CALL TO PRAYER AND ACTION AFTER TERRORIST ATTACK ON NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we write to inform members of the Global Methodist Church of a devastating and tragic event that occurred in our mission field in Nigeria. On May 23, 2025, the community of Munga Lelau in Taraba State, Nigeria—part of the Northeast Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church—was brutally attacked by armed assailants identified as members of the Fulani militia, an Islamic extremist group. More on the ongoing violence can be found here.
This act of terror is not connected to the previously reported violence involving inter-community tensions, but instead was a coordinated and targeted assault carried out by an organized Islamic militia.
Despite recent efforts and a public appeal by Global Methodist leaders for peace and reconciliation among the communities of Munga Dosso, Bandawa, Gomu Wanzami, and surrounding Fulani settlements—urging peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding—this unprovoked attack resulted in the loss of 42 innocent lives, including women, children, and members of the Global Methodist Church. Dozens of homes were burned to the ground, leaving families without shelter. Many survivors, particularly women and children, are now displaced with no access to food, medical care, or basic necessities.
Bishop John Pena Auta shares, “We are mobilizing our local churches and pastors on the ground to begin response efforts, but we are overwhelmed by the scale of this tragedy. May we act swiftly in compassion as the hands and feet of Christ in this broken world.”
The trauma, fear, and devastation caused by this attack cannot be overstated. Survivors have scattered to surrounding villages with no organized aid, and many are seriously injured and in urgent need of medical attention.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). In that spirit, we—the Assembly of Bishops—call upon all Global Methodists to respond with compassion, urgency, and fervent prayer.
We further call on the government of Nigeria to act justly in protecting Christians and to provide tangible relief for those displaced by this violence. The most immediate needs include:
Food supplies for displaced families and children
Emergency shelter and clothing
Medical treatment for the injured
Increased security and protection for vulnerable communities
Continued intercession and prayers for safety and peace
To offer tangible support, we invite Global Methodist congregations and individuals to participate in a special humanitarian offering. Your generosity will directly support those suffering in the aftermath of this tragedy.
You may give in one of the following ways:
By Check: Make checks payable to Global Methodist Church, noting “Global Methodist Humanitarian Relief Fund” and mail to:
Global Methodist Church
P.O. Box 1360
King George, VA 22485
Online at: https://heyor.ca/A8ks2v
We appeal to all members of the Global Methodist Church for both prayer and practical support—that we might be a light in the darkness, the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of evil and suffering. We grieve the profound loss of life and cry out for peace, justice, and understanding among all people. And we remain hopeful that—even in the shadow of despair—the Church of Jesus Christ will continue to shine with healing, compassion, and the everlasting love of God.
Faithfully,
The Assembly of Bishops
The Global Methodist Church