Request for prayer for Nigeria:

A request for prayer has been received from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in the city of Jos, where an outbreak of violence began Sunday and was continuing as of yesterday. The Associated Press has reported that at least 200 people have died in the violence.

Prayers are requested for the family of Shedrak Garba, an EYN student at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN) who was killed by security forces after having gone out after a curfew that has been in force in the area. TCNN is located in the wider Jos area.

Prayers are requested for those whose homes have been burned in the rioting as well. Markus Gamache, an EYN leader in Jos, has sent news that at least two homes of Brethren families have been burned. His report also expresses concern for those who are fleeing the violence, those who have become separated from family members or who are looking for missing children, and the people who are experiencing more difficulty getting food and water.

Church of the Brethren mission workers Nathan and Jennifer Hosler also have sent a quick report by e-mail today. "We just finished up a Inter-Religious Forum on Peaceful Coexistence today here at KBC, sponsored by the Peace Program," the Hoslers wrote. "It is quite striking holding that and talking about peace amongst Muslims and Christians while a conflict is occurring in Jos."

The couple are working at EYN’s Kulp Bible College, which is in in eastern Nigeria, many hours drive from the violence occurring in central Nigeria.

Source: 1/20/2010 Newsline Update