The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry, located in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Muslim community as the holy month of Ramadan begins. The church, under the leadership of its General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, has distributed essential food items to over 1,000 underprivileged Muslims and Islamic schools to assist them during their fasting and prayers.

For the past 19 years, this initiative has become a cornerstone of the church’s efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, and mutual support among people of different faiths. Pastor Buru explained that the annual distribution aims to ensure that those observing Ramadan have sufficient food to fully participate in the 30-day fasting and prayer period. “We have been reaching out to poor Muslims in five northern states, ensuring they have enough food to fully participate in the 30-day fasting and prayers of Ramadan,” he said. This year, the church purchased 30 bags of maize and millet to distribute, to support at least 1,000 individuals.

The gesture was partly inspired by Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman known for her consistent donations of food, cash, and clothing to widows and orphans within the church during Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Her acts of kindness have fostered a spirit of interfaith cooperation and goodwill. Pastor Buru emphasized that such gestures are crucial in building a harmonious society. “We must continue to support one another, regardless of our religious differences,” he stated.

As the price of food continues to rise, the church has called on traders to refrain from inflating prices during Ramadan. Pastor Buru revealed that the church had mobilized 30 volunteer pastors and imams to conduct a week-long campaign, encouraging fair pricing and compassion towards the less fortunate.

The recipients of the donations expressed their deep gratitude for the church’s ongoing support. Mallam Hassan Lawal, a leader of the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Kaduna, praised the church’s efforts in alleviating the burden on those in need. “The church’s support has been invaluable, especially during these challenging times,” he said. Similarly, Mallam Tukur Zubairu, the leader of the Kaduna State Blind Persons Association, acknowledged the church’s longstanding commitment to helping the Muslim community during Ramadan.

This year’s distribution also included a special focus on supporting Islamic schools, known as Madrasahs. The church provided grains to several Madrasahs in the region, ensuring that the students and teachers could observe Ramadan without facing food shortages. The initiative not only underscores the importance of interfaith solidarity but also highlights the church’s dedication to education and community welfare.

In addition to the food distribution, the Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry organized a series of interfaith dialogues and community outreach programs to foster understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims. These events provided a platform for individuals from both faiths to share their experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore ways to collaborate on community development projects.

As economic hardships continue to affect many households, the church’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder that compassion and unity can transcend religious and cultural boundaries. The initiative has not only provided much-needed support to the Muslim community but has also strengthened the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna.

The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry’s commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and supporting the less fortunate is a testament to the power of compassion and cooperation. As Pastor Buru aptly put it, “In times of need, we must extend a helping hand to our neighbours, regardless of their faith. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

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