30 August 2023
Islamists attack Christian community in eastern Kenya; Pastor shot and killed in Kaduna State, Nigeria
The church in Salama, eastern Kenya, that was set on fire by members of al-Shabaab
- More than 30 heavily armed Islamists set fire to a church building and at least ten houses in Lamu West, Kenya, on 21 August. Members of al-Shabaab struck Salama village between 8.30pm and 11pm, looting homes and stealing goats. The gang went on to ambush and kill a lorry driver and his co-driver nearby. Salama village was attacked in June by suspected militants who killed five people and razed six homes. Pray for comfort for villagers who lost their church and homes in the attack, and ask that they receive the strength to rebuild. Pray that attacks by al-Shabaab will cease.
- A pastor was shot and killed by gunmen in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, on 23 August. Pastor Jeremiah Mayau, the minister of Tawaliu Baptist Church, was working on his farm when he was shot. “It is very painful that gunmen move freely in broad daylight to execute their evil act and get away with it,” said Reverend John Joseph Hayab, chair of the Kaduna branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Reverend Hayab called for security forces to act to protect vulnerable communities. Pray for the bereaved family, friends and congregation of Pastor Jeremiah. Ask for an end to the persistent anti-Christian violence of Middle Belt Nigeria.
