A Bible miraculously survived a fire angrily set by a Muslim mob to a Christian family's home in the West African nation of Niger, Fox News reported.
Not only did the Bible survive, but it also motivated the victimized Christian believers to exhibit Christ-like forgiveness to their prosecutors.
Neal and Danette Daniels told Todd Starnes of Fox News that the Muslim mobs set to flame at least 45 churches and looted the homes of Christian ministers. This killed around 10 people while other Christians were forced to flee the safety of their homes.
"We immediately started packing a trunk, putting in our valuables, our documents, and we loaded up the car," recalled Neal. "There were concerns our family would be targeted."
He is a prominent Christian leader in that area but he and his family were spared from any dangers. But one of the parsonages destroyed by the mob belonged to a local pastor, his pregnant wife and his three children, and the Daniels welcomed them into their home.
"Both of their houses were burned and completely looted," Neal said. "One of our pastors lost everything."
Even then, the pastor's Muslim neighbors helped them save their belongings before the fire totally engulfed his house.
"While the mob was burning the front of the house, his neighbors came in through the back and they hauled out clothes and everything they could get through the back window," explained Neal. "They helped to save the pastor's property while the crazy mob was burning everything."
They were pleasantly surprised the next day as they were looking through the remains of the church. Apparently, a Bible survived the fire.
"It was an emotional moment as you see your church in ashes," Neal shared.
The Bible's survival encouraged the Daniels and other Christian leaders in Niger to hold a press conference and extend an act of forgiveness to those who set fire to their houses and church.
"The church is recognizing this is something to be joyful over-the church and their faith have been proven," Neal added. "Jesus said rejoice and be exceedingly glad when men persecute you, for great is your reward in heaven."
Neal and his friends expect that the mobs might return but they hope to inspire them with their Christian behaviour.
"We are preaching the Gospel and living as an example before the people," he said. "It was demonstrated in our response. It is not our nature to be aggressive or violent. We forgive those that attack."
