In the wake of the most serious violence to strike Nigeria in recent months, Crystal Gosnell asks for prayer for the country. At least 185 people were killed in coordinated bombings and gun attacks in Kano, Nigeria’s second largest city, on Friday, Jan. 20th. Many believe the attacks to be the work of the Islamist group, Boko Haram.

“Please pray for the people of Nigeria,” writes Crystal from the Ministry of Mercy in central Nigeria. “In Boko Haram's attacks, as with all terrorism, whether domestic or foreign, the people are innocent victims - viewed as collateral damage - sacrificed for someone else's ideals. Please pray for the government of Nigeria, that they would have the wisdom in dealing with this domestic terrorist group and that those within the government and police and military who are collaborating with the terrorists would be expunged and expelled.”

Ministry of Mercy is located in Otutulu village in south central Nigeria. Although far away from much of the violence in Nigeria’s northern, predominantly Muslim half, the tension caused by the unrest is felt throughout the nation.