Nigeria: a sad update on Damaris Atsen

We have an update for you from Damaris Atsen, one of the widows from Nigeria that Open Doors has been involved with over a long time. Damaris has been battling breast cancer, for which she has been receiving assistance from Open Doors and other friends. Open Doors workers recently visited to catch up with her. It seems the cancer has spread and currently her left arm and hand are badly swollen.

We have an update for you from Damaris Atsen, one of the widows from Nigeria that Open Doors has been involved with over a long time. During riots in March 2010, a fatal attack on her husband as he was helping a blind man home left Damaris alone with four children to support; Christopher, Dorcas and Ezra her own, and Blessing, an adopted orphan. Since then, God has used her to share her story with many around the world.  

Damaris has been battling breast cancer, for which she has been receiving assistance from Open Doors and other friends. Open Doors workers recently visited to catch up with her. She was very happy to see them, but shared some bad news. It seems the cancer has spread and currently her left arm and hand are badly swollen.

"I am in serious pain, but God is faithful… How God takes care of my children and me is one mystery I cannot understand. Open Doors has been like an angel sent by God to me. You have been strongly behind me with both prayers and financial support. Please ask believers around the world to continue praying for divine healing." 

Despite the obvious pain she was in, Damaris still had a big smile on her face. At the end of the visit Open Doors workers provided some more financial assistance for her medication and proviant for the special diet she follows. She burst into tears and thanked God for answered prayer.

She said, "I am crying not because of the pain am going through but because when I needed help the most God sent Open Doors. May God bless you abundantly."

PLEASE PRAY:

• Continue to lift our sister to the Lord and pray for her healing 
• For encouragement and comfort for Damaris and her family along the way. 

HOW OPEN DOORS HELPS

Nigeria is number 14 on the 2018 World Watch List. Open Doors partners with the local church to strengthen and equip persecuted believers in northern Nigeria through the following activities:

• Training to strengthen believers facing persecution
• Helping children to receive a Christian education
• Providing care and discipleship training for new believers
• Servant leadership and theological training for church leaders
• Community development projects
• Legal assistance
• Emergency relief and trauma counselling.