By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a rare show of interfaith harmony, Bishara Baptist Church in Sabo Tasha, Kaduna, has donated N50,000 each to eight Muslim faithful and four retired Christian clerics to promote religious tolerance and unity.
The gesture, spearheaded by the church’s pastor, Rev. Nathan Chawaison, was described as a practical demonstration of love and obedience to Christ’s teachings.
Speaking during a Sunday service, Chawaison said the initiative was inspired by the Biblical call to give selflessly, stating: “Jesus Christ reached out to humanity by giving His life for us. As children of God, we must support one another, no matter how little we have.”
He explained that beneficiaries were selected based on community recommendations and proven need, adding that the aim was to bridge religious divides in a country often torn by sectarian tensions.
While the four retired pastors were drawn from the Retirees Fellowship of Baptist and ECWA churches, the Muslim beneficiaries were nominated by a local community leader, Hon. Jonathan, known for promoting interfaith peace in Malali and Millennium City.
“This act of love is to remind both Christians and Muslims that we are called to be agents of peace and unity,” Chawaison added.
One of the recipients, Bisa Abdulsalam, who spoke on behalf of the Muslim beneficiaries, expressed surprise and appreciation for the support.
“I never imagined receiving such thoughtful assistance from a Christian body. This is my first time experiencing such kindness from people of another faith. It has left a lasting impression,” he said.
Abdulsalam called on both faith communities to rise above religious sentiments and emulate the church’s gesture, which he described as “a reminder that our common humanity must come first.”
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Rev. Saminu Gambo (rtd.) described the gesture as humbling and symbolic, adding: “This is not just financial support. It is a powerful message of shared humanity. They have built a bridge of unity.”
