Nigeria: A New Start for Christian Widows

February 17, 2021

Over the past decade, violent attacks on Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau State have left many women as widows to fend for themselves and their children.

But they are not alone. In February 2021, over two dozen widows were trained and equipped to provide for their families by starting their own businesses.

Stefanos Foundation organized the program for women who lost their husbands from murderous raids by Islamist militants. Thirty women from different villages gathered for the one-day training to empower them to run their new enterprises.

The day kicked off with prayer and an exhortation from 2 Kings 4:1-7, emphasizing the importance of hard work and faith in God. They learned about savings plans, the need for budgeting in running a business, and how to open bank accounts and access loans and grants.

The widows were then given ‘seed’ funding to encourage their new ventures – and they expressed profound gratitude and prayed for God to bless all the efforts.

Stefanos Foundation thanked Christian Freedom International for funding the project.

“Christians in Nigeria are experiencing violent persecution that robs them of their loved ones and livelihoods. We pray that through God’s grace, and with support and encouragement, they can find a new beginning,” said Wendy Wright, president of Christian Freedom International.

“To grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:3