Mozambique Pastor dies after trying to fast for 40 days like Jesus

A Mozambican pastor who attempted to re-enact Jesus Christ’s supposed 40-day fast passed away before he could complete the religious endeavor. According to BBC, the deceased pastor, Francisco Barajah, was the founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church. The news of his passing was confirmed on Wednesday.

Barajah was unable to stand up, bathe, or walk after he had fasted for 25 days. He had also lost significant weight at the time. His relatives and followers ended up taking him to the hospital. But the 39-year-old pastor was said to be in critical condition at the time, and he passed away as he was receiving treatment.

The congregants at Barajah’s church as well as his neighbors said his death did not come as a shock as they cited his significant weight loss and appearance in the days leading to his demise.

The pastor’s brother, Marques Manuel Barajah, said he doubts the medical diagnosis about his death. “The truth is that my brother suffered from low blood pressure,” he said, according to the BBC.

This is not the first time an individual has tried to copy Jesus’ 40-day fast. Eight years ago, a Zimbabwean man attempted it and died after 30 days.