MY ACCOUNT
As difficult as it is to imagine now, Burkina Faso was once known for its religious tolerance. But the West African country has suffered from increasing violence and instability in recent years amidst a surge in extremist activities. Such was the case for Pastor Emmanuel, a persecuted pastor in Burkina Faso who, along with his congregation, was forced to choose between his faith and his home.
When Emmanuel first accepted Jesus 30 years ago, he was heavily persecuted by his own father, who refused to feed his son after he returned home from church. Instead of responding in anger, Emmanuel chose to fast and focus on the Lord. When Emmanuel became ill and needed medical attention, his father mockingly told him to see his pastor. Emmanuel took the opportunity to pray diligently and expectantly, watching for his Heavenly Father to move on his behalf.
In 2013, Emmanuel began working in full-time ministry alongside his wife. Together, they served a local village and welcomed 76 brothers and sisters in Christ to their community. Four years ago, they traveled to a new village and continued to do the diligent work of bringing God’s Good News to the people there. The locals responded unkindly, persecuting Pastor Emmanuel, his wife, and the new believers.
One day, the village chief called everyone to gather. He called Christian believers to the front of the crowd, insisting they renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. The chief demanded that each Christian prepare an animal sacrifice as a sign that they would reinstate their belief in Islam. For those who refused, the chief took over ownership of their lands and farms.
“We were forced to find other villages, many, many miles away, to seek work to support our families,” Pastor Emmanuel explained. His family and many other believers were displaced. When one returned to his farm anyway to plant his crops, he was beaten to death.
“This persecution incident led 15 villagers to abandon their faith in Christ,” the pastor said. “The rest of us held fast and tight to God, and remain steadfast in His grip, as we pray for what the future holds and how we will provide for our families.”
Not every believer holds strong in the face of violent persecution. The pressure to renounce one’s faith can be overwhelming, especially when faced with threats to life, livelihood and family. That believers chose to abandon their faith underscores the severity of the persecution and the difficult choices Christians in Burkina Faso often face.
Tragically, displacement and mistreatment of Christian believers have become common forms of persecution in Burkina Faso. Three extremist groups, usually at odds with one another, have joined forces in an extermination campaign against Christians throughout the country.
Please pray for the safety and protection of Pastor Emmanuel and the others who were forced to abandon their homes and their livelihoods. Pray that these believers would remember the promise Jesus gives us in Matthew 28:20: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
About the author
Chandler Peterson is a writer and editor for Global Christian Relief where she shares stories of Christian persecution. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
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