John Omolaja Airohi: An Engineer Who Found a Pearl of Great Value!

The Jailer, was confronted with the truth, he accepted it and called all his family members to do same (Acts 16:25-40). Lydia, a native of Thyatira listened to Paul’s message and she and all her household became disciples (Acts 16:14). Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment was also not left out (Acts 10). Same is the story of John Omolaja Airohi, a Building engineer who was baptized in the city of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

John Omolaja Airohi, was a committed member of one of the Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. His wife and children find joy and fulfilment in serving as long as it is linked to God. Although John had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke passionately and taught about Jesus accurately, but his understanding of baptism in the name of Jesus for salvation was questionable!

When God’s time was ripe for His mercy to be shown to John, his cousin, a disciple of Jesus in the West London Region of the London Church of Christ – Clara Bazuaye referred him to the church in Jos where he met some disciples. He started studying the bible, and they explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:24-26). Without wasting time, John accepted the truth and was baptized into Jesus!

Understanding how privileged he was, he could not hold back, but must let as many as possible know about this new-found truth! During the Covid-19 pandemic, John decided to travel back home to his family (based in Benin city) and what was paramount in his heart was how he would convince his wife (especially) and children to study the bible and become disciples of Jesus. He committed this desire to God in prayer and met with the church leader to please create time to study the bible with his family. After a period of time, his wife and three sons got baptized and later, his only daughter!

Not really satisfied with this result, John continued to share the gospel with his extended family members and friends. To the glory of God, his younger brother who is based in Lagos, also got baptized. Following these harvests, and seeing John’s change of attitude and new convictions about God, his driver requested to study the Bible and this resulted in the driver also becoming a disciple. The driver could not hold back, he reached out to his wife and she studied the bible and was also baptized!

John’s story is like the biblical parable of the hidden treasure “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matt.13:45-46). Since then, John has continued to support the church in Benin City (materially and otherwise) and with his family serving in different capacities.