9/23/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — In Northern Nigeria, where Christian-Muslim tensions run deep, a young man named Salisu Bala made a decision that made his family want to kill him.
Bala, 32, an independent artisan from Angwan Rogo, Jos, defied the strong Islamic roots of his family and community and decided to follow Jesus.
Bala grew up in a predominantly Muslim area where Islamic extremists frequently target Christians. His parents, deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Adamawa state, have witnessed firsthand the rise of Boko Haram’s bloody campaign against Christians.
Despite this, Bala experienced dreams that he interpreted as divine encounters with Christ. In mid-2023, after sharing his dreams with a Christian friend, Bala secretly converted to Christianity and started attending church.
His newfound faith, however, did not remain hidden for long. In September 2023, Bala’s parents discovered he had left Islam and confined him in a room for four days without food or water. His only way out was to renounce his faith in Christ.
“I was aware that I would face oppression from my people, but I didn’t expect it to happen when it did,” Bala said. “I couldn’t bring myself to renounce Jesus Christ, and I never will.”
As his strength faded, Bala feared that he could die. Around this time, his Muslim friend broke into the room and rescued him.
Salisu now lives in hiding under the care of an area pastor, who is discipling 70 Christian converts from Islam at a center near Jos. The pastor, whose name we are withholding for security reasons, attested to Bala’s unwavering commitment to his new faith, even in extreme danger.
“Salisu has endured immense challenges and persecution for the sake of Christ,” the pastor told International Christian Concern (ICC). “Many fake converts leave when we cannot provide food, but Bala has remained strong. His commitment to Christ is genuine.”
Speaking from his safe location, Bala expressed his faith and desire for his family to also come to know Christ. “I’m not afraid of death anymore,” he said. “I’ve seen the light of the one true God. I pray every night that my parents may come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, too.”
Bala’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Christian converts in Nigeria, where persecution is a harsh reality for those who leave Islam. His courageous stand for his faith, despite the risk to his life, underscores the broader struggle faced by converts in the region.
He asks that people pray for him to remain strong in his faith.
“Pray and help the persecuted remain resolute,” Bala added, “especially Muslim converts in Nigeria.”
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