Extremist violence is on the rise, leaving Christians traumatised and forced to flee.
bottom"We know that God is with us, we are not scared. Even though they abuse us, we know God is with us.”
– Leah*, East African Christian
For Christians in Mozambique, Islamic oppression is the most common form of persecution. The brutality of extremist groups has increased, and attacks are common.
In these attacks, Christians may lose their farmland and properties, leaving their families economically crippled. Women and girls face abduction, and men and boys may be forcibly recruited as soldiers. As a result, many are left traumatised, and forced to flee.
The persecution of Christians is most severe in the northern areas due to Islamic State-affiliated extremists carrying out violent attacks as they seek to spread their influence and control. Abduction has become a chronic issue.
Women are additionally vulnerable to persecution. Muslim families who suspect a woman has converted to Christianity will attempt to force her to marry a Muslim man. If a woman was already married when she converted, she may be divorced and lose custody of her children, as well as be denied her due inheritance.
– Pray with churches and their leaders who have taken in thousands of families displaced by violence.
– Pray that God will bring His peace and comfort to those who have suffered through traumatic persecution.
– Pray for economic development in the region to provide stability and hope for young people.
