By Dayo Emmanuel
Christian media group, Journalists For Christ (JFC) International Outreach, has held its October 2026 fellowship during which journalists and media professionals were urged to be more fervent in praying for the country ahead of the general elections next year and their professional endeavours.
Addressing the participants at the online meeting, the President of JFC, Lekan Otufodunrin, highlighted the significance of holding the fellowship monthly despite challenges that may hinder participation by some members.
Reflecting on the grace that has sustained the group’s weekly Wednesday prayer meetings, he urged members to maintain strong bonds of mutual support and actively champion professional outreach.
Anchored by Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews, Otufodunrin expressed profound gratitude for divine preservation and life. He noted that daily life presents uncertainties that constantly remind believers of God’s sustaining grace.
He strongly encouraged members to expand the network’s reach, noting that many young professionals entering media houses often feel isolated regarding their faith. He shared an inspiring testimony of a young female journalist who stumbled upon a JFC booklet in her newsroom, finding immense joy and comfort in discovering that faith and journalism can harmoniously coexist.
“Let us keep coming, let’s keep encouraging others,” Otufodunrin admonished, urging members to prioritise peer support, share constructive ideas, and participate in upcoming professional sessions aimed at collaborative industry growth.
Minister of the day, Dayo Emmanuel, News Editor of National Wire, delivered an exhortation centered on the “Jesus Pattern of Prayer”.
Drawing references from Luke chapter 18 and Matthew chapter 6, Emmanuel emphasised that prayer is foundational to navigating both personal and national challenges.
Using the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18, Emmanuel highlighted the importance of perseverance and responsibility in prayer, rather than growing faint-hearted.
He stressed that while God is ever-ready to listen, believers must actively “tune in” to divine instructions much like tuning into a broadcast frequency.
Delving into the Lord’s Prayer outlined in Matthew 6, Emmanuel compared divine principles to a mathematical formula: attempting to bypass structural steps yields incorrect results.
“There is a formula, just like you are solving a mathematical equation… if you are solving it without the formula, you are not going to get the result, and anyone you get would be wrong because you did not follow the required formula,” Emmanuel explained, breaking down the proper sequence of prayer.
He noted that prayer should correctly begin with reverence and worship (“Hallowed be thy name”), followed by intercession for God’s kingdom and will (“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”) before placing personal daily needs before God.
Furthermore, Emmanuel emphasised the necessity of a forgiving spirit and spiritual vigilance against temptation to ensure unhindered communion with God.
In his concluding remarks, Emmanuel urged JFC members to integrate these structural prayer principles into their daily routines. He reminded the journalists that their ultimate calling extends beyond meeting deadlines, writing compelling stories, or winning industry accolades.
“It should not just be that we are meeting deadlines, we are writing stories, we are winning the awards, but we are not living for God,” Emmanuel cautioned.
He also called on media professionals to remain dedicated ambassadors of Christ within the secular media space.
” Let us spread the gospel and the Jesus in Journalism for other to know,” Emmanuel stated.
The fellowship concluded with fervent prayers anchored by Pastor David Alabi, Chaplain of the group who led prayers for the nation as the next election draws near.
Pastor Alabi stressed that need to pray for those in authority as the Bible urges belivers that we may live peaceful and quiet lives and against evil counsel for leaders at all levels.
