In The News

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YET ANOTHER MARTYR


A recent report from Jos, Nigeria, where my wife and I resided during a short term teaching assignment, confirms the death of Pastor Joshua Adah. Yet another martyr of the Christian faith. More specifically, “He was mercilessly hacked to death by Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram.”
In retrospect, “Not too long after he got born again, he left the comfort and luxury of city life for a remote village on a hill without light nor portable drinking water, not even a well in sight.” He lived there with his family in answer to “the call of God at this time when larger cities meant ‘greener pastures,’ fatter offerings and sizable tithes to others doing ministry.” As his funding grew, he and his associates were enabled to build health centers, distribute clothing, and provide medicines and supplies to the poor and whoever needed assistance. He is survived by his wife, and two children, ages 8 and 6.
The reporter accordingly pleads: “O God, hear my cry from the depths of my heart, from my innermost being. Arise O Lord of hosts, mighty in battle, and destroy your enemies lest they say, ‘Where is their God.’”
Conversely, a Nigerian priest recently urged his parishioners to resist the terrorists for the safety of their families and to preserve their possessions. However, when this occurs, the media commonly overlook the fact that it was by way of defense, and implying that both are equally culpable. Regardless of the response, the list of martyrs is calculated to increase.
Just two months before his death, Pastor Adah had observed: “I thank all those who stood and are still standing by me all these years; we will make it by God’s grace. God bless you all. I love you, please pray for me.” Initially, he expressed his appreciation for those who remained stalwart in their faith. This encouraged him to press on in the face of obstacles and even the threat of violence.
Moreover, he was confident that God’s grace would suffice to honor their resolve. This, in turn, recalls God’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). While applicable for his present situation, continuing to be available for subsequent occasions.
Consequently, he invokes God’s blessing on those standing with him. Regardless of circumstances, and with recognition that all things work together for good for those who devote their lives to the Lord’s service (cf. Rom. 8:28). Martyrdom not being an exception, but rather a graphic confirmation.
He then assures them of his constant love of them. Such as motivates him to serve on their behalf. In this instance, embracing a holistic ministry—ranging from meeting their survival needs to sharing the gospel.
In return, he asks only for their prayer on his behalf. While prayer should not be employed as an excuse for procrastination, it is a critical ingredient in the ministry formula. In brief, prayer is as prayer does.
It remains to recall the resolute observation of Tertullian: “The oftener we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is seed. For who that contemplates it, (are they) not excited to inquire into the bottom of it?” (Apology, Chap. L). He thus assures us that with each instance of martyrdom, the cause of Christ is furthered. These have not died in vain, although some may fail to recognize the significance of their testimony.
He also seems to imply that it is an unconvincing faith that feels it necessary to coerce others, while a credible faith courageously endures persecution. The contrast between the two is striking, and provides us with the preferred alternative.
And so it is that we bid farewell to Pastor Adah, in confidence that we will meet again. In terms of the gospel refrain, “When the saints go marching in, I want to be in their number, when the saints go marching in.” As if a triumphant procession, having weathered the storms of life.

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