While the world’s attention turns to ISIS in their tromp through Syria and Iraq, a mirror-like image is tromping through Nigeria almosts undetected.  The Sunni terrorist group has links to al Qaeda and has declared a new West African caliphate.  Similar to ISIS, Boko Haram has imposed Shariah law on approximately 3 million citizens, while beheading men and forcing women to marry Boko Haram soldiers.  Thousands of refugees have fled to neighboring Cameroon.

Abubaker Shekau, Boko Haram’s leader, revealed Boko Haram’s objective in an August 24, 2014 video:

“Thanks be to Allah, who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate.  We did not do it on our own. Allah used us to captured Gwoza; Allah is going to use Islam to rule Gwoza, Nigeria and the whole world.”

Unlike ISIS, Boko Haram is operating outside the world’s spotlight, conducting terrorist activity with little more than a mention in the media.  Yet, the atrocities are every bit as brutal as those perpetuated by ISIS.  To make matters worse, al Qaeda has called for jihad on the Indian subcontinent, and plans to activate jihad in places such as Burma, Bangladesh and throughout India.

Friends, the evil of Islamic radicals may be rampant, but the Hope we have in our Blessed Redeemer is stronger than any threat that might be posed by evil in this world.  Jesus is returning soon, but we must be ready.  In Matthew 24, Jesus provided full detail of the signs of the last days, and near the end of the chapter He said:

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  But be sure of this, that if  the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.  For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”  (verses 42-44)

The signs are obvious…but are we ready?  As evil explodes in our world, let’s be faithful to trust in our Blessed Hope, and to pray for lost souls.  Time is short…let’s make the most of it!