Israel Neldita was a passionate man of God from Miskine Banana village, southern Chad. At the age of 25 he committed his life to the mission field. He ministered the Gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers with evident success. Israel also made it his personal duty to teach and nurture new believers in their walk with God and minister to backslidden believers. He was referred to as a humble man of prayer and his steadfast conviction made him fearless of the opposition he faced.
But Israel was to meet his Creator sooner than anyone anticipated at the hands of suspected religious extremists.
Because the surrounding community was largely impacted through Israel’s ministry people did not hesitate to call for his help. One day a certain man asked Israel to pray for his sick son. He took the time to pray and fast for the young man’s healing, not knowing that the valley of the shadow of death lay just ahead.
The small group spent the Saturday night in December last year in prayer and fellowship at the church. At some point they went to sleep. When the father got up during the night, he noticed that Israel was gone. He was a little surprised, but not too concerned.
The next morning Israel had still not returned. Aware of his plans to intercede for the young man’s health, Israel’s congregation did not think much of his absence from the Sunday service.
Monday afternoon came and still no sign of Israel. When another day went by, the congregation became concerned and sent word to Israel’s family who lives 25 km to the north of the village that he was missing.
A search party set out into the woods to look for their beloved brother. The many uncertain hours searching for Israel could not prepare the group for the gruesome sight awaiting them. Six days after Israel’s disappearance his broken body was discovered, hidden under a bush.
By the look of things, the violent hands of Israel’s adversary did not intent to spare his life. His disfigured face, whipped body and broken bones made the shocked witnesses gasp in disbelief. They buried his body on the spot.
Israel leaves behind his wife, Neloumta Clarisse and their two children Eunice (4) and David When Open Doors (OD) heard about the incident, we visited the family to bring support and encouragement.
Although Neloumta is mourning for her husband and concerned over the future, she remains steadfast in the faith. “Continue to pray for me and my two children because I am a mother without qualification ... I am happy that the Lord will help me to live through such a painful experience for His glory.”
News of Israel’s murder spread quickly but the reaction from the Christian community surprised villagers. The Christians did not seek revenge. Instead, they felt the message of Israel’s death spoke louder to both believers and non-believers than his teachings ever had. Victory and hope took the place of death and despair.
The solid foundation of Israel’s ministry brought consolation to the hearts of Christians. Family and friends also found true comfort in the fact that he was a servant of Christ regardless of constant resistance.
“Israel’s willingness to stand up for his faith despite the price he had to pay, offered great encouragement to fellow believers. He received the ultimate reward, to be with God in heaven and this assurance sooths the pain and loss the church have suffered,” commented OD’s co-worker.
Israel’s family also found it in their hearts to forgive the guilty parties responsible for his death. They chose not to seek revenge and to lay down all aspirations to force justice. This attitude of forgiveness towards the criminals is causing some suspicion. Even so-called friends unexpectedly accused Israel’s father of being an accomplice in his son’s murder. But the false accusations cannot move his father’s firm stand in Christ.
Now Israel’s ministry lives on in the hearts of his father and brother. It is their desire to take up the reins where Israel had left off. Both are waiting on the Lord, earnestly seeking His will and direction for this ministry.
Prayer Points:
1. Please pray for God’s provision in the lives of Israel’s wife Neloumta and two children.
2. Pray that God will bless and guide Israel’s father and brother in their ministry.
3. Pray that the larger Christian community will go from strength to strength and that they will have great influence in this area.
4. Pray for OD as we seek to equip and assist the Church in Chad.
