By John Ikani
A pastor from Mozambique, Francisco Barajah, has passed away after fasting for 40 days, in an attempt to emulate Jesus Christ, who, according to the Bible, fasted for the same duration.
Barajah was the founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church located in the central province of Manica.
According to local reports, Barajah passed away on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Beira, after his health had deteriorated.
Relatives had taken him to the hospital when they noticed he had lost a significant amount of weight and could no longer stand or walk.
Barajah’s condition reportedly worsened while at the hospital and he could not be resuscitated before his untimely death.
It is reported that congregants of his church and neighbours were not surprised by the unfortunate event, given his extreme weight loss and disfigured appearance in his last days.
