Bida, Niger State

 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14, NIV

The door creaked open in an office where I was visiting. A woman draped in a niqaab (a long garment worn by some Muslim women in order to cover their entire body and face, excluding their eyes) with a young boy, barely three years old, walked in. Her face, obscured by the flowing fabric, held an unreadable expression.

An elderly woman, perhaps a staff member or visitor, offered a warm smile to the boy. “Hello there, young man,” she greeted kindly. “What’s your name?” The boy, eager to respond, turned towards his mother, a question bubbling on his lips. But before he could utter a word, the woman in the niqab placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“No, Yusuf,” she said softly, her voice barely a whisper. “We don’t greet those who don’t follow the right path.” A wave of unease washed over me; the words hung heavy in the air. This encounter, though brief, mirrored a reality you’d observed in Bida – a city where religious beliefs sometimes created social barriers.

Witnessing to Muslims in Bida poses unique challenges, as I further discovered in a conversation with a young man. Engaging him in dialogue, he asserted, “we serve the same Jesus, just that he is not the son of God as you people claim.” This statement encapsulates the complex dynamics that make sharing the Christian faith in Bida a formidable task. This perspective creates a defensive stance, making it difficult to convey the foundational message of Christ’s divinity and His love to the Muslims in this city.

Bida is the second largest city in Niger State. The city serves as the capital of the Nupe Kingdom. It has an emirate and the majestic Emir’s Palace stands as a testament to the city’s historic heritage.

Please Pray:

• Beseech God for personal revelation of Himself, divine encounters with His love and truth for all residents of Bida, regardless of their religious affiliations. Pray that hearts are softened and open to the transformative power of the Gospel.
• Pray for courage, wisdom, and discernment for Christians in Bida who engage in evangelism. Pray that they will be led by the Holy Spirit in navigating conversations and presenting the Gospel with love and humility.

Pray for unity for the Body of Christ in Bida, and growth of the Church in this land.