Children are the battlefield in this bloody struggle for the future of a continent, with enduring, global implications. Nigeria is an amazing country, full of bright, educated, and passionate people – and with the potential to rapidly rise in global leadership. It is by far the largest and most populated nation in Africa, with the biggest economy and vast natural resources (it is a Top 5 member of OPEC). The people there are more similar to us than most Americans realize.

This fast-rising nation has today become the frontline in the global battle of annihilation raging between radical Islam and Western culture. Displaced jihadists from the Middle East and North Africa have co-opted long-simmering insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, driving their horrific brutality to new extremes. This onslaught is mostly unchecked by corrupt and/or sympathetic elements in the Federal Government and ignored by the international community (as former colonial powers and multinational corporations benefit from the division).

The resulting 2.5 million-plus victims (termed IDPs, for “internally displaced persons”), mostly children, barely survive in the most abject conditions imaginable. They are entirely cut off from established sources of aid and hidden from the public eye. Despite severe victimization and absolute lack, they ask for only one thing: Access to education for their children. Stripped of everything, and deprived of outside relief, their vision has become crystal clear: They know education will give their children strength of character and a path forward. It is their only hope.

On the opposite side, it is no coincidence that Boko Haram, translated, means “Western education is forbidden.” The jihadists fear nothing more than the education of these children, as it poses an existential threat to the ignorance, hate, and radicalism that fuels their bloodthirsty cult.

Reinforced by sophisticated and well-funded jihadists from around the world, the latest threat assessments show there’s real potential for the radical Islamists to topple the Nigerian government. This would lead to dreadful international consequences for generations and genocide – of mainly Christians – the scale of which has not been seen since Mao, Stalin, or Hitler.

Bringing this story to light threatens deeply entrenched powers and puts our team in grave danger. It is a risk worth taking because opening the world’s eyes to this situation cannot help but spark meaningful, necessary change.

Join us as we help tell the authentic story of these children and their families,  inspire willing hearts to action, and introduce the purpose of Africa Arise. Our goal is to mobilize believers to seed the development of young hearts and minds in the IDP camps of Nigeria where we are serving through our Arise Academies.   We are currently raising funding for our final edit, post-production, and distribution of our feature documentary. The goal for completion is $150,000.