Akeem’s story, Nigeria

My name is Akeem Ayuba. I am 29 years old and from the Republic of Benin. For many years, I lived as a wizard, bound by the powers of darkness, until I encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ on January 2, 2021, at Word Alive Missionary Baptist Church in Ibadan, Nigeria, through Brother Joseph Eniowo. That day, my life was forever changed.

I lost my father when I was still a baby and my mother when I was only two years old. My grandmother raised me, but she was a witch and an idol worshipper. When I was six years old, she initiated me into the kingdom of Satan by commanding a local heathen pot (igba-aye) into my stomach. From then on, I believed I was invincible. I could disappear into thin air and even transform into a cobra to protect myself.

As I grew, I became a tool for older men in my community who used me for thuggery. I was introduced to smoking Indian hemp, alcohol, and many other vices. At just eight years old, I smuggled myself across the border into Nigeria and settled in a small town called Saki. My life continued in this dark path under the influence of demons.

Later, I moved to Ibadan where I learned metal construction work. But before I could finish my apprenticeship, my master died. I then decided to become an okada rider and later found work as a dispatch rider.

On January 1, 2021, my life nearly ended. I was drunk and tried to ride home, believing my demonic powers would protect me and allow me to disappear if I had an accident. But those powers failed me. A car struck me at Elewure Bus Stop in Mokola around 4:30 p.m. I fell into a coma, and immediately I found myself in a place beyond this earth, surrounded by a great crowd moving quickly toward a destination I couldn’t see. Suddenly, I saw someone clothed in pure white. I believe it was Jesus Christ. He stopped me and told me to go back to life.

The next thing I remember was opening my eyes to people shouting, “O ti ji o!”—“He is risen!” I was covered in blood, with injuries on my head, but at that moment I made the decision to give my life to Jesus Christ.

The following day, I was brought to Brother Joseph’s church. He shared the gospel with me, and I placed my faith in Christ alone for the gift of eternal life. That was the first miracle. The second miracle was the feeling that a heavy load had been lifted from my head. My body felt light, and my heart was filled with indescribable joy.

Since then, I have been baptized and now bear the name Brother Job Akeem. Today, I am no longer living for Satan. I am a new creature in Christ, and I am passionate about sharing the gospel with people in my neighborhood. Jesus took my broken, sinful life and gave me a new beginning, and for that I will praise Him forever.