Rifkatu's story

"I look unto God alone"

Rifkatu Ephraim Masok was just two months pregnant when her husband, a pastor, was brutally murdered by an Islamist mob during religious riots in Jos, Nigeria, in November 2008.

When Open Doors' co-worker Isaac* met Rifkatu a month later, he found her still very emotional. Through her tears, she shared with him the final moments of her husband's life.

"On 27 November the violence started in Jos, and the area where we live was no longer safe. We prayed for God's protection throughout the night. The following day it was clear that the Muslims could strike at any time, so my husband decided to take our four children to a safer area of the city. He promised to come back to defend the church in case the Muslims attacked.

"Shortly after he left, I heard Muslims shouting 'Allahu Akbar' and calling for Jihad. I heard the Muslims shouting: 'Let's burn the church and kill the pastor and the Christians!'

"Then my husband returned. He told me not to be scared and said that he was going to the church to make sure the Muslims didn't burn down the church building. I tried to stop him, but he left.

"Later I found out that my husband had been shot by a mob of Jihadists. He was in the forefront of the Christians defending the church and received deadly wounds to his head, stomach and chest," said Rifkatu.

When Open Doors asked Rifkatu about her plans for the future, she burst into tears and said: "I look unto God alone. My husband bought us a piece of land, but we are yet to develop it. However, I'm scared of renewed violence. I don't know what to do."

Rifkatu and her four children were forced to leave their home. However, she was one of 50 widows that Open Doors was able to help with trauma counselling, relief aid and school fees.

Then in May 2009 Rifkatu gave birth to a baby boy and Open Doors was there to pray with her, pay some of her medical bills and drive her home from the hospital. Once again Rifkatu was in tears, this time with joy because of the kindness she had been shown. "My heart is so full of joy," she said. "You stood by my side and encouraged me in different ways. May God bless you richly!"

Six months later, Open Doors delivered hundreds of letters from Christians around the world. Rifkatu said, "These letters are so encouraging. I don't get tired of them. They are my best companion. I draw a lot of courage from them."

*name changed for security reasons