Baptist Youths Holds 1st Virtual National Conference

By Our Reporter

Youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, has held their 1st Virtual Annual Conference with the leaders gathering at Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan, Oyo state where it was broadcasted live to millions of viewers across the globe through the Baptist owned New Frontiers Television, NFTV, and social media including YouTube platforms.

The 2020 Annual National Conference is the 48th being held by the youths since its debut in 1973. The theme for this year was “In A Time Like This” with text taken from the book of Esther 4:14. The two-day event commenced on Friday, September 25 and ended on Saturday, September 26, 2020 afforded youths to commune again.

The Guest Minister was the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference President, Rev. Segun Babalola who took the Theme Interpretation “In A Time Like This”. He equally took Words Ministration and prayer of commitment.

One of the major highlights of the conference was a special program tagged “Six Hours in His Presence”, a fasting and prayer session. There was words ministration by the guest speaker, Rev Segun Babalola on the theme of the Conference. The first prayer session was taken by the NBCYC Prayer Coordinator with the theme “Remember Me in Your Mercy” (Esther 6:6); the second prayer session was taken by the Pastor, Molete Baptist Church, Rev Dr Edward Kehinde Alabi with the theme “Oh Lord! Our Defence” (Job 22:25) while the last prayer session was anchored by the NBCYC National President, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite with the theme “Grace to Move Forward” (Exodus 14:15).

The closing session saw the guest speaker taken a words ministration with the theme “What Do I Have To Do In A Time Like This”. He suggested some practical things that must be put into consideration. These are; follow good Biblical example; be ready to endure persecution; guard your heart from evil; hold on to sound word of truth, and develop a strong commitment to discipleship. Others are; give yourself as exemplary life; the Church must return to regenerate Church style and membership; be open to the ministry of the holy spirit; be discerned; grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord; watch and pray not to fall, and live with eternity in view among others.

Earlier in his address, the Director of Youth and Students Ministries, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr S.A.K Olaleye noted that Coronavirus might have appeared evil to humanity but as children of God, we should see the good side of it. “If not for anything, it has exposed us to more knowledge of technology. Each of us must have learnt some new technology and possibly a better way of relationship. Our virtual meeting this year is an additional knowledge of God’s grace to humanity. I encourage us to make the best use of this opportunity and let it have a positive influence on our operations at all levels.

“As the world is passing through some pains that are indicating the signs of the end time, and as the Church in Nigeria is being put under a siege, the Christian youths need to be sensitive and proactive. Let us be physically alert and rapture conscious. We should be ready to respond appropriately to the events around us but not lose focus of our heavenly goal.”

On his part, the National Coordinator, Youth Ministries, Youth and Student Department, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Ibukunoluwa Joshua Sunday noted that COVID-19 pandemic really revealed that we are not in charge of time and season saying that Almighty God is the one in charge.

He said, “Little do we know that the lord is actually leading us to choose the theme ‘In A Time Like This’ to actually speak to us on a unique time as this season of COVID-19.” He added that what the Lord is saying to youths of Nigerian Baptist Convention is calling us to a life of consecration; life to service; life of unity and oneness; life of productivity; and life of building. He urged youths to be good ambassadors of Christ.

“As we gather in His presence, these two days, let us trust God for a fresh fire that will rekindle our spirit, soul and body for the fulfillment of the divine assignment He has for us as individual, Churches, Associations, Conferences and NBCYC.” He concluded.

The National President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite in his address, said that the theme for this year, “In a Time Like This (Esther 4:14)” is quite apt given the period that the world found itself and the threat to human existence. He said “The world is faced with myriad of challenges that calls for alertness and doggedness. It was similar challenges that alerted Esther of her divine assignment. Had she failed, the world would have been in jeopardy. Therefore, we are all called, especially, youths, to understand the times like the sons of Issachar; redeem the times because the days are evil; prepare to confront the impossibility; accept to change the status-quo; chart a new course; and create a shift in the paradigm. As a body, we are focused on building and empowering the human race, especially, the youths for God and humanity.”

Another highpoint of the Conference was the seminar on Financial Intelligence: Ingredient for Facing Financial Challenges” facilitated by the Vice President (Finance), Nigerian Baptist Convention, Deacon Biodun Oloyede.

There were song concerts as Orisunayo BYA Choir, Champion BYA Choir Ojo Olusola (Solar Sax), and Alpha Brass Singers Oluwamayowa Ayinde (Exceeding Grace Music Ministry) among others made glorious presentations.

There was goodwill message from the leadership of the All African Baptist Youth Fellowship, AABYF, who were represented by its President, HRH Oba Adigun Adeoye and the Financial Secretary, Deacon Habbakuk Ishaku.

The Conference ended with a Closing Charge from the Director of Youth and Students Ministries, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr S.A.K Olaleye who was represented by the National Coordinator, Youth Ministries, Youth and Student Department, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Ibukunoluwa Joshua Sunday.