EYN President Calls for Courage, Truth, and Faith Amid National Challenges
At the autonomy celebration of LCB Tsakuwa, from Guyaku 1, DCC Guyaku, the EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, delivered a deeply moving and prophetic message calling on Christians to remain courageous, truthful, and unwavering in their faith, even in the midst of Nigeria’s mounting social and economic crises.
- EYN President Calls for Courage, Truth, and Faith Amid National Challenges
- LCB Tsakuwa: A 30-Year Journey of Faith
- “Jesus Is the Tree, We Are the Branches” – Rev. James K. Musa
- Representing the Village Head, Wakili Gunduma na Hona, Jasper S. Balna, expressed total community support for the Church’s new status.
Speaking passionately before the formal declaration of autonomy, Rev. Mbaya said the times demand not silence but moral courage from Christians and leaders who must speak truth to power and hold fast to righteousness.
“We have overlooked many things to ensure progress,” he said. “Nigeria may not be going forward, but as Christians, our faith must not shake. Even when the nation trembles, our conviction in Christ must stand.”
The President noted that the Church must rise above fear, tribalism, and politics to be a true voice of light in the darkness. He lamented that many believers have chosen comfort over courage, failing to confront corruption, injustice, and insecurity with truth.
“Many Nigerians prefer to remain silent, hoping to please people in power. But as Christians, we must stop being sycophants. We must call a spade a spade without fear or favour,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the congregation.
Rev. Mbaya reminded the Church that faith without boldness becomes empty religion. He described courage as a divine requirement for Christians living in difficult times, saying,
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of conviction. It is standing for what is right even when it is unpopular. The Church must not lose its prophetic voice.”
He went on to emphasize that EYN’s leadership remains committed to the spiritual and institutional growth of the Church, disclosing that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved Gombi as the permanent site for the proposed EYN University.
“This university will be a center of unity and knowledge for the entire Church,” he said. “It will not just be a building but a beacon that will shine the light of Christ to future generations.”
The President also spoke about the ongoing humanitarian crises affecting EYN members displaced by insurgency. He noted with concern that over 30,000 Nigerians remain in the Minawao refugee camp, with 18,000 being EYN members, despite government assurances that displaced persons can return home.
“We cannot ignore our brothers and sisters still in exile. Their faith, even in suffering, must challenge us to be courageous and compassionate,” he added.
He concluded his message with a passionate call to all believers:
“Let us be faithful, let our love grow, and let us stand for the truth. The world may change, but Christ remains the same. Be courageous and never lose heart.”
LCB Tsakuwa: A 30-Year Journey of Faith
Founded on 4 January 1987, the Local Church Board (LCB) Tsakuwa has journeyed through decades of faith and endurance. After 30 years of continuous ministry, the congregation has now been granted autonomy, marking a defining moment in its spiritual and organizational maturity.
The milestone was celebrated with joy and thanksgiving, symbolizing the Church’s growth in numbers, spirituality, and community impact within the Gombi area.
Their presence underscored EYN’s unity of purpose and the importance of accountability, faith, and service in Church administration.
“Jesus Is the Tree, We Are the Branches” – Rev. James K. Musa
Preaching from John 15:1–6, the General Secretary, Rev. James K. Musa, titled his sermon “Jesus Is the Tree, We Are the Branches.” He reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ remains the true foundation and head of the Church.
“Jesus is the founder of the Church; all denominations are His branches,” he said.
Rev. Musa warned that some churches seek autonomy not to serve Christ but to oppress their pastors or run the Church according to personal or community interests.
“Some people now personalize the Church to their community, possibly because of their contributions to its building or financial support. But the Church belongs to Christ alone, not to any tribe, family, or village,” he cautioned.
He emphasized that freedom in the Church must lead to fruitfulness, not oppression, urging the newly autonomous LCB to remain humble, obedient, and fruitful.
“Autonomy is not a title; it is a responsibility to bear fruits that glorify Christ,” he said.
Representing the Village Head, Wakili Gunduma na Hona, Jasper S. Balna, expressed total community support for the Church’s new status.
“From the smallest to the highest chiefdom of Gombi, we are all behind the pastors,” Balna said, calling on the youth to stand firm with the Church and its mission
The event drew key figures from the EYN national leadership, including Rev. James K. Musa, General Secretary; Rev. Ezra Dawui, EYN Spiritual Adviser; Rev. John Wada P., Director of Audit and Compliance; and Mr. Yakubu Peter, Director of ICBDP.
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