Nigerian Christians find hope amid persecution

The Nigerian church leader was secretly housing new followers of Jesus, former Muslims. When the time came for his second child to be born, he left his house to carry his wife to a clinic.

"While he was away with her, his home was attacked and the group scattered throughout the area," said Aaron Bryson,* an International Mission Board worker in Nigeria, recalling the situation in 2010.

One man was killed at the scene and the group leader's son, who was about 7, had his leg broken during the fight. The child was left lying unattended in the home while the attackers waited to ambush the father once he to returned.

"We were able to get a friendly Muslim to go to the home and carry the boy to a clinic for treatment," Bryson said.

Pain, suffering and loss have left scars on the church in Nigeria, yet hope sustains them. Many appear to be standing strong. Keep reading