“Be strong and courageous and have a strong spirit. If God be for you, who can be against you?’ -Apostle Zaq Nombre

Introduction

Imagine a journey of faith sparked not in a sanctuary, but in the focused intensity of a scripture competition. For the individual at the heart of Shanah City Church, what began as an academic pursuit unexpectedly blossomed into a profound spiritual awakening. From a young Muslim teenager diligently studying scripture, a divine hand subtly guided a path marked by prayer, mentorship, and a burgeoning call to ministry. Though seasons of doubt and uncertainty would pass, an undeniable pull towards a higher purpose ultimately led to the birth of a vision centered on rebirthing, reclaiming, and restoring lives in the heart of Colorado. 

Join Afrik Digest as we explore the remarkable and transformative journey of this leader, whose unique background has shaped a ministry dedicated to raising individuals to a higher spiritual, physical, and emotional level in God.

My Background & Call into the Ministry

As a young Muslim teenager, I accepted a scripture competition like a Bible Bee, which led me on a journey of reading and memorizing scriptures. Unknown to me at that time, it was a setup by God to lead me on this incredible path. I went through many seasons of life, sometimes doubting or questioning the path ahead, but there were moments where I felt an undeniable pull toward something more significant.

My intent with the competition was to represent my school in the event, however, as I progressed with my study of scripture, the spirit began to illuminate the words printed on the white pages to me. I began yearning for more, and I labored in prayer and fasting for many days. By the grace and mercies of God, I would gather young men and women for bible studies, conferences, times of fasting and consecration on campuses and that was the beginning of God’s counsel unfolding before me.

Over time, I found mentors who believed in me, and slowly, I began to understand that ministry isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about being available and willing to serve, even when things seem unclear. As I sought God in prayer and through Scripture, my path became clearer and clearer. It wasn’t always easy, and there were plenty of challenges along the way, but each step felt like God was guiding me toward the place He wanted me to be.

Our Vision and Mission

Our mission is to progressively change lives through rebirthing, reclaiming, and restoring (R3) to a higher spiritual, physical, and emotional level in God (Romans 12:2).

Our vision is to change lives to a higher level in God (2 Corinthians 3:18). The vision and mission of Shanah City provide a roadmap for individuals to experience wholeness (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and fulfillment in every area of life. As people are spiritually reborn, reclaimed, and restored, they can influence their families, workplaces, and the broader Colorado community with a higher calling, embodying love, compassion, and transformation in their everyday lives.

Community Partnerships and Ministry Initiatives

I strongly believe that it is a wonderful thing for churches to come together to address local challenges, such as the needs of young adults and the diverse community we live and serve! We organize joint events for young adults, like social gatherings, retreats, or Bible studies, to encourage fellowship and growth. These events focus on personal development, spiritual formation, as well as service to the community. We coordinate prayer and service times to suit young and experienced professionals. During certain times of the year, we host community dinners to empower singles and couples, and we have found that these partnerships allow us to reach a wider audience and have a bigger impact on our communities. Our church has been deeply committed to both spreading the gospel and serving our local community, with special attention given to young adults and children. One significant initiative we’ve undertaken is our Youth and Children’s Outreach Program. This program includes bible study groups for young adults, designed to equip them with a strong spiritual foundation while fostering a sense of community. Additionally, we host quarterly trips for children that emphasize building friendships and developing leadership skills. Through fun activities, crafts, and games, children are introduced to the gospel in a way that resonates with them, laying the foundation for their lifelong faith journey. These initiatives have created opportunities for both young adults and children to connect with one another, learn about God’s love, and actively serve the community in meaningful ways.

Faith in Today’s World

I have found that guiding a congregation to balance faith with the modern world, especially in a society where many are hesitant or reluctant to identify as Christians, requires sensitivity, compassion, and understanding. In a world where it may feel challenging to openly identify as a Christian, we have created a supportive, non-judgmental space for people to ask questions, navigate the walk of faith, and experience God.

