Plateau Baptist Youths Holds 40th Annual Session

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

Youths of the Plateau Baptist Conference under the aegis of the Plateau Baptist Conference Youth Conference, PBCYC, has held its 40th annual session which commenced on Thursday, June 27 and ended on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

The 2019 annual session was hosted by Zone C, Victory Association at the First Baptist Church, Tenti-Babba in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state with the theme “The Power of the Word” and text, “Hebrews 4:12”.

The opening session on Thursday witnessed a celebration of God’s faithfulness featuring cultural displays, drama, and music ministration.

The theme interpretation was taken by Rev Mwachinka S. Pindima who noted that, “the word of God is powerful, influential and authoritative to penetrate into complicated situations if accepted with obedience”.

He said that Jesus is the word of God as the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us as found in John 1:14 and Hebrews 1:2.

He said that the power of the word is very effective because the word of God creates (Genesis 1:3); the word of God emanates (John 1:1); the word of God heals, and the word of God gives life (John 6:68).

He concluded by stating that “the power of God is encompassing, touching every aspect of human existence. Jesus is the centre of the word and He is the word itself. In Him there is life and in Him, there is a light to live. Living in Christ is living in the power of God. This is the only way one can excel in life. Live the word, say the word and do extremely well in the word.”

On Friday, there was a Group Bible study with the topic “Integrity of God’s Word” (Isaiah 55:10-11) which was moderated by the Evangelism Coordinator, Bro. Niyi Akinbola.

Various reports from the Stewardship, Finance, Sports and Evangelism were taken. PBCYC President, Bro. Emmanual Istifanus Dang delivered his speech where he welcomed all delegates to the 40th annual session and gave reports on the activities of the Conference in the last one year. He said that PBCYC came first in registration at the last Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, 46th Annual Session held in Warri, Delta state in 2018. The President later had an interactive session with the delegates.

A seminar on ” You and Your Finances” was facilitated by a seasoned financial expert and banker, Mrs Keziah Nwantu.

There were fraternal greetings from the Host Church Pastor, Moderator, Victory Association, Chairman, Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria and Youth Wing of Christian Council of Nigeria and the President of Plateau Baptist Conference, PBC who were all in attendance.

A talk show on “Suicide is not an Option” was facilitated by the PBCYC Public Relations Officer, Bro Jide Afolabi. The session was quite an interactive one. Delegates testified to the faithfulness of the Lord during the Testimony Time and followed by Revival Hour tagged “Night of Glory” anchored by Rev Caleb Maila.

Saturday morning witnessed a special fasting and prayer session titled “3 Hours in God’s Presence” and was later followed by a discipleship awareness programme facilitated by the representatives of the Living Seed Ministry popularly known as Peace House.

The youths had the opportunity to participate in different sporting activities including football, volleyball, table tennis, stone-pick, egg-race, badminton, and athletics among others. Both male and female participated in the competitions.

Zone D emerged winner in football competition (Male), Zone A won the egg-race (Male) and Zone C (Female) while Zone A (Male) and Zone C (Female) won the athletics. Zone C (Male) and Zone D (Female) went away as the winners of the Picking of Stone.

Later In the evening, there was a Bible Quiz Competition which was won by the representative of Shallom Association. Youths of the Conference had the opportunity to exhibit their talent through “Exhibit Your God’s Given Talent” session on Saturday night.

The session ended on Sunday through the Sunday Worship service held at the host Church. The ever supportive minister in charge of the Church, Rev Gaius appreciated the PBCYC for bringing the session to his Church noting that it was indeed a blessing to the Church, members, and the community. He said that he wished the delegates could stay behind for more time.

In his sermon, the President of the PBCYC, Bro. Emmanuel Dang titled “The Power of the Word” with the text from Matthew 8:5-13, Hebrew 4:12a noted that the power of the word cannot be effective if we do not believe in the word. He said that faith activates the power of God’s word. “Anyone who does not believe will never experience the power of the word of God. “He prayed that the power of the word of God shall do miracles in the lives of the Baptist youths in Jesus name.

The President, however, later declared the session closed announcing that Zone D would host 2020 session.