These young women have had a year imprisoned by fear. The 219 young women represent a small fraction of the many thousands of lives affected by Boko Haram’s campaign of violence.
The Girls’ Brigade is part of a global mission movement for girls, which has members in more than 50 countries, including Nigeria. GB cares about these girls because God cares for them. These girls aren’t just a number – they’re individuals. Six of these young women – are members of GB in Nigeria. As one of our members Anca, 11, says, ‘I care about the girls because they’re like me.’
Over the past year, GB groups across England and Wales have been hosting prayer nights, writing to the Prime Minister and encouraging others to write messages of hope to the girls’ families. At the start of 2015, young people took part in the ‘Cards of hope’ initiative to remind the government to help bring these girls home safely, as well as end the terrorist reign of Boko Haram. Since January, GB has received over 2,500 Cards of Hope. In March we presented some of the cards to Baroness Joyce Anelay at the UK Foreign Office, and at the door of ten Downing Street.
GB would love the Church to join us in raising the volume of hope for these young women. We can spread hope in two ways:
Prayer
Let’s keep praying intentionally for Nigeria and for the church there, especially as the new government is formed. With Open Doors, GB has created a special prayer resource, available at gbworldwide.org/bring-backour- girls
Make a card of hope
GB is inviting individuals, youth and children’s groups, families and churches to make a ‘card of hope’ and participate in a collective positive action, which will ensure these girls aren’t forgotten by people in positions of influence. You can download the resource pack and cards at girlsb.org.uk/gb-extends-cards-of-hope-initiative-600 and send them back to GB. We plan to present them to influential bodies such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Today, when so many people want to give up hope, GB really wants to turn up the volume of hope for the missing girls. Will you join us?