Preserving and incorporating African cultural traditions in the church while embracing the faith

We try to preserve African cultural traditions while also bringing a balance. By integrating these elements—music and language—into worship, we manage to honor our cultural traditions while embracing the teachings of Christianity. This fusion creates an environment where faith and culture coexist harmoniously, allowing worshippers to celebrate both their spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage. The church is a space where people can feel spiritually nourished while staying connected to the traditions that shape their daily lives.

The Role of Worship and Cultural Identity

In our church, music serves as a powerful connector. When we come together to sing and worship, there’s an immediate sense of unity and the manifested presence of God. The familiar hymns and contemporary worship songs help set the tone for our gatherings and evoke a sense of comfort. Whether it’s the soft, reflective songs or the more uplifting ones, music connects us

emotionally to God and to each other. It becomes a way for us to express our shared faith, and when people hear songs that they’ve sung for years, it brings a sense of continuity, making it feel like home.

Addressing the unique spiritual and social needs of the community

To address the unique spiritual and social needs of our community, we take a holistic approach that incorporates both the spiritual well-being and the social support of individuals as evidence in our mission. We listened to understand the needs of the community of believers, built a supportive environment for believers to come together and express themselves, and in turn promote networking events.

Challenges in Our Mission

In carrying out our mission, we have faced a few challenges. One of the main hurdles has been maintaining and expanding our church facility to accommodate the growing number of members, children, and programs. Our space became limited, especially for children’s ministry and community outreach events. We overcame this by prioritizing upgrades and utilizing the space more effectively.

Transformation and Testimonies

At Shanah City Church, we’ve witnessed powerful transformations, especially among young adults. Many have walked in broken, caught in cycles of drinking, smoking, or partying—and over time, we’ve seen God completely turn their lives around. Some who were regulars at clubs or even strip clubs are now committed to living for Christ, growing in faith, and serving in ministry. Watching these transformations happen in real time is a constant reminder of God’s power to redeem and restore.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Our church places a strong focus on the younger generation through our Young Adults Ministry. We offer a balanced approach—spiritually enriching programs like Bible studies, worship nights, and mentorship, alongside engaging activities such as soccer games, hiking trips, and other social events. These moments build community and help young people see that living for God isn’t boring—it’s fulfilling, life-giving, and fun. We also encourage them to serve, lead, and use their gifts early on, making ministry a part of their everyday lives.

What Sets Shanah City Church Apart

What makes Shanah City Church stand out is our focus on young adults. Our congregation is filled with passionate, vibrant young people who are hungry for God and serious about making a difference. We’ve created a space that’s relevant, welcoming, and purpose-driven—where young people feel at home, grow spiritually, and are empowered to lead in every sphere of life.

Adapting to the changing times

Here in Colorado, our church has embraced technology as a tool to reach people beyond the four walls. We stream our services online to connect with those who can’t attend in person, use social media to share encouraging messages, and host virtual Bible studies and prayer sessions. As society changes, we remain grounded in truth while speaking to real-life challenges people face today, helping them see that Jesus is still the answer.

Unity and Inclusion in Our Church

We’re intentional about building a church culture where everyone feels welcome and valued. In our Colorado community, we create space for people from all walks of life to come together and grow in faith—whether they’re new believers, longtime Christians, or just exploring. We host community events, outreach efforts, and small groups that bring people together, break down barriers, and reflect the love and unity Jesus prayed for in His Church.

Biblical principles that guide your leadership and decision-making as a pastor

My leadership is guided by the example of Jesus and His disciples, especially His model of servant leadership. He is led by serving others with humility, compassion, and purpose—and that’s the standard I strive to follow.

Our Vision for the Future

I envision a church that becomes a solution center for the community—a place where people can encounter Jesus and experience true transformation. I also see a church that raises future generations to become influential leaders in the community and city, driving positive change and reflecting God’s love in all they do.

My Favorite Book and Bible Quotes
My favorite books in the Bible are Acts, Romans, and Hebrews. These three are my go-to books because they constantly feed my faith, challenge my walk, and deepen my understanding of God’s purpose. My favorite bible quote is “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1).

Leaving a Legacy of Faith and Restoration

I would like to be remembered as a man who genuinely loved and cared for people, regardless of their background or orientation. Someone whose life reflected a deep love for the Lord and a passion for the things of God—a man completely sold out to God and devoted to His purpose.