December 5, 2008
 
   
   
 
 
JOS, Nigeria (BP)--At least 12 Nigerian Baptists were killed and five Baptist churches burned during Thanksgiving weekend riots sparked by local election results in Jos, Nigeria.
      International Mission Board workers in the area were unharmed by the violence that began Nov. 28. The workers and several Nigerian Baptist congregations are reaching out to comfort and house those left hurting and homeless.
      News agencies report more than 300 people killed and thousands injured in fires and riots. Dozens of churches, mosques, businesses and homes were burned in Jos, a city located between Nigeria's largely Christian south and Muslim north.
      When gunfire quieted Dec. 2, a local Baptist pastor ventured into the still-smoldering city to assess the damage.
      "One Baptist church lost five members and one deacon," he reported. "At least one pastor's home was burned down. It was a very, very sad day."
      Unscathed by the violence, the pastor's church is housing some of those who have lost their homes. Other local Baptist churches are doing the same. Church families also are helping to house boarding students evacuated from the Baptist high school there.
      "Everyone is sad and afraid, but we have faith," the pastor said, noting rumors swirl that the fighting may start again. Read More

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