A Fellowship of the Wounded
ISIS fighter, Somalia, Image courtesy of Washington Institute https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/somalia-new-frontline-islamic-states-global-expansion
WARNING: Graphic Images
Tradition has it that the evangelist Mark first brought Christianity to Alexandria, Egypt in 60 AD [1]. Islam reached Africa in the 7th Century through Arab conquests [2]. European missionary efforts in West Africa began in the late 15th Century [1B][3].
The history of Islamic-Christian relations in Africa is complex and nuanced, with periods both of conflict and peaceful co-existence [4A]. But there is widespread Islamic persecution of Christians in Africa today [5A]. This can be found in the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, and elsewhere [5B][6]. Victims may be tortured and mutilated, before they are killed. Millions have been displaced.
Rape as a Weapon
“…[T]he violence interrupts their ability to eat and sleep…They suffer from nightmares and panic attacks. They may be unable to perform basic tasks at work or home. They may struggle to parent their children, who are themselves often victims of the same incidents. They may struggle to attend church or even talk with others. These effects – especially if not cared for appropriately – can last for years.”
–Cole Richards, Pres. of Voice of the Martyrs [7]
Though a number of verses in the Quran call for treating Christians and Jews with respect, many Muslims find it difficult not to see Christians as polytheists because of the doctrine of the Trinity [4B]. Sexual violence is used as a tactic of terror by radical Islamists [5C]. Women and girls are captured, enslaved, and systematically raped. This is religiously justified as treatment of the “infidel”.
Where Is God?
Suffering so severe is shattering. It interrupts core aspects of healthy living. Where then is God in such suffering?
Equipped with advanced medical degrees, decades of experience, and profound compassion, trauma teams supported by Voice of the Martyrs https://www.persecution.com extend Christ’s love to this vulnerable population, responding to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
This has been called a fellowship of the wounded, for those who have suffered are frequently the ones who help others.
Forgiveness and Healing
Healing can take a very long time. Forgiveness, when possible, is extremely difficult. But it frees victims to move on with their lives, despite what they have endured.
Their suffering reflects Christ’s. In their suffering, they are united with Him.
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2: 21).
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[1A and 1B] BBC, “The Story of Africa – Christianity”, https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/index_section8.shtml#:~:text=Christianity%20first%20arrived%20in%20North,four%20evangelists%2C%20in%2060%20AD.
[2] Library Fiveable, “4.2 Introduction and Spread of Islam in North and West Africa”, https://library.fiveable.me/africa-before-1800/unit-4/introduction-spread-islam-north-west-africa/study-guide/Z9zodZI0VleLMlxG.
[3] Wikipedia, “Christianity in Africa”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Africa.
[4A and 4B] Oxford Research Encyclopedias, “Muslim-Christian Relations: Historical and Contemporary Realities” by Jane Smith, 4/2/15, https://oxfordre.com/religion/oso/viewentry/10.1093$002facrefore$002f9780199340378.001.0001$002facrefore-9780199340378-e-11.
[5A, 5B, and 5C] Ave Maria Law School, “Persecution and Genocide of Christians in Sub Saharan Africa” https://www.avemarialaw.edu/international-strategy-conference-persecution-and-genocide-of-christians-in-sub-saharan-africa/.
[6] Cato Institute, “Africa and the Blood of Christians” by Doug Bandow, 3/28/19, https://www.cato.org/commentary/africa-blood-christians#.
[7] Voice of the Martyrs Magazine, Vol. 59, No. 5, pp. 2-3, “With Them in the Valley of Death’s Shadow” by Cole Richards, May 2025.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
A Lawyer's Prayers 
I love your title, Anna. And thanks for your realistic attention to Africa.
I am so glad you approve. I cannot take credit for the title. It is a phrase from an article someone else wrote about these devoted teams. 🙂
Often, we ask “where was God?” when describing such horrific suffering. I myself have heard Jews ask ‘where was God’ when speaking of the Nazi Holocaust. It is a legitimate question, one that has been asked countless times since the beginning, and yet one that no one has been able to definitively answer.
To say that God’s ways are higher than our own does little to comfort those who cry out for an explanation of the horror’s afflicted upon them, yet in reality so much in this life is beyond our understaanding.
All suffering helps us to better understand and in some cases identify with Christ’s sufferings, as challenging as that can be to accept. Still, we live in a fallen world, a world where for billions of people suffering of some type is normal. The remedy however is not of this world. The cure for evil and violence will appear in the clouds one day, and at that time suffering will cease.
Well said, my friend.
Haunting, convicting words from 1 Peter to close with, Anna: ““For to this you were called, . . . .” That suffering is a calling is hard to accept were it not for the Holy Spirit convicting us of its truth, daily, hourly, that we are only following in our Savior’s footsteps.
Anna, You’ve given voice to the unspeakable suffering.
Thank you, Anna. I can take very little credit. These are horrific events. All most of us can do is pray for the victims. Their faithfulness is both inspiring and humbling.