In 1983, Rev. Sarki Mustapha’s journey as a believer began, not with open arms, but with resistance.

He had been raised in idol and spirit worship, a way of life passed down from his parents. Like many around him, he lived by an unspoken law: repay evil for evil. If someone cheated you, you made them pay. That was the code of survival, and young Sarki never questioned it.

But everything changed when a group of missionaries came to his community.

The Gospel Comes to Kano

During a mission trip to Kano with ECWA, missionary Paul Gindri spent several weeks preaching the Gospel from village to village. In one powerful meeting, 120 people gave their lives to Christ.

Sarki wasn’t among them. He had traveled out for dry-season labor to earn food for his family. But when he returned, his brother encouraged him to attend one of the nightly teachings.

“Go and listen,” his brother said. “These words may help you.”

Reluctantly, Sarki went. That night, the pastor preached a message that pierced his heart forever.

The Scripture That Changed Everything

The pastor opened the Bible and read: “Do not repay evil with evil.”

Sarki couldn’t hold back. He raised his hand and said,

“Pastor, people cheat me often because of the kind of work I do. I know how to repay evil for evil. They have cheated me badly, and I want them to pay.”

The pastor looked at him and said,

“No. The God we serve asks us not to repay evil for evil. Just forgive those who have offended you.”

At that moment, something broke inside Sarki. These words were different, radically different, from everything he had ever been taught. Conviction filled his heart. That night, he repented and gave his life to Christ.

From Persecution to Perseverance

Choosing Jesus came at a cost. Sarki’s father, though an idol worshipper, was kind enough not to persecute him and his siblings who became Christians. But the wider community wasn’t so forgiving.

Six of them who accepted Christ had their wives taken away, branded as spoiled and useless because of their faith. Sarki’s own wife was beaten by her father with a stick. Neighbors and former friends mocked and persecuted them.

But through every storm, Sarki testifies, “God helped us, and we remained unshaken.”

A Call to Ministry

In 1987, during a gathering of ministers in Kaduna, Sarki was moved to tears as he watched believers give selflessly and stand united in Christ. That day, he felt a strong call to dedicate his life to preaching the Gospel, the same message that transformed him.

He enrolled in Bible school and was trained to become a pastor. Soon, he began planting churches in Northern Nigeria, using the simplest yet most powerful strategy: children and songs.

He would gather children, teach them local songs, play instruments, and draw crowds to listen. From those humble beginnings, entire churches were birthed.

Fruit That Lasts

Over the years, God has used Rev. Sarki to plant several churches. More than 100 people have come to Christ through his ministry. Today, his small congregation of 20-30 believers continues to grow strong.

With God’s help, they’ve built a church, dug a water well, and even gained electricity for their community. One church member recalls:

“Through his efforts, a water well was built for the church, and now we have light in our community.”

But challenges remain. Rev. Sarki still struggles with transportation for outreach and borrows equipment for evangelism programs. Yet his heart remains steadfast: “With the help of the One who called me, we remain unshaken.”

A Call to the Global Church

Today, Rev. Sarki continues to carry the Gospel to unreached people groups in Northern Nigeria. His request is simple yet urgent:

Mobility to reach more communities.

Equipment to preach the Gospel effectively.

Training opportunities to empower believers.

“I am calling on Christians worldwide,” he says, “to join me as I preach the Gospel to the unreached.”

Why Missions 1 Exists

Stories like Rev. Sarki’s are the heartbeat of Missions 1.

We exist to support missionaries on the frontlines, taking the Gospel to unreached people groups who may never hear unless someone goes. We believe the Gospel is only Good News if it arrives on time, and missionaries like Rev. Sarki cannot do it alone.

You Can Be Part of This Story

Every prayer.

Every item of clothing or food.

Every financial seed.

It all makes an eternal difference.

Send us a message today to partner with Missions 1 and stand with missionaries like Rev. Sarki in reaching the unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Together, let’s carry the light to the ends of the earth.