In a determined bid to break the record set by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, a 44-year-old popular South African pastor, Alfred Ndlovu, has died of malnutrition following a dry fasting that lasted for 30 days.

According to Buzz South Africa, the cleric left home on June 17 for a nearby bush to have prayers just like Jesus did in an attempt to equal or break Jesus Christ’s record of fasting for 40 days, but died just a month despite having no history of illness.

It was learnt that the pastor was alone in the wilderness and his body was found by a stranger who then called on his family, congragation and the police.

He was known by his family and community at large as a very spiritual person whose faith could move mountains and his death surprised everyone, even church members.

A close relative said:

“He was a very spiritual man. Its unfortunate he had to die this way. After a month we got the sad news of his death. Pastor was a healthy and religious old man who did not even look his age.”