The Baptist Church, Jos, Plateau State, has celebrated 115 years of its establishment and evangelism in Northern Nigeria, marking more than a century of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Speaking on Sunday at a special church service to commemorate the 115th anniversary, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, congratulated the church’s leadership and congregation for their contributions to the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Governor Mutfwang commended the Baptist Convention for remaining steadfast in its commitment to evangelism over the past 115 years of its existence in Plateau State.
The governor, who acknowledged the church’s contributions to Christian evangelism, pledged that the state government would present it with a vehicle to support its evangelistic activities.
He also encouraged the Baptist Convention to expand its missionary activities to communities where the gospel of Jesus Christ has yet to reach.
The guest preacher at the anniversary service and President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. David Olusola Idowu, described the 115th anniversary as a milestone worthy of celebration, attributing the church’s growth and survival to God’s faithfulness, grace, kindness and mercy.
Preaching from Psalm 100:4–5, Rev. Dr. Idowu quoted the Bible, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
He urged the congregation to remain faithful to God, drawing further inspiration from Psalm 16:8, which states: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
The Baptist Convention president encouraged Christians to trust completely in God, stressing that His grace is sufficient to accomplish even what appears impossible.
Rev. Idowu also announced the convention’s plan to establish a hospital to provide healthcare services to members of the public.
He further expressed confidence in the quality of education provided by schools established by the Baptist Convention, noting that the institutions have continued to uphold the expectations of their founders.
The Baptist Church on Adebayo Street, Jos, is reported to be the first Baptist church established in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State. Over the years, it has contributed to the planting of approximately 280 Baptist churches across Northern Nigeria.
Governor Mutfwang attended the anniversary celebration alongside his deputy, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, and several commissioners. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, Rev. Dunka Gwomwalk, was also among the dignitaries present at the special church service.
