By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
In a powerful address that resonated with spiritual significance, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has issued a stirring call for Christians to anchor their faith in God, urging unwavering trust in the divine as the world grapples with escalating wars, economic turbulence, and profound social instability.
Delivering a sermon at the 2026 Annual Convention and 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Global Baptist Mission, Governor Kefas positioned faith not merely as a personal comfort, but as an essential bulwark against the tide of global uncertainty. The event, held at the Unity Global Baptist Mission Church in Kusuku, Sardauna Local Government Area, drew a large congregation of faithful seeking spiritual renewal.
Taking to the pulpit on the opening day, the Governor, who also served as the guest minister, drew his text from the Psalms. His message, titled “Almighty God Is Our Rock in Times of Trouble,” was a direct exhortation to believers navigating a world fraught with peril. He expounded on Psalms 62:5–8, emphasising that in an era where geopolitical tensions and economic systems appear fragile, God remains the immutable and ultimate refuge for humanity.
“We are living in times where the news is dominated by conflict, where economic forecasts bring anxiety, and where the moral fabric of society seems to be unravelling,” Governor Kefas observed. He noted that it is precisely during such periods of hardship that the human tendency to waver in faith becomes most pronounced. However, he urged the congregation to defy this instinct, arguing that steadfastness in belief is the very mechanism that attracts divine favour and intervention.
“When we make God our rock, we position ourselves for divine protection and supernatural intervention,” the Governor declared. He drew a compelling parallel between the contemporary believer and the biblical King David, who, despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds in battle, secured victory not through military might alone, but through a profound and complete reliance on God. “David triumphed not because he was the strongest warrior, but because his trust in God was absolute. We must cultivate that same spirit,” Kefas added.
A Convergence of Faith and Governance
While the Governor’s message was deeply spiritual, the convention also served as a platform for acknowledging the intersection of faith and governance. In his welcome address, the President of the Global Baptist Mission, James Fongong, commended Dr. Kefas for his transformative developmental agenda, particularly on the Mambilla Plateau.
Pastor Fongong specifically highlighted the establishment of the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action in Gembu as a visionary step towards educational advancement and agricultural innovation. He also praised the administration’s progressive free education policy and its concerted efforts to foster peace and enhance security across the diverse communities of the region.
However, true to the prophetic nature of the gathering, the Mission President also used the opportunity to intercede for the community’s pressing needs. He respectfully appealed to the Governor to direct more attention to critical infrastructure and social services. Key among these appeals was an urgent call to expedite the construction of the road leading to Gembu, a vital artery for commerce and connectivity on the plateau, as well as a plea for significant improvements to healthcare delivery in the area.
The member representing Nguroje Constituency, Nelson Len, also addressed the gathering, expressing profound gratitude to the Governor for making the arduous journey to attend the convention. He noted that the Governor’s presence was a testament to his commitment to the spiritual and social welfare of the people, regardless of the distance.
A Charge for the Faithful
The convention service was a vibrant tapestry of worship, featuring moments of deep reflection through prayers of adoration and confession, coupled with powerful prophetic declarations and fervent supplications for the state and nation.
Governor Kefas’s message served as the spiritual high point, leaving the congregation with a charge to move beyond passive belief into active, resilient trust. His words served as a reminder that in the face of global challenges that often seem insurmountable, the foundation of faith remains unshakable. He concluded by praying for a revival of steadfastness among Christians in Taraba State and beyond, encouraging them to be beacons of hope in a world desperately in need of light.
