As a Christian and university president, I believe no one should suffer for their faith. Especially for those who follow the teachings of Jesus, who said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Unfortunately, in Nigeria, countless believers face horrific violence for practicing their faith.
Recently, President Trump emphasized that the U.S. won’t stay silent while Christians are targeted, calling for a halt to foreign aid and suggesting military action to stop what he labeled a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria. This call to action carries both political and moral weight.
This issue is all too real for me. I’ve had the honor of getting to know two remarkable young women who endured this persecution and now inspire many: Joy Bishara and Lydia Pog.
In 2014, Boko Haram attacked a girls’ school in Chibok, Nigeria, kidnapping over 270 students. These militants, whose name translates to “prohibition of Western education,” terrorized families, set schools ablaze, and forced many girls into trucks, leaving some never to be seen again. Yet, some escaped, including Joy and Lydia.
In the back of a truck, Joy cried out to a God she hadn’t fully known yet, praying, “If You save me, I will follow You.” Then, feeling compelled, she jumped from the vehicle. Injured, she ran into the night while Lydia followed closely behind. They fled barefoot and bloodied, trusting there was a purpose beyond their suffering.
Eventually, they made their way to America and enrolled in a small Christian high school in Oregon. When it came time to pursue college, they encountered new hurdles. The Nigerian government assisting in their relocation pressured them to follow a path inconsistent with their beliefs. Despite the risks, they stood firm, holding on tightly to their faith and freedom.
That’s when Southeastern University became aware of their story, providing Joy and Lydia with full scholarships to pursue their education in an environment that respects their values. Since then, I’ve witnessed their growth as leaders. Joy chose to study social work, aiming to help others heal from trauma, while Lydia is pursuing law to advocate for girls like her who lack a voice.
But their journey didn’t stop in the classroom. They were invited to speak at the United Nations, where they shared their experiences with world leaders, urging them to take action for religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable children. While there, they met President Trump, a moment that symbolized solidarity against their shared fight against persecution. Their message was powerful and urgent: persecution is real, and we can’t afford to look away.
This year alone, over 7,000 Christians lost their lives in Nigeria, according to a local organization dedicated to freedom and legal rights. Churches have been destroyed, pastors slain, and communities disbanded. While this conflict has many political and economic layers, the targeting of Christians remains consistent. Nigeria is undoubtedly one of the most perilous places for followers of Christ.
That’s why President Trump’s statements carry so much significance. The U.S. should not support governments that overlook or enable religious violence. Our foreign policy must mirror both our national interests and our moral obligations.
As president of a Christian university, I feel this moment calls us for deeper engagement within the church. It’s crucial to educate our students and communities on the realities of global persecution, to pray continually for those suffering, and to speak out from a place of faith rather than fear.
Joy and Lydia exemplify what courageous faith looks like. They haven’t let fear shape them nor allowed persecution to silence them. They are living testaments that God can transform trauma into powerful testimonies.
Now, with President Trump’s words, the pressing question is: will we take action? Do we remember those who suffer for their faith? Will we support religious freedom authentically, not just in theory? Will we nurture a generation that can lead with moral clarity in a fractured world?
Joy and Lydia have already set a remarkable example. May we strive to be just as faithful.
