FaithWatch Daily and Midnight Call- Sat. 13, Sept. 2025

 

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🌍 Global Headlines

• Nigerian Public Doctors Begin 5-Day Strike
  Resident doctors in Nigeria’s public hospitals have walked out over unpaid salary arrears and unresolved welfare issues. They are also demanding disbursement of the 2025 medical residency training fund.

• Nigeria Delays New Tax Law Amid Cost-of-Living Fears
  The implementation of Nigeria’s new tax law, which includes a 5% fuel surcharge, has been postponed until January 1, 2026. The government cited concerns over the economic burden for citizens.

• Militant Leader Sentenced in Nigeria
  A top commander of the militant group Ansaru, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for financing terror activities, illegal mining, and other charges.

• NATO Boosts Air Defenses After Russian Drone Incursion into Poland
  NATO has launched a new mission dubbed “Eastern Sentry” to strengthen its eastern flank following reports of multiple Russian drones violating Polish airspace. EU nations have pledged support.

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🌍 Africa News Highlights

• Africa Climate Summit & Climate Investment Push
  At the summit in Addis Ababa, African leaders stressed moving beyond just climate aid to actual investment-led models. Key themes include climate justice, renewable energy financing, and leveraging regional cooperation to fund adaptation and mitigation efforts.

• Ethiopia’s Grand Hydropower Leap
  Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), now the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa. It’s expected to generate up to 5,150 megawatts, boosting electrification and enabling potential power exports to neighboring countries. However, downstream concerns from Egypt and Sudan continue.

• Scientists Predict Africa Might Split Millions of Years from Now
  New geological research in Ethiopia’s Afar region identifies a “geological heartbeat” — magma pulses from deep under the Earth's crust — which may slowly pull apart portions of Eastern Africa over the next 5–10 million years, potentially forming a new ocean basin.

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⚽ Africa Sports Highlights

• Springboks’ Historic Win Over New Zealand
  South Africa’s men’s rugby team delivered a record-setting 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington – the heaviest ever test defeat for New Zealand in its history. Despite the margin, the Springboks coach emphasized that the team must stay grounded as they continue their Rugby Championship campaign.

• New Zealand Defeat South Africa in Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarter-finals
  After a tight first half (10-10), New Zealand outscored South Africa in the second half to win 46-17 and advance to the semifinals. South Africa, in their first Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, impressed with physicality and effort despite the loss.

• Athletics: World Championships Kick Off Strong
  The World Athletics Championships opened in Tokyo. Notable performances included Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet winning gold in the women’s 10,000m; big names performing well in the 100m heats; and several mixed relay events highlighting depth across countries.

• Cricket: South Africa Beats England in Shortened T20
  In a rain-affected, five-over match in Cardiff, South Africa edged out England by 14 runs. Key performances came from Marco Jansen with the ball, and strong batting contributions helped South Africa set a competitive target.

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✨ Religious News Highlights

1. Queensland Condemns Islamophobic Incidents
   In Australia, the Premier of Queensland strongly condemned a bomb hoax targeting a mosque on the Gold Coast, as well as threats against the Islamic College of Brisbane. These incidents have stirred fear among local Muslim communities. Authorities have detained a man in connection with the mosque threat, though it has been confirmed there was no actual bomb.

2. U.S. Moves to Protect Prayer in Public Schools
   Former President Donald Trump is introducing guidance focused on religious liberty in education, particularly defending students’ rights to pray in public schools. He also called for weekly public prayer gatherings ahead of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, tying faith closely to national identity.

3. Muslims in West Africa Struggle to Celebrate Eid Traditions
   In several West African countries, rising food and livestock prices are making the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice difficult for many families. In Nigeria’s Ogun State, the cost of rams has tripled. Religious scholars are reminding communities that sacrifice is not obligatory if one lacks the means.

4. Court Proceedings in Nigeria Church Massacre Case
   Five individuals are being arraigned in Abuja for their alleged roles in the 2022 massacre at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where over 50 worshippers were killed and many more injured. The accused have been charged under terrorism laws; the case represents a significant move in prosecuting attacks on places of worship.

5. Prophetic Trends & Religious Identity in Nigeria
   There are growing reports of young Nigerians turning away from Christianity toward African traditional religions, influenced by beliefs in faster material or spiritual rewards. Some attribute this shift partly to disillusionment with wealth-focused sermons in Christian spaces.

6. Christian Persecution Remains Severe
   Nigeria continues to be identified by international bodies as one of the most dangerous places globally for Christians. Attack reports include killings, kidnappings, and abductions by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. Leaders and religious institutions are calling for greater protection and justice.

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🌙 Midnight Call – September 13, 2025

The night closes in with stories that remind us of the fragile state of faith, peace, and humanity across our world. From churches in Nigeria that still bear scars of violence, to mosques in Australia targeted by threats, to families in West Africa struggling to uphold sacred traditions amidst economic hardship—faith remains under fire, yet unyielding.

Today, in Abuja, five suspects stand before the courts for their alleged role in the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church massacre in Owo. For many families, justice cannot undo their loss, but it offers a glimmer of hope that God still raises defenders of truth. We must remember: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Elsewhere, Muslims in parts of West Africa are wrestling with rising costs that make Eid sacrifices nearly impossible. This sobering reality calls us to reflect on the shared struggles of faith communities everywhere. Worship is not measured by the price of a ram, but by the heart of obedience.

In Australia, a bomb threat against a mosque on the Gold Coast and threats against an Islamic school serve as chilling reminders of how hatred still stalks places of worship. Yet, the Psalmist declares: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Fear cannot triumph where faith stands firm.

And in the United States, debates rage once more about prayer in schools, faith in public life, and the role of God in the nation’s future. Whether in policy, culture, or the quiet corners of the classroom, the question remains: will we make room for God?

Beloved, the midnight call is clear: faith cannot be silenced. Whether in Nigeria, Australia, America, or your very own home, God is raising witnesses who will shine through the darkness.

Tonight, let us take three reflections to heart:

1. Justice is slow, but sure – God’s righteousness will prevail, even when earthly courts falter.
2. Worship is not about wealth – The true sacrifice God desires is a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
3. Fear cannot silence faith – Wherever threats rise, God calls His people to stand as light and salt.

So, as midnight approaches, let us whisper together the prayer of Psalm 90:12:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

🌌 The world may shake, but our calling remains steadfast. Live ready. Live faithful. Live with eternity in view.

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