Muslim Extremists Attack Christians in Nigeria, Egypt, Syria

Christians in the state of Plateau in Nigeria have been displaced after Muslim extremists set their church building and some homes on fire.

The Rev. Ishaku Danyok of the church told Compass News Service that the incident occurred on Apr. 29, after Muslims approached Christian music shop owner Gabriel Kiwase and told him that his music was disturbing them as they said their prayers.

The young Christian man “quietly switched off the music set, and then the Muslims left, only to return about 20 minutes later to burn down the music shop and then go on a rampage, burning down houses belonging to some Christians in the town,” Danyok said.

At least 12 people were killed and more than 200 wounded when members of a conservative Muslim movement attacked two churches and surrounding Christian-owned homes and businesses in a poor section of Cairo on May 7. Salifis, a hard-line Islamic movement with extremist tendencies, set fire to one of the two church buildings, leaving most of it gutted. The arson attack on the Virgin Mary Church in Imbaba was one of many recent assaults on Coptic Christians by members of the Salafist movement.

International Christian Concern reported on May 4 that Christians in Syria are being forced by Islamists to join in the protests against the Assad government or to flee Syria. A Christian leader in Syria commented: “If Muslim Salafis gain political influence, they will make sure that there will be no trace of Christianity in Syria.” (Obed Minchakpu /WNS/Compass News)

Churches Help Storm Victims Before Government Arrives

The morning after the Southeast endured more tornadoes in a single day than in any other 24-hour period in U.S. history, Georgia state Sen. Barry Loudermilk encountered a curious problem: The Republican representing a hard-hit district in northeastern Georgia had trouble finding folks in need of help.

It wasn’t because neighbors weren’t needy. At least 312 tornadoes swept through seven states and killed more than 340 people on Apr. 27, demolishing whole neighborhoods. But when the senator surveyed the area, he found neighbors had already descended on damaged homes, helping stricken residents.

“Shortly after daybreak, chainsaws were running all over the place, and construction crews had brought their Bobcats to help people,” said Loudermilk. By noon, local churches were serving sandwiches and cooking meals for victims and volunteers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) quickly established 11 disaster recovery centers in Alabama and approved more than $13 million for temporary housing and home repairs.

Loudermilk said FEMA agents in Georgia were speaking with residents about possible financial assistance, but the that neighbors and churches were meeting the most immediate needs.

“It’s just amazing to see that people aren’t depending on the government,” he said. “The churches are responding the way that churches should.” (Jamie Dean/WNS)