02/15/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) –International Christian Concern (ICC) has worked with Professor Solomon Tarfa and his wife, Merci Tarfa, over the past several months. The Tarfa family has suffered a series of tragedies beginning in 2019 when the government arrested Professor Tarfa and confiscated 27 of the orphans in Du Merci orphanage, the orphanage owned and run by the Tarfa family. Over the years, Professor Tarfa underwent multiple trials which repeatedly proved his innocence. During this time, Merci Tarfa struggled to care for the remaining orphans which included finding and paying for an apartment to host the children after the orphanage burned down.
The children who were confiscated also suffered greatly. Many growing up in Du Merci from a young age were practicing Christians. In the government facilities, the children were forced to practice Islam, having their names changed from Christian to Muslim names, and often facing ridicule from the orphanage practitioners and other children. One child even received third-degree burns and was refused hospital treatment. He is now permanently disfigured. Reports have also indicated that two of the children who were taken at the age of three are now unable to speak their first language because of a lack of education.
Currently, the Tarfas are engaged in a legal battle to retain their children. We ask you to join us in praying for the return of all the children as well as reparations for the damage incurred throughout the time Professor Tarfa was imprisoned. ICC is constantly encouraged by the faith demonstrated by those involved with Du Merci orphanage, and we are eager to see the way the Lord blesses his faithful servants, whether that be on this side of eternity or not.
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