At least seven Christians have been killed in a terrible onslaught as a gang of 300 militants struck more Christian villages in Far North Cameroon this week.
Most were husbands and fathers. Boko Haram tends to murderously target men, who are usually the main protectors and providers in communities.
“We don't know what to do. Pray for those who lost their beloved. Pray also for little children left without even clothes,” Pastor James pleaded when he contacted us.
Howling gunmen surrounded villages
The heavily armed militants stood menacingly howling and chanting throughout the night, encircling the small villages, while some swept through the communities breaking into homes – killing, looting, burning and destroying as they went.
Four children were kidnapped, including ten-year-old Joshua from Moudouko, leaving their families distraught.
Pastor James didn’t sleep the night he heard of the attacks. “Throughout the night I was thinking about the wives and children of those who were killed and how they will start life hopeless, empty handed, so these families need serious prayer and help,” he told us.
Bleak prospect of a harvestless year
A desperate struggle lies ahead this year for survivors. Last year, throughout the rainy season people could not farm because of relentless Boko Haram violence. “The lack of a harvest will cause long term hardship for our Christian brothers and sisters in this forgotten part of the world,” said Pastor James.
January can be bitterly cold
January brings bitingly cold winds in the Far North. Many families have been left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when Boko Haram attacked and some have lost their breadwinner.
We are sending food, warm blankets and sleeping mats to the many families who have been badly affected. Each family will also receive soap and bleach because cholera and other waterborne diseases are a danger in mountainous areas. Some communities were just getting back on their feet after a wave of Boko Haram attacks last year. Let them know they are not forgotten by their Christian family – please help.
An emergency aid package for one family costs £66 ($83; €74), including:
100kg sack of maize or millet £30 ($38; €34)
2 blankets £14 ($17; €15)
2 sleeping mats £16 ($20; €18)
5 bars of soap and 2 litres of bleach £6 ($8; €7)
