COCIN leader visits Bethlehem, prays for Nigeria and persecuted Christians

Middle East, News

JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has visited Bethlehem as part of his ongoing trip to Israel, where he said he prayed for Nigeria, persecuted Christians and families affected by violence.

Dachomo, who has been at the forefront of raising international awareness about the persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria, visited the Church of the Nativity, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the visit, he said the experience was deeply emotional and prompted him to remember the biblical account of Christ’s birth.

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He said his visit was not politically motivated but was intended as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria and those facing hardship and persecution.

“As I stood in this holy place, I did not come with a political agenda. I came with a heavy heart. I came carrying the cries, tears, pain and hopes of my people before God,” Dachomo said.

He said he prayed for persecuted Christians, widows and orphans, families who had lost loved ones and Nigerians facing difficult circumstances.

“I came to pray for Nigeria. I came to pray for the persecuted, for widows and orphans, for families who have lost loved ones, and for everyone crying silently and asking God, ‘When will my story change?’” he said.

Dachomo said he believed his visit to Bethlehem could serve as a point of prayer and divine intervention for people trusting God for answers to their challenges.

He urged Nigerians and Christians to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, saying he believed that Nigeria’s current challenges would eventually give way to peace and renewed hope.

“My visit here is not about politics. It is not about seeking recognition. I came seeking God. I came crying for the liberation of my people. I came believing that one day, the tears of Nigeria will become tears of joy,” he said.

Dachomo also prayed for Nigerian families, asking God to heal the country, bring peace, comfort those affected by violence and hardship, and turn mourning into joy.

He said he remained hopeful in the power of prayer and divine intervention.

“I believe in miracles. I believe in the power of prayer. And I believe that God is not finished with Nigeria,” he said.

Dachomo’s visit to Bethlehem comes as he continues his engagements in Israel, including plans for an audience with the Israeli Prime Minister.