We are pleased to be having Lapis Lazuli Ministry’s annual Kingdom Conference in Jos this year, for the first time.
Jos is a city located in the middle belt region of Nigeria. It is the capital of Plateau State and has a population of over 3.5 million people. It has a pleasant climate and a natural beauty with lush greenery, beautiful hills and waterfalls. This makes it an attractive place to live and raise a family.
The people of Jos are welcoming and hospitable. They are always ready to share their cultural traditions and way of life. In Jos, you have people from different ethnic groups and religious practices and this diversity reflects in the city’s cuisine, music and art.
In the mid 20th century, Jos was known for its thriving Tin mining industry which brought significant growth to the city. This industry has declined over the years. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Jos continues to grow and develop in its major commercial and industrial centres.
Christianity has a significant presence in Jos and plays an important role in the city’s history and culture. According to recent estimates over half of the population in Jos are Christians with the other half being Muslim or adhering to traditional African religions.
The origins of Christianity in Jos can be traced back to the arrival of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century, when the British colonial government invited various Christian denominations to establish missions in Nigeria. Many of these missions were located in and around Jos and have played key roles in spreading the Christian faith throughout the region.
Today, Christianity in Jos is presented by a wide range of denominations including Roman Catholic, Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian and Pentecostal Churches among others.
In addition to Churches, a number of Christian organisations operate Schools, Hospitals, and Charitable organisations. These institutions have provided important services to the community and are often involved in efforts to promote Social Justice and alleviate poverty.
Like other Northern cities, Jos has experienced, in the past, violence between the religious groups. There is a high-level tolerance now between the different religious groups.