Hear their stories

Hear their stories

Hear the stories of why it takes courage to be a Christian in some countries around the world

A woman sitting outside a tent in a IDP camp

In countries where Christians are persecuted, Christian children are collateral damage in the overall brutality – and the numbers run to millions. Hear why it takes courage and faith to be a Christian.

Many are left orphans, many grow up in IDP (Internally Displaced People) Camps or temporary accommodation, reliant on charity for day-to-day essentials, missing out on stability and education – the only real way to escape long-term poverty. Often suffering from PTSD, the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual impact on children and young people is immense. Their faith is their hope and strength.

Maryamu Joseph, a 19 year old captive of Boko Haram

Maryamu Joseph, escaped Boko Haram in July 2023

Sixteen-year-old Maryamu escaped Boko Haram after being held against her will for nine years. She told ACN how her family were murdered by the Boko Haram.
A child standing at the IDP camp in Mozambique

This is a SOS for internally displaced Christians!

“We have 2 million people in more than 7 IDP camps in the diocese of Makurdi alone. In the camps they lack the basic things of life. What we have tried to do as a diocese, a church is to give them hope. People without hope cannot exist for long.”
Bishop Oliver Doeme Dashe with Christian families in Nigeria

Bishop Oliver Doeme Dashe, Bishop of Maiduguri

Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme speaking on the importance of #RW, on how it takes courage to be a Christian and persecution faced by his diocese. Bishop Oliver was guest speaker for ACN’s Africa Update launch in Parliament, featured here.
Syrian refugee Majed at home rented by Archdiocese eating lunch

Lebanon – Majeb, young Syrian refugee

“Dad says that the bad people chased us away from our home in Syria; we had to flee, like more than one million people from my country. Dad says that as a child I became a refugee, like baby Jesus, who fled with his Mum and Dad.”
Nigerian terrorist attack survivors - Margaret and Dominic Attah

Margaret - lost both legs and sight in 1 eye after attack

On the day of the attack, St Francis Xavier’s Church was packed with parishioners. Margaret was up in the church gallery singing in the choir when gunmen began shooting. Margaret was one of 70 people who suffered serious injuries. 41 people were killed, including six children.