TULA CHRISTIAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION
Motto: - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5)
INTRODUCTION
The Tula Christian Youth Association (TCYA) started in 1976, when Engr. Lazarus R. Yerima a scholar at A.B.U Zaria had the burden of the Tula Youths and decided to be praying for them. In 1977, he was joined by Dr. Lazarus Budidi and Dr. S.S. Dan Bauchi who shared the burden and joined in the prayers. In 1978, three other Tula Youths who gained admission to A.B.U Zaria also joined in the prayers. The group was called Tula prayer cell and prayer meetings were held once a week. The prayers centered on Tula Youths, the church and the Tula Community.
VISITATION TO LOCAL CHURCHES
In 1979, the group decided to visit some local churches in Tula to familiarize themselves with the problems of the youth and the needs of the local churches. The churches visited include ECWA Church Wange, Baule,Yiri, Bwele1, Bambam, Bekuntin, Nahuta, and Kunini. During the visits, discussions were held with Church Pastors and elders. The discussions revealed the following problems.
- Some Churches had no pastors and work was left in the hands of young and spiritually immature youths.
- Pastors were left with the entire work.
- The Church groups (Youth fellowship, women fellowship, Choir, and BB/GB) had few members and most of the members were not committed.
- Most Churches were dilapidated and needed maintenance and furniture.
- Most Churches had no functional prayer groups.
- Members were not rooted in the word of God.
- Lack of literacy teachers.
- Lack of Commitment to Church activities.
- Conflicts between Youth and elders
The visitation reports were printed and circulated to in other places for prayers. The group gave assistance to some of the Churches. In 1980, the Tula Youths contacted in Bauchi, decided to form a prayer cell.
INAUGURATION OF THE ASSOCIATION
In December 1981 the Zaria and Bauchi prayer cells organized outreach programmed to Bambam,Wange and Baule. The programmes entailed the shooting of two films, burning hell and peace child. These programmes took place from the 24-26th December, 1981 and many people accepted the Lord Jesus Christ through watching the films. Incorporated into the outreach programme was an invitation to Tula Youths from all parts of the Country to a general meeting. The general meeting was held on 27th December 1981 at ECWA Church Wange. In attendance at that meeting were Church leaders like Rev. Ali Tutu and Rev. Kwari Maori. Mr J.T Laburta chaired the meeting. The Youths in attendance at rhat meeting unanimously agreed to form an Association to be known as the Tula Christian Youth Association (TCYA). The Pastors and elders also gave their support to the formation of the Association. At the Inauguration, ten people were elected as protem leaders to mobiles the Youths and to fashion out a constitution for the Association. Those elected are:-
I. Mr Lazarus R. Yerima – Chairman
II. Mr Ahmed Sadah ------- Vice Chairman
III. Mr J.C Makka --------- General Secretary
IV. Mr. S.S Dan Bauchi ---- Assistant Gen. Secretary
V. Mr Lazarus Budidi ------ Prayer/Bible study Secretary
VI. Mr. Ezra Mallam ------- P.R.O
VII. Mrs Mary Lazarus ------- Treasurer
VIII. Mr Edward Ajingi ------- Financial Secretary
IX. Miss Deborah Chiroma --- Counseling Secretary
X. Pastor Yohanna Sambo --- Home Co-coordinator
VISION OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Vision of the Tula Christian Youth Association is centered on addressing problems of the Tula Youths, Local Churches and Tula Community.
Ø TULA YOUTHS
Before the emergence of the Association, the Condition of Tula Youths in the spiritual realm was that of moral laxity and spiritual decay. In the academic arena, the story was that of academic slumber and indifference. While in the political arena, the youth developed lack of patriotism.
Ø LOCAL CHURCHES
The pastors were left alone with the task of shepherding the flock. Most subgroups were disintegrating with members showing lukewarm attitude. Conflict between Youths and elders were rampant, and there was general lack of commitment to Church activities.
Ø TULA COMMUNITY
The entire community was besieged with sectional rivalry and hatred. Politically and socio-economically the community was left trailing behind.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF TCYA
The TCYA was formed with the major aim of addressing the aforementioned problems. Therefore the TCYA had the following aims and Objectives to ameliorate the aforementioned problems:-
Ø To develop the physical, spiritual, intellectual and social well being of Tula Youths.
Ø To promote the growth of the Christian faith in Tula.
Ø To unite the Church.
Ø To train the Youths for local service.
Ø To bridge the gap between the Youths and elders.
Ø To promote the social, economic and political development of Tula.
The mission of the TCYA was to awaken the Youths to their spiritual, intellectual, and social responsibilities. In the area of the Church, the TCYA was committed to provoking all members to take their place in the master’s vineyard, and to unite the Church. For Tula Community, the TCYA desires to see a united Tula with one ambition, for the development of Tula. The Tula Christian Youth Association has over the years been battling to realize its set objectives.