Tragedy Strikes in Northwest Nigeria
In the heart of Northwest Nigeria, Bethany faced an unimaginable ordeal. Her daughter, Mary, had been abducted by Fulani militants and endured unspeakable violence before being released, only to succumb to illness soon after. Still grieving, Bethany herself was kidnapped while tending to her farm. In the depths of despair, she cried out to God, questioning why these tragedies befell her.
Crying Out to God
Bethany recalls, 'Life in the hands of my abductors is an experience I will never forget. All I did was cry day and night and pray to God to rescue me.' After about a month, Bethany was released. Open Doors partners provided much-needed trauma care, and it was here that she began to find healing. 'The best part of the program was taking my pains to the cross,' she said. 'I dropped everything that made me sad at the feet of Jesus, and I felt peace and joy.'
Finding Healing Through Faith
Despite the heartache, Bethany found solace and a new perspective through her faith. She expressed gratitude to those who supported her, saying, 'My brethren in Christ, I am grateful to you all because what Mary wanted to do for me, you gave yourselves to do it for me. God, who is in heaven, will bless you double-fold.' Kneeling in her new home, she sang with renewed hope, 'Father, all things are possible with You. We are grateful to You, God.'
Life Transformed by God's Love
Through Jesus, Bethany's broken heart was mended, and her life transformed. 'Thank you for allowing God to use you to mend broken hearts,' she remarked. 'If I did not attend this program, I don't think I would be alive today. But God is not done with me yet; thank you.'
