As a result of the vicious Charlie Hebdo terror attack, Niger, a normally peaceful nation, erupted in violent protest over the weekend that led to 72 churches being burned down.

Niger, Africa is 98% Islamic, but up until now has always maintained a respect between majority and minority religious groups. The violence has been fueled by anger over the french magazine that posted another picture of Mohammed and is now targeting Christians in the country.

Director of Public Relations for Christian Aid, Amie Cotton, described BCN the attacks.

"[The violence] was very shocking to the people there... the different religions [normally] get along. They have relationships with one another, so there is a respect for the other even though there is not an agreement on the type of religion, Cotton told BCN, "But the Charlie Hebdo situation seemed to rile up some folks."

Cotton and Christian Aid supports two indigenous ministries in Niger and received word on Jan 17^th to pray because houses and churches were being targeted. Soon after they got word that the churches had be burned.

"45 churches were burned, four Christians were killed, 17 families lost homes completely-that report was from just one ministry," she said, "'Then we received [similar] word from the other ministry and came to the cumulative number of 72 churches burned and at least 10 killed. [Boko Haram] was pretty much going around torching churches and known Christian homes, and they were marking other Christians' homes for further attack."

Despite the tragedy Cotton caught a glimpse of a photo of Christians standing in the ruins of their burned-out church, praising God.

"I wonder if I would do that under those circumstances. In Niger, being a Christian is a whole different world. They know their life is on the line, Cotton Stated, "For us, it's very easy to sit in a church pew, get baptized and accept Jesus as our Lord. But they teach folks who are interested in learning about Christianity that it's a hard cross to bear, and it may cost your life-it may cost your family."

Cotton asked for people in the West to pray for their peace in Niger. To find out how you can help or for more information visit ChristianAid.org.

Watch video taken showing believers in Niger worshiping God the day after radical Muslims set their church on fire below: