Dedicated Servant to the Poor Garners Eternal Reward

Morning Star News 05 February 2015

Pastor Joshua Adah served
in remote areas of Nigeria.
Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian father of two young children was slain on January 23rd in Taraba State. On the day of the attack, Pastor Joshua Adah was away visiting several villagers as part of an evangelistic outreach. While on his way back to the village of Bantaje, the church leader's vehicle broke down and he was brutally killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen and members of Boko Haram. Pastor Joshua is survived by his wife and their two children, ages six and eight.

Pastor Joshua is being fondly remembered for his heart for the poor. His ministry brought education, medicine and clothing to thousands of impoverished people. "I don't know why God allowed Boko Haram to cut his life short," a ministry supporter shared of the faithful church leader. "Even when it became dangerous, he refused to (leave) but kept preaching Christ in villages and areas where many will not go."

May our Lord of all compassion look with mercy on Pastor Joshua's grieving loved ones, sheltering each one under His wings of refuge (Psalm 91:4). In particular, pray that his wife and two young children will be surrounded and supported by their church family as they adapt to life without their beloved husband and father. May God also raise up new leaders to continue Pastor Joshua's vitally needed ministry work so that many thousands more will be shown His love and turn to faith in His Son Jesus.

To learn more about the trials our Christian family in Nigeria faces, you can read our Country Report.

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
230,842,743 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

Religion (%)
Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

Leader
President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

Government type
Federal presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Nigeria
May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.