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Leah Sharibu Refuses to Deny Jesus After Five Years in Captivity
Open Doors Canada invites Canadians to pray for Christian captives on June 25, 2023
WATERLOO, Ont., June 5, 2023 – Over 4,500 Christians were arrested and more than 5,200 were abducted for choosing to follow Jesus, last year alone. On June 25, 2023, One With Them: A Day for Christian Captives, Open Doors Canada invites Canadians to stand one with and pray for our brothers and sisters being held captive for their faith.
Twenty-year-old Leah Sharibu is one of these brave believers, willing to risk it all for Christ. Five years ago, Leah was one of 110 students kidnapped from her school in Nigeria by an extremist group. Most of the girls were released after claiming to be Muslims, but Leah was kept because she would not deny her faith in Jesus – even though she knew doing so would mean she may never see her family again. Despite government assurances that she will be freed and ongoing efforts to advocate to the Nigerian government to maintain an open, accessible communication channel with the parents of Christian hostages, the agonizing wait goes on for her parents, Rebecca and Nathan.
Even though they have not seen or heard from their daughter in years, Leah’s parents cling to the hope that their daughter will be rescued, because they know people are praying for her. “I have not lost hope because God is in control and people are praying,” said Rebecca Sharibu, Leah’s mother. “I have hope that one day I will see my daughter again.”
The 2023 World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 most dangerous countries to live as a Christian, results reveal that while Leah’s story appears to be unique, there are thousands of women that share a similar story. Nigeria is ranked the sixth most dangerous place to live, as a Christian. In fact, there are more Christians killed in Nigeria than in all other countries of the world, combined. The 2023 World Watch List also revealed that there has been a 34 per cent increase in the number of believers who have been abducted for their faith.
During the month of June, Open Doors Canada will be sharing stories, prayer requests and hosting a special One with Them online event – all focused on educating our family of faith about the plight of Christian captives.
“Despite the fact that 360 million believers face persecution and discrimination every day for their faith, the Church is not defeated,” said Rev. Gary Staff, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada. “Women like Leah are keeping the light of the Gospel shining so others can experience the love of Christ. The number one request we receive from persecuted Christians and their families is prayer. While seemingly simple, it is a powerful way we can be one with the persecuted church. It is critical for captives and their family members to know they are never alone.”
Any individual or church wanting to join the movement can access tools from Open Doors Canada, including sermon outlines, prayer resources, graphics and more. Click here to download church resources.
For more information about One With Them: A Day for Christian Captives, click here.
To take the Prayer Pledge, click here.
Interviews with the Executive Director of Open Doors Canada, Rev. Gary Stagg, are available.
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About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry which has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries for over 65 years. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources. For more information visit https://www.opendoorscanada.org/
About Rev. Gary Stagg
For more than thirty years, Gary has been involved in full-time ministry with an emphasis on the revitalization of Christian communities and the establishment of systems for assimilation and discipleship. Gary studied education and theology and has used that training to structure his passion for helping people stand firm in their faith and embrace a missional lifestyle.