Nigeria (MNN) ? There's a reason the state of emergency exists in Nigeria. In the wake of an ultimatum from the Boko Haram, there were two bomb blasts in northeastern Nigerian cities, authorities said Thursday.

Nigeria (MNN) ? Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in parts of the country following attacks from the Islamist group Boko Haram.

A few days ago we shared with you the news that Gao had been located in a prison in China. We are thankful for your prayers and concern for Gao and his family and would like to ask for your prayers for him and his family on a daily basis. Please read a letter from Gao's wife here, in case you missed it when we posted it earlier.

Last year we shared with you that The Voice of the Martyrs has developed a mobile phone app designed to help us remember to pray for the persecuted church every single day of the year.