Overwhelming Joy in DCC Hildi as New LCC Emerges
There was an atmosphere of celebration, thanksgiving, and spiritual excitement across EYN District Church Council (DCC) Hildi as Local Church Branch (LCB) Jalingo Uba was officially granted autonomy and elevated to the status of a Local Church Council (LCC). The historic event, which took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, marked another significant milestone in the growth and expansion of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN).
The autonomy ceremony was held at EYN LCB Jalingo Uba in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State and attracted a large gathering of church members, guests, traditional leaders, and well-wishers from neighboring communities and various EYN congregations. The occasion was characterized by joy, praise, and gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout the church’s seventy-year journey.
The EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y.C. Mbaya, Ph.D., was ably represented by the EYN Vice President, Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba, who arrived at the venue alongside his entourage. Upon arrival, the Vice President and his delegation received a warm reception from officials of DCC Hildi, church leaders, members, and guests who had gathered to witness the memorable occasion.
The autonomy program commenced at about 10:00 a.m. with opening prayers and inspiring song ministrations from various church groups. The worship session created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere and prepared the congregation for the activities that followed.
A powerful sermon was delivered by Rev. Bitrus Duwara, Director of EYN Relief and Disaster Ministry. Taking his text from Colossians 1:1–20, he preached on the theme, “The Church Is Built on Righteousness and Truth.”
In his message, Rev. Duwara emphasized that a righteous church is built upon the truth of God’s Word and genuine faith in Jesus Christ. He explained that where the truth of the Gospel is faithfully preached and obeyed, righteousness flourishes among believers. He further highlighted the supremacy of Jesus Christ as presented by Apostle Paul in Colossians, describing Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the Head of the Church.
According to the preacher, the true Church is built on Christ alone. He stressed that Christ remains the foundation, leader, and sustainer of His people, and that any church that remains centered on Him will stand firm in righteousness and truth. Rev. Duwara also reminded the congregation that the Church exists because Jesus Christ redeemed and reconciled believers to God through His sacrificial death and the truth of the Gospel.
Following the sermon, a brief history of LCB Jalingo Uba was presented. According to the historical account, the church was founded in 1957 by the late Rev. Stephen Billi with only eleven members. Through God’s grace, dedication, and steady growth, the congregation continued to expand spiritually and numerically over the decades.
After seventy years of existence as a Local Church Branch, the congregation attained full autonomy and was officially elevated to the status of a Local Church Council. The church achieved this milestone under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Mansur, whose administration played a significant role in guiding the congregation toward fulfilling the requirements for autonomy.
The occasion also coincided with the nationwide observance of Black Sunday, as directed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In compliance with the directive, EYN members attended worship services dressed in black attire as a symbol of mourning and solidarity over the worsening security situation in the country.
Special prayers were offered for peace and divine intervention, particularly concerning the recent kidnapping of school children in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as the abduction of school children and their teachers in Oyo State. Church leaders called on government authorities at all levels to intensify efforts toward addressing insecurity and protecting lives and property across the nation.
The highlight of the event was the official autonomy ceremony conducted by Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba. During his address, he conveyed the greetings and goodwill message of the EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y.C. Mbaya, Ph.D., to the congregation and all participants.
Rev. Abba congratulated the members of the newly established LCC Jalingo Uba and commended their perseverance, commitment, and dedication to God’s work. He also appreciated DCC Hildi officials, church leaders, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful attainment of autonomy.
The celebration reached another exciting moment as individuals, church groups, and well-wishers presented gifts in cash and kind to support the newly established LCC. The presentations reflected the joy and unity shared by members and friends of the church.
The memorable event concluded with a closing prayer offered by the EYN Vice President, Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba, who committed the new LCC into God’s hands for continued growth, spiritual advancement, and effective Gospel ministry.
The establishment of LCC Jalingo Uba stands as a remarkable achievement for DCC Hildi and a testimony to God’s faithfulness in strengthening and expanding the ministry of EYN.
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