Peter is a SOON reader from Plateau
State, Nigeria. He tells how, with God's
help, wonderful things can happen:
"On Friday 7 September 2001, in my
part of Nigeria, a gang of unknown
people attacked many markets, villages
and people in their homes. Many people
were killed and buildings destroyed.
I was at my school in the
city that afternoon. We all
heard a loud bang outside the
school gate – it was a gunshot.
Teachers and students ran
away. All of us in my class ran
too, trying to find a place to
hide. We hid until night when
things became quieter. The
army and police came to find
us and help us.
It was not until next morning
that I walked home to my
village. When I arrived, I found
many people dead and their
homes and farms burnt. My
home and family were gone.
All I could do was cry.
I met some villagers who had escaped
into the bush. They gave me a little food
and water. One of them told me not to fight
back because the government had stopped
the fighting. I knew of only one thing I could
do – I asked God to help me.
A week later, I was taken to a small
refugee camp where we were given food
and clothes. Suddenly, I met my mother
and the rest of my family. I was so happy.
We hugged each other, thanking God for
saving our lives. He heard my cry for help
when I had no-one else to turn to.