Nigeria | From Slum Leader to Slum Minister

Drug-dealer trapped in a cycle of addiction for 19 years was recognized as a person of peace, ready to receive and share the gospel

Geoffrey was identified as a person of peace—even though he was still dealing drugs. 

Geoffrey (aka “Bouncer”) started selling drugs and handling academic assignments for gang leaders during his college years. He eventually dropped out of school and went into jungle-life (a Nigerian phrase for slum-life). For 19 years he was not only addicted to drugs but battled anxiety, insecurity, fear, depression, and despair. Despite these internal challenges, drug-dealing and cultism made Geoffrey a well-respected leader in the jungle.

Geoffrey’s leadership turned a different direction, however, when Healing and Transforming Leaders (HTL), Novo’s Global Partner in Nigeria, began training disciple-makers to reach out in the jungles through Discovery Bible Studies (DBSs). Geoffrey was identified as a person of peace—even though he was still dealing drugs. 

Geoffrey finds total freedom and a new purpose for life through scripture and encounter with Jesus

When Geoffrey heard John 10:10—“The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life”—he was moved by reflecting on his losses and the contrasting abundant life Jesus gives. He felt hopeful for a better future and became excited to facilitate a DBS in the jungle. Spurred on by this scripture, he got into a 3-month recovery program. It took time, but eventually, he was totally freed from his addictions.

Now Geoffrey has a vision to see a society free from drug addiction and cultism. He’s completing a program in evangelism at a prestigious seminary in Africa and is passionate to share the good news in the jungles, free young people there from the shackles of addiction, and turn addicts into disciple-makers!