How can you preach in countries that persecute Christians? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Venerable Justice Okoronkwo, Director of Missions in the Anglican diocese of Jos, Nigeria.

Justice Okoronkwo said “Nigeria has been in the news lately for so many things that should make Christians concerned. The global terrorism index placed Nigeria second in the world, in terms of the effects of terrorist insurgency.” He explained that the only country ahead of Nigeria is Afghanistan.

Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria is responsible for approximately twenty five thousand deaths, and more than two million displaced people in Nigeria, according to Justice Okoronkwo.

“We’re seeing victims who were raped by insurgents, houses of Christians being destroyed, dead bodies of children that were hacked by machetes, churches that have been burned, and worshipers killed while they were worshiping” said Justice Okoronkwo.

People come to him, and want answers for the evil and violence taking place in Nigeria. He points out the danger of pastors sounding hollow, in response to suffering people. He said “you can’t understand what’s somebody is going through, until you have sat with him, in his ash.”

In light of this, he drew attention to Psalm 73: “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:1-3, ESV).”

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.