Like many other Christians in northern Nigeria, Danladi Usman has had a hair-raising encounter with Boko Haram fighters. When the young man started telling us his story, it was hard to get all the details of the experience, but what was clear to us was the fact that Danladi was still traumatized.
We noticed Danladi as he worked at the restaurant where we had a quick lunch before continuing our journey of Project Endurance deliveries.
He told us how Boko Haram rebels attacked him and his father at their home. His father was severely injured and lost a limb. Danladi’s hand was almost severed in the attack. The young man told us how they had spent all of the money the family had on medical bills. He needs follow-up surgery but cannot afford it.
Still, he remains thankful.
“I am grateful to God Almighty. He did not allow those people to kill me. It was really a miracle. And I am thankful for this job. My employer took me in out of compassion to help my family and I make ends meet.”
Danladi’s employer, a Christian, has opened up a chain of diners to help keep Christian youths employed.
“I took this challenge to start this business and employ Christian youths to have something to do,” the Christian says. “It pains my heart to see Christian youths falling prey to our persecutors. I have the privilege to employ about 150 youths in different restaurants located in two states. I had a lot of pressures from Muslims to put me out of business. They accuse me of selling pork, which is a lie. But God vindicated me in all these things. Keep praying for us, brothers, to persevere in our circumstances.”
Now aware of the needs of Danladi, Open Doors plans to channel some relief to him. But right at this moment, we resorted to the one thing we can do, the one thing we are always encouraged to do – pray!
We lifted up Danladi to the Lord and asked Him to make a way for the young man. We thanked Him for the opportunity he has to work, knowing that in their area, this was an opportunity only a handful has.
We left the restaurant refreshed, thanking God for the providence of meeting two Christians who were in need of encouragement.
We had one more stop to make before we could call it a day. We visited the family of a Christian policeman killed in the recent violence in Bama in Borno State. The widow Rakiya Nuhu, and mother of six, had no words to thank us for the help we brought. She only cried uncontrollably. We prayed with her and then it was time to go.
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