By Gbenga Osinaike
journalists for Christ (JFC) International Outreach has called on media workers to start afresh in their commitment to God and their careers so they could maximize their God-given potential.
​The fellowship made the call during its first meeting of 2026 themed “The Zacchaeus Moment,” which took place at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos, on January 17.
The meeting featured testimonies, worship, and the sharing of God’s word, encouraging members to begin anew as the year unfolds.
​The Zacchaeus Moment: A Call to Restart
​The Vice President of the fellowship, Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, spoke on the theme “Zacchaeus’ Moment,” emphasizing the necessity of starting again in 2026. She alluded to Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus in Luke 19:1-10 to explain the connection between his story and the concept of a restart.
​”Zacchaeus was a man the people of his time did not like,” she said. “He was also a short man. But when he heard Jesus was around, he made up his mind to have a restart. Because he knew he was small and had to climb a tree to see Jesus, he took action early, long before others, not minding what people would say.”
​Drawing an inference for modern reality, she noted that many people are “spiritually handicapped” and aware of the need to take a step. “Just like Zacchaeus, we must come to a point of realization. He knew he wanted to see Jesus, and he acted.”
Ugonma stressed that despite the odds, journalists must do everything humanly possible as Christians to achieve their goals. “We must fast, pray, work hard, and plan,” she urged.
​Overcoming limitations through Planning
​Cokey, who is also a Deputy Director of Training at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), highlighted that Zacchaeus’ outstanding quality was his ability to plan ahead.
​”He knew his limitations, so he ran ahead. We must make up for our limitations by planning. The way to go is to write the vision down and work toward it. Your brain will fail you; if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
​She further cautioned against the influence of public opinion: “Zacchaeus did not bother himself with what people would say. No matter what we do, people will talk. It is better not to let people determine our actions, but rather allow God to influence our thoughts. As long as we are sure our motivation is God, we should go ahead.”
​Warning against partial obedience, she noted that Zacchaeus was ready to obey Jesus fully. “Jesus asked him to come down, and he did without hesitation. Obedience usually brings good fruit. It is our choice what we do, but we need to obey Him fully to get the best from Him.”
​She defined the “Zacchaeus Moment” as a “time of decision to restart—a decision to repent, change, and live a new life.” As ambassadors of God, she warned journalists against living carelessly: “We are supposed to play by the rules. We need to make the kind of decision Zacchaeus took by starting afresh and using our skills to glorify God.”
​The “Computer Restart” Analogy
​In his intervention, JFC President Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin used a practical illustration of a computer to explain the need for a restart.
​”When a computer hangs during work, the best thing to do is to restart so it can work better,” he noted. “That is how it is with our careers and our walk with God. It is never too late to start again. We cannot keep going in the wrong direction and hope to get to the right place. Whatever we do, we must be conscious of when we need to start again to put life back into our work.”
​Otufodunrin, who is the Executive Director of Media Career Service urged journalists to constantly evaluate their actions and learn from those who have gone before them. He noted that he has gleaned wealth of knowledge from media professionals across all faiths.
​”Master storytelling on different platforms,” he advised. “Learn modern techniques, ask for help, and pray for God to do new things in your life. Be bold to take great steps.” He pleaded
​A Gathering of Professionals
​Earlier in the meeting, participants shared testimonies of God’s goodness regarding their career development and aspirations. The fellowship was graced by journalists from across media houses and corporate organisations
