This article was originally published by Mennonite World Review

Light in the darkness

I am one of many youth and young adults who belong to a movement within the Church of the Breth­ren to better reflect the love and teachings of Jesus. I am writing 1,000 letters to public figures about the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, the Church of the Breth­ren in Nigeria. I was encouraged by your editorial, “Resisting an Evil Spirit” (May 12), about the violence in Nigeria. When you wrote it, Nigeria was a focus of public attention. Now, though the situation grows more dire, the U.S. media and public give Nigeria far less thought. I hope that writing to you and other opinion makers will bring the suffering of the EYN and all in Nigeria back to the public’s attention. The Church of the Brethren is a historic peace church. The EYN live amid horrific violence and the temptation of retaliation but remain committed to peace. In the face of hatred, fear and division they have responded with love, courage and community. You suggest an important question: If I were in their place, would my faithfulness be so great? I will do everything in my power to make sure the EYN are not alone. Join me in reminding the world that even the darkest of circumstances carry somewhere in their depths the hope of Christ.

Emmett Eldred
Pittsburgh

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