Adapted from his Forever missed website.

Late Bishop Nathaniel Yisa was an epitome of a thoroughbred evangelist that devoted his entire life to serve God and humanity till the end of his sojourn on mother earth. He was a true Pilgrim who laboured for God’s kingdom with integrity, dignity and courage.

Born on April 16 1938 to the family of Joshua Samari Yisa and Mary Madina Yisa in Essan village. The second of five surviving children, his parents were among the earliest Nupe converts to Christianity from a Pagan background in the Essan community.

He had his Primary education at St. John’s Anglican Boarding Bida from 1946-1953, and Secondary education at the Government Technical Institute and Trade Centre, Kaduna specializing in Welding and Blacksmithing, this was between 1953-1957. On completion of this phase, he was absorbed into the Civil Service to work at Regional Mechanical Workshops in Kaduna between 1958 and 1964.

The most important turn in his life was when he made commitment to follow Jesus under the ministry of Revd. R M Piepgrass. Youth for Christ in Kaduna was the evangelistic ministry of Revd. Piepgrass. He subsequently was discipled in Kaduna Christian Assembly, now Known as All Nations Christian Assembly.

His relationship with Ruda Nayil Duhumla culminated in their marriage on 19th December, 1964. He went on to have further training in Mechanised Agriculture at the School of Agriculture Samaru Zaria between 1965 and 1967 and on completion of his course he was posted to the North Western Region in Minna subsequently posted to Kontagora to run the Tractor Hiring Unit, where He covered Kontagora and Zuru areas. While at Kontagora, he made regular trips to Kaduna to procure spare parts and consumable mechanical supplies for his unit, during his visits he stayed with Rev. Piepgrass who subsequently challenged him to join him as an associate at the West African Gospel Publishing Society.

When the Civil War broke out, Revd Piepgrass temporarily moved back to the United States, He was invited to carry on his work at the West African Gospel Publishing Society, as field secretary a responsibility he carried until Piepgrass returned after the Civil war. On His return however, Piepgrass was persuaded to relocate his work to Eastern Nigeria. As a result, while Piepgrass relocated to the East, he felt God was calling him back to Nupeland and its environs to work as a freelance evangelist.

Relocating to down town Bida, He noticed the students Of Government College Bida, especially on Sundays, looking like ‘sheep without a shepherd’ so through the FCS (Fellowship of Christian Students) he started to work with the student and soon became FCS Senior Adviser and subsequently Travelling Secretary in 1972. In 1975, he was given the responsibility of moving the FCS Headquarters from Ilorin to Jos and to serve as acting General Secretary until 1976. When the General Secretary returned from his studies, he became Assistant General Secretary from that time till 1979 after which he went for a course at All Nations Christian College, in the United Kingdom. On his return he served as General Secretary until his call to the ordained Ministry in 1983.

As a member of St, Piran’s Church Jos, he was seen as a suitable candidate to fill the position of Vicar which had been vacant for three years, as a result, he went for ordination training at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru. He was Ordained a Deacon in 1983 and a Priest in 1984. During his term at St Piran’s, the church saw significant growth. In 1990 when pioneer Bishop of the then Missionary Diocese of Minna, The Rt Revd James Aliyu Yisa, requested for his services in Bida Archdeaconry.

In 1991 he was collated Archdeacon in Bida, and after the Bishop James answered the call to glory, he was elected to succeed him. In 1992, he was consecrated Bishop, a position he held until he retired in 2007. His ministry over the years has blessed many people some of who have risen to become Bishops in the Anglican Communion not to speak of many others in different denominations who have been impacted by his ministry and exemplary life. In 2009, in recognition of his work he was awarded the national honours of OFR (Officer of the Federal Republic)

On 4th March 2017, His lifelong wife and partner in ministry Mrs Ruda Yisa was called to join the saints triumphant in glory. He will readily allude to the fact that but for her enduring support he never would have accomplished what he has achieved in his life.

His story is of one who came from a small village with little human guidance, to became a national leader in Christian circles, touching the lives of many. But this is not the story of a self-made-man but one of whom it can be said “the Lord was with him.” He loved to sing and one his favourite was ‘ I Must The Saviour With Me’ At every turn in life, the Lord was with him.

If there ever was a man who eagerly looked forward to being with the Lord, it was him.

Alas on the 10th of April 2024, He was called to glory, his prayer was answered and now he is with the Lord and home at last!

Children:

• Revd Nathaniel Yisa
• Dr Amos Yisa
• Benjamin Yisa
• John Yisa
• Dr Gloria Yisa

Daughters in law:

• Mrs Olukemi Yisa
• Mrs Faith Larai Yisa
• Mrs Elizabeth Yisa

Grandchildren:

• Nanette Yisa
• Nathaniel Yisa (III)
• Joanna Yisa
• Apphia Yisa
• Tehila Yisa
• Simon Yisa
• Benjamin Yisa, Jr
• Bethany Yisa
• Saratu Yisa
• Jaydon Yisa

The Rt. Rev’d Nathaniel Yisa, OFR

16TH APRIL 1938 – 10TH APRIL 2024