Pastor's Life Spared During Attack

Morning Star News 04 August 2016

The Rev. Hamza Alkali at the Federal Medical Centre.
Photo: Morning Star News

After being seriously injured in a recent attack, Pastor Hamza Alkali required surgery to have the rest of his severed hand and wrist amputated. Even despite the loss of his hand, the 66-year-old pastor is very grateful. "If God was not with me, the Fulani (herds)man could have succeeded in taking my life," Pastor Hamza testifies. "I told the Fulani man that God -- who created me in His image -- will not give him the power to kill me."

The church leader explained that when he first saw the herdsman coming onto his farmland, he thought the man was just passing through. So he continued working. Without further warning or greeting, the Fulani herdsman approached the pastor, asking him to hand over his mobile phone. When Pastor Hamza refused, the man attacked him with a sword, severing his hand. A struggle ensued, and the pastor was eventually able to wrestle the sword away from the assailant before further harm could be done.

Pastor Hamza acknowledges that since Jesus Christ was persecuted, Christians must endure hardship and face any persecution head-on: "Every Christian that is passing through persecution should stand firm, as God will not abandon such a person. Our persecutors should know that one day they will stand before God to (give an) account for what they have done here on earth. So what they should do is come closer to God...repent and leave the evil ways they are following."

We are grateful that God has given this pastor an opportunity to share the Gospel with the Fulani herdsman who instigated the attack. May the words of truth that were spoken to the perpetrator penetrate the hardness of the man's heart, bringing needed conviction of sin which will hopefully lead to repentance and salvation. Pray also for this dear pastor as he now recovers from the ordeal and adapts to daily life without the use of his hand. May the Lord minister in special ways to this brave spiritual leader by enabling him to continue his greatly needed ministry work in Nigeria.

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.