🌌 Midnight Call Reflection
The Cost and Call of Witness
Beloved, today’s news reminds us again of the sobering reality faced by the Church across the world. Reports from Nigeria revealed that in just 220 days of this year, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed and nearly 19,100 churches attacked or abandoned. In Plateau State, lives and homes have been shattered by militia attacks. Syrian Christians continue to navigate deep uncertainty in the aftermath of regime change. In Bangladesh, Sufi shrines are being desecrated, signaling rising intolerance even within faith traditions.
These are not just statistics—they are wounds in the Body of Christ. They are reminders of our Lord’s words:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
Yet, persecution has never silenced the Church. From the days of the apostles until now, every tear, every sacrifice, every loss has been a seed of the Gospel. The blood of the martyrs remains the seed of the Church. In Nigeria, despite violence and kidnappings of clergy, the Church continues to grow. In Syria, displaced believers still gather in hidden corners. In every continent, light shines where darkness thinks it has prevailed.
But the Midnight Call for us tonight is not only to mourn—it is to act. What is our response as God’s people?
- Intercession: Lift up the persecuted Church in prayer. “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison” (Hebrews 13:3).
- Solidarity: Stand with those who suffer. Support missions, speak against injustice, and do not turn away from their cries.
- Witness: Let love—not fear—define your testimony. If others are dying for the faith, how much more should we live for Christ where we are?
- Hope: Know that Christ is still building His Church and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18).
Beloved, midnight is the hour of both darkness and awakening. As we watch the news and see turmoil, let us remember that God has placed us here for such a time as this—to be voices of love, carriers of light, and witnesses of truth.
May this midnight call stir us not to slumber but to action. For love is stronger than hate, and Christ has already overcome the world.
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, awaken Your Church. Strengthen those who suffer for Your name. Help us to be faithful witnesses in our generation. May our lives reflect Your love, even in the face of trials. Amen.
🌍 World Highlights
- 1. A partial solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) is due on 21 September 2025 — the last one of the year. It will be visible from parts of the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. Eastern Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and parts of the South Pacific).
- 2. India Times reminds viewers that because the eclipse begins after sunset in India, it won’t be visible locally. Safe viewing practices and guidance for eclipse watchers have been published.
- 3. Nigeria is taking lead on a continent-wide push for unified oil regulations. Sixteen African countries have joined a forum (AFRIPERF) aiming for consistent standards in petroleum regulation, transparency, and investment-friendly frameworks.
- 4. Beatrice Chebet of Kenya edged Faith Kipyegon in a thrilling sprint finish to win the women’s 5,000m world title in Tokyo (14:54.36).
- 5. At the World Athletics Championships, the USA’s Anna Hall claimed gold in the heptathlon with 6,888 points. Ireland’s Kate O’Connor won silver, marking Ireland’s first global multi-event medal. Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson and the USA’s Taliyah Brooks shared bronze after a rare tie at 6,581 points.
- 6. In the men’s 800m final, Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi won gold with a championship record time of 1:41.86. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati took silver, and Canada’s Marco Arop got bronze.
🇳🇬 Nigeria Highlights
- The Flying Eagles (Nigeria’s U-20 national football team) drew 1-1 in a friendly with hosts Chile in Rancagua.
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York starting 23 September, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and other senior officials. Nigeria’s statement will address peace, climate action, human rights, and global cooperation.
⚽ / 🏃 Athletics Highlights
- Tokyo World Athletics Championships
• Beatrice Chebet completed a distance double (5,000m & 10,000m) with her 5,000m win.
• Anna Hall’s heptathlon gold; Kate O’Connor’s historic silver; tied bronze between Johnson-Thompson and Brooks.
• Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s championship record in the men’s 800m.
✝️ Religious Highlights
-
Massive Church Violence & Persecution in Nigeria
According to Intersociety, over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria during the first 220 days of 2025 — averaging about 32 deaths per day. Nearly 19,100 churches have been attacked, destroyed or abandoned since 2009 by various militant groups including Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and armed Fulani herdsmen. -
Clergy Kidnappings Part of Anti-Christian Genocide Claims
A recent report states that attacks targeting Christian clergy are particularly grievous and widespread. Many clergy are being kidnapped, apparently as part of a strategy by militants to terrorize Christian communities and weaken the church’s influence. -
Fulani Militia Attack in Plateau State
At least six Christians were killed and others wounded in an attack by Fulani militias in Plateau State, Nigeria. Homes and shops were burned, and many families forced to flee. -
Reprise of Hope Among Struggle — Catholic Bishops’ Conference Communiqué
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) issued a communiqué after its recent plenary meeting, urging Christians to live in hope despite suffering and societal challenges. They emphasized the importance of family, responsible parenting, and Christian virtues. -
Syria’s Christian Community: Crossroads After Regime Change
Since the fall of Assad’s government in December 2024, Syrian Christians are facing uncertainty. The report examines whether they are safer or if persecution has shifted rather than lessened. Almost all have been displaced or affected by violence either directly or indirectly. -
Sufi Shrines Under Attack in Bangladesh
More than 100 Sufi shrines have been targeted by fanatics in Bangladesh amid political upheaval. This reflects a trend toward growing religious intolerance towards spiritual and mystical expressions of Islam.
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