After questioning, police released Sarajo but asked him to report back the following day, as they planned to refer the case to higher police authorities. Meantime, Muslim leaders in town made desperate efforts to persuade Sarajo to return to Islam. Police eventually told Sarajo’s parents that there was nothing they could do because the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom to choose one’s religion.
Sarajo was set free. On March 14, 1994, he was forced to flee Muslims threatening his life in Wamba town. He arrived in Jos with no money, no clothes, and no family.
Sarajo roamed the streets of Jos until he was taken in by the Rev. Samuel Anthony of Life Gate International Church.
Evangelist and Church Planter
In September 1997, Sarajo said, the Lord told him that he was to lead Muslims into the saving grace of God.
“The Lord told me in that year that He called me out of Islam for a purpose, to lead my people out of bondage – ‘Now is the time for you to go.’”
Nakere village, near Wamba, was the first port for Sarajo’s evangelistic ministry. On September 7, 1997, he went to Nakere village for an outreach, where he preached, did one-on-one evangelism, and prayed for the sick.
“That day, about 20 persons gave their lives to Christ. I was touched by the plight of the people of Nakere as everywhere I went, they followed me,” he said.
A week later, Sarajo moved from Jos to Nakere village and planted his first church there. Both Muslims and idol worshipers received Christ through the evangelistic efforts. The result was Christ Discipleship Chapel, a church of about 80 members of whom 16 are former Muslims. In addition, he has trained church members who now serve as pastors in Damaturu town in Yobe state, in Abuja , and in Assakio town in Nasarawa state.
His evangelistic outreaches have spread to the villages of Raga, Abu, Angwan Maiganga, Tofa and Abu Barki, where churches are now being established.
Copyright 2006 Compass Direct News
