ECWA DAILY

18/01/2026

*MONDAY, 19 JANUARY*
*TEXT: RUTH 1:19-22*
*TOPIC: FROM FULLNESS TO EMPTINESS*

*RUTH 1:19-22 [NIV]*

19: So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

20: “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.

21: I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

22: So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

*FROM FULLNESS TO EMPTINESS*

Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth after years in Moab, facing loss and emptiness.

She requested to be called Mara, reflecting her bitterness from her tragic losses.

Naomi's story encourages us to trust God in overwhelming circumstances.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.

*QUESTION:* Do you feel empty or have a hidden lift with God?

*PRAYER:* Grant me Grace to handle my crisis in a way that honours you.

*Food for the day - 2026*

18/01/2026

LITININ, 19 GA JANAIRU
NASSI: RUT 1:19-22

KAN MAGANA: DAGA YALWA ZUWA RASHI

RUT 1:19-22

19:Su biyu kuwa s**a k**a hanya har s**a isa Baitalami. Da s**a isa Baitalami, sai dukan garin ya ruɗe saboda su. Mata s**a ce, “Na'omi ce wannan?”

20:Ita kuwa ta ce musu, “Kada ku kira ni Na'omi, wato mai farin ciki, sai dai Mara, wato mai baƙin ciki, gama Mai Iko Dukka ya wahalshe ni ƙwarai.

21:Na tafi a wadace, ga shi, Ubangiji ya komo da ni hannu wofi. Don me kuke kirana mai farin ciki da yake Ubangiji Mai Iko Dukka ya wahalshe ni, ya kuma aukar mini da masifa?”

22:Haka Na'omi ta koma daga ƙasar Mowab tare da surukarta Rut, mutuniyar Mowab. S**a isa Baitalami a farkon kakar sha'ir.

DAGA YALWA ZUWA RASHI

Naomi ta koma Bai’talami tare da Ruth bayan shekaru da yawa a Mowab, suna fuskantar hasara da rashi.

Ta nemi a kira ta Mara, hakan ya nuna bacin ran ta a cikin mummunan asarar da ta yi.

Labarin Naomi ya ƙarfafa mu mu dogara ga Allah a cikin yanayi mai wuyar gaske.

Kuka na iya kasancewa har dare, amma farin ciki yana zuwa da safe.

TAMBAYA:
Shin kana jin ba kome ko kuma kana da wata boyayya da Allah?

ADDU’A:
Ka ba ni alherin da zan magance rikici ta hanyar da za ta girmama ka. Amin.

ABINCIN YINI - 2026

18/01/2026

17/01/2026

SUNDAY, 18 JANUARY
TEXT: RUTH 1:15-18
TOPIC: NAOMI'S APPEAL AND RUTH'S RESPONSE

RUTH 1:15-18 NIV

15:“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16:But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

17:Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

18:When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

NAOMI'S APPEAL AND RUTH'S RESPONSE

Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem after losing everything, including her husband and sons.

She addressed Ruth and Orpha as her daughters and urged them to return home.

Orpha left, but Ruth clung to Naomi, declaring her loyalty: "Where you go, I will go; your people will be my people, and your God my God."

Ruth's commitment is a powerful testament to loyalty and faith.

When you vow to the Lord, be sure to keep it.

QUESTION:
How can we show faith and loyalty in our relationships?

PRAYER:
Forgive me, Lord, for being unfaithful to my commitments.

Food for the Day - 2026

17/01/2026

REV. BELLO MISAL: A LIFE POURED OUT FOR THE GOSPEL

ECWA Emic / Babatomiwa M. Owojaiye

Rev. Bello Misal’s journey is a testimony of faith, service, and leadership in the history of SIM-ECWA in Nigeria. Born on 12th December 1940, he lived a life wholly dedicated to the mission of God until he was called unto glory on 25th December 2025. His story is not just one of personal devotion but of institutional impact, shaping generations within ECWA and beyond.

From his early days, Bello Misal pursued the path of knowledge and ministry. He trained at SIM Bible Training School, Billiri, Gombe State; Bible College Kagoro, where he graduated in 1973; ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja; and later at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. These institutions equipped him not only with theological depth but also with the vision to lead and inspire.

