What Is It With You and IJGB?

It was in the cool of the morning that I rose to find a quiet place for prayer and reflection. My ears caught the sound of a radio presenter in the serene camp, nestled far from the hustle of town. Over 1,500 graduates like myself were gathered at an NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) camp in the far eastern part of my country for mandatory post-graduate service to the country.

Friends and brethren from my local church had suggested I seek redeployment from Enugu to Lagos. They could have made the redeployment seamless, yet I kindly declined their offer. Their concern was genuine, but I had different plans.

I yearned for the experience. More so, I eagerly looked forward to preaching the gospel in unfamiliar terrain, to sharing the good news that filled my heart with indescribable joy. You can imagine the joy—to raise preaching pulpits anywhere, in contrast to cities where access to pulpits was highly regulated. Thus, with enthusiasm, I embarked on my journey to the NYSC camp.

Around 4 a.m., the music filled the air as my fellow corpers—reluctantly yanked from sleep by the military bugle (that thing could wake the dead, let me tell you) and the blaring speakers—stirred from rickety metal beds, bracing for the day’s demanding paramilitary exercises (which, let’s be honest, felt like they were designed to test the limits of human endurance). I found solitude in a secluded spot outside the dormitory, and during my quiet time, my thoughts drifted, perhaps inevitably, to the corper’s broadcasting studio. Thoughtfully, I decided to take action.

By midday, I approached the studio and met with the producer. My intention wasn’t to challenge but to request a time slot for a morning program. Graciously, my request was granted.

Day One: I was briefed on the technicalities—how to play music, manage the microphone, and adjust volumes. Soon, armed with Bob Fitts’ songs (one of the tracks at the end of this post), I took the helm. I slid in my Bob Fitts’ cassette. As worship songs played, I wove in messages of salvation. This became my routine for several mornings.

Dorm mates and fellow corpers (familiar with my voice) approached me later saying, “I heard your voice this morning. It was uplifting. It blessed me.” Word about the program spread. Whenever opportunities arose, whether at the mammy market or amidst political discussions, I transitioned the topic to the Good News.

My NYSC year proved immensely fulfilling. Alongside NCCF (Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship), I traveled from village to village engaging in what we termed “rugged rural evangelism.” It was profoundly rewarding to witness many freed from the shackles of spiritual bondage. After a year, I returned to Lagos, my heart brimming with joy.

Back in the city, I realized how different the spiritual climate was compared to the hinterlands. Here, it seems people are preoccupied with hustle bustle of life, in affluence and modernization—a stark contrast to the climate in the rural areas.

IJGB

As December approaches, the term IJGB—denoting “I Just Got Back”—fills the city air, denoting diaspora returnees who come to celebrate festive period with families and friends or express new wealth or indulge in leisure and pleasure. What is IJGB to you?

But what if, in the new year, your own IJGB meant “I Just Got Better” with the Lord? What if it signified a commitment to use your talents and resources for Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings? What if you chose to draw closer to God in the coming year? What if you committed to acts of kindness towards humanity? What if you resolved to improve yourself and become a better person? What does IJGB mean to you? Does it signify “I Just Got Back” or “I Just Got Better” or “I Just Got Born Again”? Regardless of the challenges the world presents, what decisions will you make for the King of Kings in the new year?

Jesus once asked in Mark 8: 36 to 37, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

When a man or woman approaches the end of life, a few things will flash before your eyes, depending on what Jesus has been to you. To some, they will say: I wish you will give me another chance to serve you; I wish I had known you more. To some it will be: Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to know you on earth and serve you, my Maker, my Savior and Lord Jesus, and I’m glad to come back to You. What will be your reflection on that day?

Serve Him Now

I have heard a few people’s yearning on their last few weeks before leaving the earth. They were not far from the above. At the last few days of a beloved neighbor, he yearned aloud, “I prayed to God to send me a genuine man of God to pray for me. If you will heal me, I will serve you. I will go everywhere to evangelize the world with my brother. I will spend all you have given me to serve you.” He met the Lord, reconciled with Him in that dying moment. Though he could no longer see the daylight in the midst of mankind, he gained heaven. He ascended to heaven. It was sorrowful to see him depart the earth but there is only one solace which is: he reconciled with God and saw Jesus as His Lord and Savior. It is heaven’s gain, though the loved ones, friends and families mourn his departure. His soul is definitely finding rest in the bosom of the Lord Jesus.

For us still here on earth, what will you do for Him? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Will you live the rest of your life to do His will?

Let me tell you: if He is not your Lord and Saviour on this earth, He won’t be when you depart this earth to the other realm.

Decide for Him

Friends, your Maker does not want you to be cast into the lake of fire. He wants you to make a decision not to go there. Don’t go there! It is not meant for you. God has made provision for your sins – past, present and future. First, you need to know that He came, lived, died and rose from death after paying the ultimate price for all mankind’s sins. He paid it all. Salvation is now free, but you must act. If you do not acknowledge that He did it and accept Him as your Saviour, you cannot escape the consequences of sins, nor access the benefits of salvation. Don’t procrastinate. Accept Him willingly into your heart through a solemn confession of Him as Lord and Saviour over your life henceforth.

Believe and Confess

Lord Jesus, I believe in my heart all You did for me. I believe that You came in the flesh, lived, and died for my sins. You blotted out my sins with Your blood. You rose and forever living at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Thank You for doing all this for me. Thank You for forgiving me of all my sins. You are now my Lord and my Savior. Thank you, Father. I am born again. And from this day, my life is now lived according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

That is it! You will know deep inside you that you now have peace with God. You are now born again. It is supernatural. With your confession and faith in God, He has deposited His Holy Spirit in you. You are now in the Kingdom of God. No more with Satan. Glory be to God!

The Bible says in Colossians 1:13 (NLT) that:
“For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.”

Glory be to God! You are no longer in the kingdom of Satan! You are no longer a child of Satan. You are now supernaturally in the Kingdom of Jesus. Just like that? Yes! Just like that.

Go For Him

Now for you and many who have been in Christ: what will you do differently for Him in the new year? Will you serve Him with your talents and resources? Will you go for Him? I urge you to read this article I wrote about a year ago on Go for Him. Click the title and read it.

Decide for Him on what you will do differently for Him and humanity.