It is with profound joy and thankfulness to God for sparing our lives and giving us this opportunity that we share the experience we have passed through over the last two years.

Plateau, one of the 36 states in the heart of Nigeria, is widely acclaimed to be "the Home of Peace and Tourism." It is predominantly a "Christian" state, with other religions (Islam and Paganism) constituting about 30% of its total population.

However, on the 7th of September, 2001, just four days prior to the September 11th terrorist attack in the USA, the once peaceful atmosphere of the state was shattered by a religious crisis. It started in Jos, the state capital, and within 24 hours, it spread to most parts of the state, including Riyom, the local government area in which the believers here are located.

In Rim, a village where we are living, there were Fulani cattle ranchers who were dwelling around the village. They are Muslims. We had been having a cordial relationship with them mostly due to the assistance we have rendered them through medical missionary work.

When the news of the crisis reached the village, the so-called "Christians" took weapons and started attacking the Muslims, burning down their houses and destroying their properties. When the villagers noticed that we did not join them in carrying weapons and participating in the wanton destruction of houses and properties, they started interrogating us. It is sad to note here that even some who profess to believe the threefold angels’ message in the village joined them and some of them were actually in the vanguard of this destruction. Soon, we were summoned to appear before the village head and the community elders. The “Christians” gave us two options: either to join them or to leave the village, as most of us are settlers in the village. They tried to make us believe that they were doing God's service, and that we should contribute some money for the procurement of weapons and ammunitions, but we declined, explaining to them that we are peaceful people, we don't kill and moreover that "vengeance belongs to God."

On hearing this, they were angry with us and told us that we should leave the village immediately. However, we couldn't leave immediately as there was restriction of movement. When some of the villagers heard what happened, they objected to the decision of the village elders on the ground that we had been a source of blessing to them especially in medical missionary assistance. As a result, two parties developed among them.

During the crisis, there were casualties from the village. Since the only public clinic was closed down, it became an opportunity for us to come in and offer first aid treatment to them all.

After two weeks, soldiers were sent to intervene in the crisis and restore peace and normalcy to the village as well as surrounding villages. This was achieved. After some months, some of the Fulani came to our houses unknown to the villagers, to find out whether we were still in the village or had left it. We assured them that we always live in peace with everybody as the Bible admonishes us to do (Hebrews 12:14). It was another opportunity to render welfare assistance by providing them with some clothing as their properties were destroyed during the crisis. On reaching their camp, they spread the news of what we had done for them, saying we are a different kind of Christians than they had ever seen before.

The relative peace lasted for about twelve months until there was a retaliatory attack on a villager in December, 2002. This spread to surrounding villages and Rim was the last to be attacked. Meanwhile the Fulani instructed their men not to touch our houses. The words of Proverbs 16:7 "when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" was fulfilled in our Mission.

On one fateful day, some of us were in the market square and suddenly we heard gunshots from different directions. There was general confusion and everybody was looking for a place to hide or to find an escape route. However, we thank God that He helped us to be composed and look for our brethren and children in order to leave the village. Though 21 villagers, including women and children, were killed, none of us were affected. Also, houses and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, but none of ours were touched. It is wonderful to note that one of the village women who was hiding overheard one of the Fulani armed men telling his fellows that they should not venture toward the direction of our houses.

Immediately after this second crisis, some of the brethren and sisters moved to other areas but about half are still living in Rim. During these crises, we came much closer to each other, praying together, and sharing food together so that none of us would lack.

As we reflect back on our experience during those trying times, we can confidently say that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).