#PrayforLeahScot Bower - 19 Jun 2018
14-year-old Leah Sharibu refused to renounce her faith. She paid by giving up her freedom...
Leah was one of 110 girls abducted from their school in Dapchi, north-east Nigeria, by Boko Haram in February. Five girls died while being transported to the terrorists’ hideaway.
Join us in praying for Leah's freedom on 18th July
The next month, following negotiations by the government, the girls were put into vehicles to go home. But, as they were about to leave, the kidnappers told Leah she must recite the Islamic profession of faith (she was the only Christian among them).
But Leah refused.
In a moment of extraordinary courage she decided that her faith was worth more than her freedom. Her friends said they begged her to feign conversion so they could all leave together. However, a tearful Leah reportedly told them she couldn’t live with herself if she did.
I can’t help but wonder what was going through her mind as she watched her friends and classmates drive to safety, leaving her behind with those men.
“I am very sad… but I’m also jubilating too" said her father Nathan. "My daughter did not denounce Christ…I want the Christians to continue praying for Leah.”
With every passing day her parents have become increasingly despondent, fearing that the world’s attention has moved on and their daughter’s plight has been forgotten.
CSW is advocating on Leah’s behalf at the UK Parliament, with the British government, and with relevant UN officials.
But our first and foremost advocacy tool is prayer.
On Wednesday 18 July, to mark 150 days since Leah’s abduction, we’re calling Christians around the world to join in prayer and action.
Over the years, we’ve seen God do amazing things when we’ve organised 24 hours of prayer. And we’re believing for a breakthrough once again.
Can you gather with your church or small group to pray? Or simply pray on your own? You can sign up for a prayer slot here. We’ve provided all you need for prayer and action, with resources and petition sheets. You can also take action by emailing the Nigerian High Commissioner and download a petition for others to sign.
Leah has shown extraordinary courage. I hope you can join with us as we stand in prayer for her.