Hidden stories, things people are uncomfortable sharing, are emerging during counselling as congregations recommit their lives to Christ.

International coordinator Tassie Ghata has been particularly struck in the early months of 2022 by the number of people admitting involvement in witchcraft and traditional religion. She shares about one person who believes he has killed members of his family.

“He confessed that he had cast spells to kill people he was angry with and they had later died. After hearing us share how God views witchcraft, during a Sunday sermon in his church, he made a first commitment to Christ, said he was sorry and asked for forgiveness.”

Tassie is also amazed by how many young people don’t have a Christian understanding of what marriage entails. Perhaps their spouses are in church with them, at different churches, or not church -going.

“They haven’t heard about how to love, honour and respect their partner. They don’t care about each other. Once they make a first commitment or recommit their lives to Christ during counselling, they decide to bring their spouse to our office for marriage counselling. Then we begin seeing them going to church together.

“This year we’ve also counselled more couples who are mistreating each other, physically, sexually and emotionally. They are coming for counselling in churches on Sundays and in our office and committing to change. We are looking forward to hearing testimonies of how this changes their lives.”

Four volunteer teams have been active between January and April 2022. Between them the Jos, Yola, Gombe and Jalingo teams visited 29 local churches.

In total these teams shared the gospel of social righteousness with 6,991 people and tested 1,085 for HIV/ AIDS. Five people tested positive and are receiving ongoing support and care.

Of those who tested 1,039 people (96%) chose to join life sharing accountancy groups in their churches, 963 people rededicated their lives to Christ and another 122 made first commitments. Just 46 people chose to keep their results confidential.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for:

• People who have renounced witchcraft, that their relationships with God will strengthen and they will enjoy their new freedom from evil

• Married couples who have committed to improve their relationships with each other, that they will grow in love, affection, respect and honour for each other

• Volunteer teams struggling to visit churches regularly – many are in areas of unrest.