Christian Humanitarian Aid in Nigeria Shines the Light of Christ in Dark Places…

A Little History

In late May 1999, Sharia Muslim law was adopted in all of the twelve northern states. The Nigerian constitution even allows for establishing Sharia courts at the national level. Many Muslims still criticize this application of Sharia as being too lax and demand the government take more decisive action against the enemies of Allah. The bloodiest Islamic terror organization in West Africa––called Boko Haram, which means “western education is sin”––wages a holy war in northern Nigeria against Christians and the national government. In 2012, Boko Haram demanded the Christian minority of northern Nigeria “leave quickly as possible or expect to be killed at any moment.” This has led to years of mobs, destructions, and assassinations against Christian people and organizations. The resulting conflict in Nigeria has seen thousands killed and millions displaced.

Farmer Evangelism

Our 35+ Farmer Evangelists are trained in both agriculture and Christian ministry to go into hostile areas controlled by Boko Haram. Together with their wives and children, they move into remote Muslim villages in completely undeveloped regions without running water or electricity. These faithful workers teach farming techniques to Muslims in remote villages.

As Muslim neighbors notice their crop yields, our Farmer Evangelists plant seeds of the Gospel! The very Muslims, who have murdered some of their family members and destroyed their homes, ask Christians for help. The evangelists begin by planting crops on a leased plot of land, as the crops begin to grow, nearby villagers take notice of the success that these farmers are having, thus a conversation begins. Curiosity about fertilizer and farming methods leads to relational evangelism and the presentation of the Gospel message to Muslim farmers. When enough people in a village have accepted Christ and grown in their faith, a church is established in the area and Farmer Evangelists are sent out to other nearby villages to start the process again. 

The Goat Project

Since its inception, The Goat Project has provided nearly 10,000 goats to marginalized children in rural areas of Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya. This project has supported many new believers and has also opened wide the door for the Gospel to penetrate heavily Muslim areas by demonstrating God’s tangible love to children and families! Through the love shown, many Muslims have come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Children receive a goat and finance their school books and uniforms by selling milk and baby goats.  Christian families began giving female goats to their poor Muslim neighbors.  As these Muslims experience practical Christian love, many come to faith in Jesus. Once neighboring Muslims witnessed the success of the program, they began asking for goats as well. Call of Hope then began including Muslim children in the program, which offered a new opportunity to share the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ!