“To be a widow, in such a gruesome and public way was not easy for me as a woman, and even more so as a pastor’s wife whose husband was killed by Boko Haram. Since the death of Lawan, we have not been safe, we do not feel safe. The children are trying to cope…”
Mary’s husband, Pastor Lawan Andimi, had been kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria on 2 January 2020. Eighteen days later Boko Haram announced that they had killed him. He was one of thousands of victims of a rising tide of anti-Christian violence in northern Nigeria in which Christian leaders are particularly targeted.
Barnabas Aid was able to help Mary support her children after her husband was murdered in Nigeria
Barnabas was there “right from the beginning”
After much prayer and internal struggle, Mary and her children forgave Boko Haram. Mary felt the Lord’s peace in her heart. But, at a practical level, how would she support her children in those early days, so soon after her husband’s death?
Thankfully, we were able to send her some financial help.
“Barnabas Fund had been there right from the beginning, praying and had supported us. What else can I ask for?” said Mary.
Vulnerable and marginalised
Where Christians suffer discrimination, harassment or violence, Christian women are extra vulnerable. Those who are widowed or whose husbands are in prison for their faith have no one to protect them. They are even more in need.
That’s why Barnabas supports so many widows and other Christian women. We are especially honoured to help the widows of martyrs, like Mary and others.
Barnabas Aid has been able to help many women in Egypt with start-up costs for small businesses that will help them reach self-sufficiency
Many of our projects help women to become self-sufficient and earn an income to support themselves and their families. Others provide regular food parcels for widows who are unable to earn enough to support their children.
We also support a refuge for Christian girls and young women in Pakistan. It is a place of safety for those who are at risk of kidnapping and forced conversions or who have escaped from such situations.
Give a gift on International Women’s Day
As the world marks International Women’s Day, may we ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift to our Women’s Fund to help suffering and persecuted Christian women?
How you can help
£20 ($27; €22) could provide a monthly food parcel for a Pakistani widow and her children, containing rice, flour, chickpeas, salt, tea, cooking oil, as well as soap toothpaste, matches and more.
Ten gifts of £37 ($44; €41) could enable a Christian widow in Egypt to set up her own small business selling clothes.
£100 ($119; €112) could provide a sewing machine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for a Christian woman who has been a victim of violence.
