05/09/2021 Burkina Faso (International Christian Concern) – Soldiers have hailed army chaplains a “lifeline” as they battle to defend their country from jihadist fighters.

Writer Sam Mednick of the Associated Press reports that army chaplains are trying to help the soldiers combat extreme levels of stress through phone calls, prayer services, and recorded sermons.

“Once considered a beacon of peace and religious coexistence in the region, the West African nation has been embroiled in unprecedented violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State since 2016,” stated Mednick in a recent article, “throwing an ill-equipped and undertrained army into disarray — and overwhelming the chaplains tasked with supporting them.”  

While the Chaplains resources are limited, fighters report that the spiritual guidance they’ve received has been a source of comfort during battle. Thirty-year-old Yempabou Kobori, for instance, shared with the Associated Press that it is a Bible verse his Chaplain shared with him that he recites before every battle, that reminds him he is not alone.

Extremist attacks continue to plague the Christian community in Burkina Faso, particularly in the country’s northern and eastern regions. As this activity has increased, more than 1 million people have been displaced from their homes. Please continue to pray for Burkina Faso and for the end of Islamic extremism. Pray for those who engage in horrendous crimes against humanity, that they will experience the love of Jesus and be guided from darkness to light. Please also pray for the Lord to protect and strengthen the persecuted church, and to provide healing to all of those affected by violence.

For interviews, please contact Alison Garcia at press@persecution.org