US-based Ghanaian Pastor and founder of Freedom House Church International, Adamu Addison has recounted his journey from Islam to Christianity, a transformation he describes as “destiny calling” rather than a personal decision.
Speaking on The Changes Show, Anderson shared how a childhood shaped by Islamic traditions, football dreams, and poverty in Brong Ahafo turned into a life dedicated to Christian ministry.
Born into a devout Muslim family of the Sissala tribe in northern Ghana, Addison was raised in a polygamous household where the Qur’an and mosque life were central. His family migrated south to Sunyani for cocoa farming, where, he recalls, “We were not allowed to go to church. We were not allowed to read the Bible. In fact, it was very, very forbidden.”
A talented footballer, he was nicknamed Pele for his scoring skills and captained the “Islamic Babies,” a Muslim youth team. His dream was to follow in the footsteps of Abedi Pele and Mohammed Gago by playing professional football in Europe. But at just 16, a classmate invited him to a healing crusade — an invitation that would alter his life forever.
“I thought it was voodoo,” Addison admitted. “I had never seen miracles like the blind seeing or the dead raised. But that night, the evangelist preached John 3:16, the same scripture my friend had told me. Then, in front of my eyes, a young woman who had been dead for 24 hours came back to life.”
According to Addison, the experience was accompanied by a powerful spiritual encounter. “The Holy Ghost came upon me. I started speaking in tongues. It was like lightning struck my forehead and went through my feet. My life changed forever,” he said.
The decision came at a cost. His father, a strict Muslim, reacted with fury. “He drew a sword and ran after me, saying I was no longer his son. He told me never to come to his funeral or his ghost would kill me,” Addison recalled. He was forced into hiding, sheltered by his Christian friend’s family.
Yet, the story took a dramatic turn when, weeks later, Addison claimed to have received a vision instructing him to pray for his gravely ill father. Despite threats from his extended family, he returned home and prayed. “Before my prayer ended, my father started moving and talking. He sat up, drank water, and said, ‘Adamu, your Jesus prayer is powerful.’ From that day, half of my family became Christians.”
Pastor Addison described subsequent visions of Jesus and angels, including a vivid tour of heaven where he saw “streets of gold and mansions prepared for believers.” These encounters, he said, confirmed his calling to ministry and gave him courage despite persecution.
Eventually, his path led to Bible school in the United States, though not without struggle. “I went to the embassy seven times and was denied. I had no bank account, no degree. But on the seventh time, after fasting and prayer, the officer looked at pictures of my ministry and said, ‘Now I know you are a man of God. You’ll be a blessing to many people in America.’ Then he gave me the visa.”
Today, Pastor Addison serves as a Christian minister known for healing and prophetic ministry. Looking back, he sees his story as a lesson in faith and courage. “Sometimes what you hear from God, others may not hear. If you go with the voices around you, you will miss your destiny. Destiny was calling, and I had to respond.”