At the heart of the Arise Africa campaign is a tree. But what is it, and what does it symbolise?

The tree, which we are calling the Tree of Prayer and Justice, stands for the healing and eternal hope made possible through the sufferings of Christ on the cross.

At the end of Scripture, we read about the tree of life. This tree, fruitful and abundant, brings healing: “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2).

In the same way, the Tree of Prayer and Justice offers hope and life. It is a symbol of the suffering of the persecuted church in Sub-Saharan Africa – and our response as the worldwide church.

The Tree of Prayer and Justice is where violence stops – and healing starts.

You are part of the story of the Tree of Prayer and Justice too…

• The leaves of the tree are the prayers and petition of the global family of Christ. Together, we pray for the healing of the nations and call for justice for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• The trunk is scarred as a reminder that Jesus suffered for us. The sawn-off limb reflects the wound from the spear thrust into Jesus’ side at the Crucifixion. It’s also a symbol of the scars borne by the African church through violent persecution.

The story of the Tree of Prayer and Justice: how the Camphor tree inspired a sculpture

As the world wakes up to the horror of violent persecution in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Camphor tree has come to symbolise the strength and resilience of the African church.

This large, evergreen tree is the national tree of Nigeria. Its size and prevalence reflect the fact that there are more Christians in Africa than anywhere else in the world.

The Camphor tree has special features which mirror the experience of the persecuted church. It grows in scrubland, clinging onto life when other trees have withered and died. Seeing a Camphor tree flourishing in wasteland is a picture of the great endurance and resilience of the African church.

The tree also releases a powerful smell of camphor when its leaves are crushed. It’s a reminder that African Christians, even though they are under extreme persecution, continue to follow Jesus with courage. Their faith and hope are a powerful witness.

In 2023, as part of the Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign, Nigerian artist Asiegbu Collins was commissioned to create a unique sculpture. Taking inspiration from the Camphor tree, the 22-year-old cast the Tree of Prayer and Justice in metal.

Now, the Tree of Prayer and Justice takes two forms:

1. The online Tree of Prayer and Justice where people can add their prayer for the persecuted church in Africa and sign the petition to call for change.
2. The Tree of Prayer and Justice sculpture, which will travel the world as part of the Arise Africa campaign, visiting – government institutions and places of influence.