Chad's believers testify God Emmanuel

Stories of God's saving grace and protection are emerging from the Christian pastors who chose to remain in troubled Chad throughout the recent violence in the country's capital N'Djamena.

Around 160 people were killed when rebels stormed the capital N'Djamena in early February, including many civilians, while thousands more fled to neighbouring Cameroon.

In spite of the darkness of recent weeks, Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors USA is receiving testimonies from a number of Christian pastors that God protected them during the rebel attacks on the capital, reports Mission Network News.

Pastor Rene Daidanso of N'Djamena said that the crisis situation caused him "to experience progress in the reading of God's Word and in prayer".

"I don't exaggerate when affirming that I never prayed as much as I have during this period," he shared.

"The Lord showed me that I must not leave the city of N'Djamena. I had to follow Abraham's example when he interceded of behalf of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. I interceded for my city, and N'Djamena was delivered.

"He communicated to me clearly that if there were only 10 Christians in N'Djamena. He would not destroy the city. I asked Him in my prayer to direct all deadly bullets toward empty spaces so that lives would be spared. And my prayer has been granted."

Pastor Daidanso told Dykstra that the Church of the Good News, a Christian Assemblies of Chad church, survived the bombardments, whilst the Chadian Radio Television next door was completely burned to ashes.

The Evangelical Church of Chad, with a congregation of more than 1,500 members, also survived the attacks unscathed, whilst N'Djamena's major market just 100 metres away was severely damaged.

Open Doors, whose ministry teams were scattered by the conflict, continues to keep a watchful eye on the situation in Chad, however. Although the violence has halted, an "uneasy calm" hangs in the air, admits Dykstra.

Christians in eastern Chad have appealed to Open Doors for prayer as armed rebels coming in from Sudan's Darfur region "spread terror in the name of Islam".

"Open Doors works in the area, sending biblical materials, much of which is for the training of Christians.

"Continue to pray for them," he said. "The growth of Islam is a big threat in Chad, so we need to keep that in prayer, too."

Prayer appeals have also come in from Pastor Hadama Christopher in Kousseri, a border city in Cameroon sheltering Chadian refugees since the outbreak of the conflict. The lack of water and food, and the sharp escalation of prices for food and basic goods remain serious concerns.

"Pray for the Christians of Chad to be helped by God in all circumstances and to be strengthened in their faith," said Open Doors.