By Barnabas Augustine
The Boys' Brigade Nigeria, Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) Fellowship, visited the Oli community situated on Koma Mountain. They distributed palliative items to the underprivileged community and its neighbours.
Oli Dutse falls under the Fufore Division of the Yola Diocese of the LCCN. Politically, it is located within the Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Over 200 beneficiaries from the Oli Dutse community and surrounding settlements on Koma Mountain received a variety of items. These included an assortment of clothing, foodstuffs, detergents, soap, shoes, Bibles, hymn books, and instructional and learning materials for both primary school and Sunday school pupils.
Speaking at the palace of the Village Head of Oli Dutse, Captain Cyprian Amos, the National Coordinator of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria, LCCN Fellowship, explained that the visit to Oli was planned for Good Friday to Easter Sunday, 28 to 31 March, 2024.
He elaborated that the visit is part of the fellowship's annual programmes. These programmes reach out to remote communities, especially those residing on mountains within the nine dioceses of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN).
Mr Amos expressed his gratitude to the Village Head for welcoming the National Fellowship members and their appreciation for the hospitality shown by the community.
The guest speaker, Dean Rev. Jibrailu Barnabas of Bajama Division, Mayo-Belwa Diocese of the LCCN, encouraged the sizeable Christian community of Oli Dutse to remain firm in their faith and emulate the life of Jesus Christ on earth.
Referencing the book of Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world," which served as the theme of the visit, Dean Rev. Barnabas described the visit of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria, LCCN Fellowship to Oli Dutse as fulfilling Jesus Christ's instructions to his followers.
"Light is quiet, but it shines wherever it is and attracts people," said Dean Rev. Barnabas.
"No matter how dense the darkness, light conquers it. Light exposes what is hidden."
He explained that Christians' light is meant for the world, not just the church. While Christians should gather regularly in congregations, they should also venture out into the world and share their faith.
He sought permission from the Village Head of Oli Dutse to allow the evangelism team to embark on house-to-house preaching within the community.
In response, the Village Head of Oli Dutse, Malam Dahiru Basomsa, warmly welcomed the members of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria, LCCN Fellowship, describing their visit as opportune. He said his people required the visit to strengthen their faith in Christ Jesus.
He granted permission for the National Fellowship to visit any house they intended for their evangelism mission.
Reciprocating the kind gesture of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria, LCCN Fellowship, the Village Head of Oli Dutse, Malam Dahiru Basomsa, and the Lay Leader of LCCN Oli, Mr. Iliya Banaira, led the community members in expressing their thanks to their visitors with a traditional dance. This dance is only performed when they accept and have a positive relationship with a group of visitors.
The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria established its denomination on the mountainous settlement of Oli Dutse over three decades ago.
Subgroups of the church and the church's evangelists frequently visit the Oli community to bolster their faith in Christianity.
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