Volunteers discover people are committed to their church but have not always made a commitment to God. Others have given their lives to Christ but this has not impacted their lives outside church.

“We hear again and again that they think Christianity is just about being in church. They don’t realise it is wrong to behave as others do in their offices and socially,” explained international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

“When they hear our social righteousness message they agree to change their lives and ask for support. Some are facing real opposition. Our volunteers are mentoring them through their struggles.”

Tassie gives the example of a man sleeping with his neighbour. He felt trapped because his mistress had threatened to report him if he did not continue. Following counselling he found the courage to speak with his wife, her husband and their pastor to end the ungodly relationship and blackmailing.

Of the 1,290 people tested during August and September 2014, 1,158 chose to be open with their results and join Grace & Light life sharing groups in their church. Two hundred and thirty eight rededicated their lives to Christ and another 61 made first commitments. Just 14 tested HIV positive.

Volunteer teams in Jos, Yola, Gombe, Zaria, Izzi, Agubia/Echara, Ndiegu-Azu, Bassa, Fufore and Ankpa visited 21 churches in total.

Churches visited during August were ECWA Agingi, Albarka Baptist Church, EYN Janbutu, EYN Zaria, Ebenezer Anglican Church Ikwo, Anglican Cathedral Ikwo, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Christ Everjoyous Church, LCCN Alheri Yolde Pate, EYN Gasanga, ECWA Blue Zinc, ECWA English Pantami, ECWA Hausa Pantami and ECWA Good News Nassarawo.

Churches visited during September were Marantha Mission, UE Etaforgam, TCNN Chapel, LCCN Savanna, LCCN Njoboliyo and COCIN 2 Tudun Wada.