Source: ICC
10/23/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — A week ago, Pastor Eli Abdullahi Tinau attended a memorial service honoring 29 Christians who were killed by Islamic Fulani extremists in 2015.
The victims, who had sought refuge in a classroom at LGEA Primary School in Nkiendoro, Miango district of Bassa County, were brutally murdered after militants bypassed the military’s protection. Two survivors were critically injured, and one later died from gunshot wounds.
Pastor Tinau, 35, has come close, many times, to being a victim of Fulani extremist attacks himself. It’s simply part of his work as a missionary from Katsina state. Tinau, who also pastors the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nkiendoro, which is about 60 miles from Jos, doesn’t let the threat of violence or even death deter him from sharing the gospel with the Fulani. So far, Tinau has led two Fulani to Christ.
“I expect persecution because I am no longer of this world,” Tinau said. “I hold firm to my faith in Christ.”
Pastor Tinau has also lost his home amid the ongoing persecution in Nkiendoro, which has recently seen seven documented attacks and ambushes, including the destruction of farms owned by Christians and the burning of churches and homes. The pastor currently lives in a burned room that stands among the remains of his home.
The ongoing persecution also takes a toll on Tinau’s family. In the attack where they burned his home, Fulani extremists confiscated the pastor’s livestock, robbing the family of their livelihood. Their financial hardship has limited the education of the pastor and his wife’s three children, with only one child able to attend school.
The pastor and his wife are also struggling to continue their education. The pastor is enrolled in a seminary in Jos, and his wife is completing her teaching degree at the National Teachers Institute. “We need support to continue our education and ministry,” Pastor Tinau said.
Despite all that he and his family have suffered through and lost, Pastor Tinau said his faith has not wavered.
“I will never go back to Islam,” he said. “Christ has not compromised; I will not compromise.”
As Muslim Fulani extremists continue to persecute Christians in Nigeria, Pastor Tinau asked that people pray for Fulani Christians to remain firm in their faith and for Fulani Muslims to hear the gospel and find the courage to accept Christ despite the challenges they may face.
In addition to his own prayers for the Fulani, Pastor Tinau will continue to do his part to ensure they hear the good news of Christ’s love for them.
“I will continue to preach and bring additional souls to Christ,” he said.
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