzanne embodies this perfectly—her love for Christ is demonstrated by her radical love for others, even her persecutors.
But our visit with Suzanne was also a reminder of the desperate need felt by our persecuted sisters and brothers in Nigeria, where more than 5 million Christians have been displaced and terrorism runs rampant. There is much work to be done.
Will you join us in standing with Nigerian believers like Suzanne? Pray for the Nigerian church. Share her story. Give, so that hope and help reach those who need it most.
Vulnerable Christians like Suzanne face increasing levels of persecution, not only in Nigeria but all around the globe. Become a Frontline Partner today and your monthly, recurring gift can provide emergency relief and long-term support—plus Bibles, safe shelter, trauma counseling, medical aid, food and more for those in dire need.
