Journalists For Christ (JFC) International Outreach has encouraged journalists and media professionals to follow Jesus’ pattern of prayer, strengthen their Christian faith and pray for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Christian media group gave the charge during its October 2026 online fellowship, which brought together journalists and media professionals to reflect on faith, prayer and their responsibilities in the media industry.
JFC President Encourages Members to Strengthen Fellowship
Speaking at the meeting, JFC President Lekan Otufodunrin highlighted the importance of sustaining the group’s monthly fellowship despite challenges that sometimes prevent members from participating.
Reflecting on the grace that has sustained the group’s weekly Wednesday prayer meetings, Otufodunrin encouraged members to maintain strong bonds of mutual support and promote the network among media professionals.
The fellowship was anchored by Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews.
Otufodunrin expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and divine preservation, noting that the uncertainties of daily life continually remind believers of the importance of God’s sustaining grace.
He also encouraged members to expand the network’s reach, particularly among young journalists who may feel isolated in their faith when they enter media organisations.
He shared the experience of a young female journalist who found a JFC booklet in her newsroom and was encouraged by the discovery that her Christian faith and journalism career could 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.
Dayo Emmanuel Explains Jesus’ Pattern of Prayer
The minister of the day, Dayo Emmanuel, News Editor of National Wire, delivered an exhortation on the theme, “Jesus Pattern of Prayer.”
Drawing from Luke 18 and Matthew 6, Emmanuel explained the importance of prayer in addressing personal and national challenges.
Using the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, he highlighted the need for perseverance and responsibility in prayer, cautioning believers against becoming discouraged.
He also stressed the importance of listening for divine direction, comparing the process to tuning into a broadcast frequency.
Speaking on the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, Emmanuel likened the principles of prayer to a mathematical formula, explaining that following the proper sequence was necessary to achieve the desired result.
“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.
He said prayer should begin with reverence and worship, reflected in the words, “Hallowed be thy name,” before proceeding to prayers for God’s kingdom and will to be established on earth.
According to him, believers should then present their daily needs to God, while maintaining a forgiving spirit and remaining spiritually vigilant against temptation.
Journalists Reminded of Their Christian Calling
Emmanuel urged members to incorporate these principles into their daily prayer routines, reminding them that professional success should not come at the expense of their Christian commitment.
“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 encouraged media professionals to remain ambassadors of Christ in the secular media space and use their work to promote the gospel.
“Let us spread the gospel and the Jesus in Journalism for other to know,” Emmanuel stated.
JFC Members Pray for Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections
The fellowship concluded with prayers led by Pastor David Alabi, chaplain of the group, who led intercessions for Nigeria as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Alabi emphasised the need to pray for those in authority, drawing attention to the biblical instruction to pray for leaders so that citizens may live peaceful and quiet lives.
He also led prayers against evil counsel among leaders at all levels of government.
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