His career was marked by a blend of missionary zeal and academic rigor. He had a deep comprehension of the biblical languages and taught them in many theological contexts in ECWA. Rev Misal was the pioneer Principal of ECWA Bible College Billiri - Kufai when it was established in1981. He also served as the 6th Principal of ECWA Bible Training School, Tofa, Kano State, and later as Lecturer, Registrar, and Deputy Provost at Jos ECWA Theological Seminary. His administrative gifts were further recognized when he became Director of the Education Department at ECWA Headquarters in Jos. It was from this pivotal role that he was elected as the 14th Vice-President of ECWA, serving faithfully from 2002 to 2008 until his retirement.

Beyond the pulpit and classroom, Rev. Misal’s personal life reflected his devotion. On 23rd December 1963, he married his beloved wife Almatu in what became the first Christian wedding in the history of ECWA Putoki—a landmark moment that symbolized his pioneering spirit. Together, they built a family rooted in faith, love, and service, and their union was blessed with many biological and spiritual children who continue to carry forward his legacy of devotion and discipleship.

Rev. Bello Misal’s legacy is one of diligence, humility, and unwavering commitment. He was a genuine child and servant of the Lord, a family man to the core, and a lover of people and the mission of God. His life was a living sermon, and his passing on Christmas Day 2025 is a poignant reminder of a servant who gave his all to the cause of Christ.

Conclusion

Rev. Bello Misal’s story is not merely history—it is heritage. His footprints remain indelible in the sands of ECWA’s journey, and his memory will continue to inspire generations to serve God with the entirety of their lives. Truly, he lived, he served, and he finished well.

17/01/2026

Biography of Late Rev (Dr) Victor Onoh Musa (Former ECWA President 1994-2000)

Early Life

Rev. Dr. Victor O. Musa was born into the family of Late Mazi Onoh Okoronkwo Onoh and late Madam Miriam Ibrahim Onoh on the 1st of October, 1940 in Kano. He was the first born child of his mother out of the seven children. Among his siblings are: Late Hannaford (Danjuma), Late Charity, Late Anba (Hannatu), Patience (Ladies), Late Louisa (Hadiza) and Late Charles.

Youth and Adolescence

Having developed a sense of self- dependability due to the polygamous nature of his family, he combined his academic pursuit with work by selling kerosene and working at construction sites after school and during holidays. As an inquisitive and intelligent child at the age of 6, he began his educational pursuit at the Holy Trinity School, Kano after which he attended Wusasa Holy Trinity Primary School, Zaria where he spent three years. He was popularly known for his involvement in sporting activities, particularly in football. He later completed his primary school education at the Anglican Primary School in Obinkita, Arochukwu in 1956. Since he did not attend Secondary school, his parents secured a job for him through his maternal uncle at Arab Brothers Motors Ltd, in Kano at the age of 16 where he began as an apprentice due to his keen interest in the technological field. After that, he worked with A.J. Karouni Motors also in Kano from where he was sent to UAC Motors Technical School for about two years to become a well trained motor mechanic.

Conversion, Educational Background and Ministry

Rev Victor's first Church was the famous Hausa Holy Trinity Church at Fagge in Kano. His father later led him and his siblings to the SIM Church in Kano where he attended the evening Bible Study School for four (4) years. Having accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Saviour at the age of about twenty-one (21) through the blessed ministry of Late Rev. Winston Adams in 1960. He was baptized by Late Rev. Tambaya Yahaya who was the minister in charge of ECWA No.1 Kano. It was from here that he received and answered God's calling to be trained for ministry.

Between 1965-1969, he was sponsored by ECWA English Church Section, Kano for further studies in ECWA Bible College, Kagoro and obtained a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. While studying, he was made the school's Chief technician due to his technical experience. Because of his skill and diligence, he became the personal mechanic to the Chief of Kagoro. His very well known charisma while testing- running the vehicles he worked on earned him the nickname "V.C.10" AKA "V.C. Goma" derived from the V.C. 10 aircraft as he would make sure the throttle was pressed hard enough to achieve the desired great speed.

While studying at the Bible College training in 1969, Late Rev Dr. Victor Musa met his dear Wife, Miss Mary Akau Duniya who he counted for five years. They got married on the 25th of January, 1969 and are blessed with four biological children, grandchildren and a host of others whom they raised, supported and mentored at various points of their loves. While in school, he had a strong love for music and was also a part of singing groups wherever he worshiped.

On completion of his Bible College Training at Kagoro in 1969, Late Rev. Dr. Victor Onoh Musa became pastor-in-charge of ECWA English Section Kano until (August) 1970 when he left for the Prestigious ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, Kwara State and graduated in the year 1973. He was Valedictorian of his class both in Kagoro Bible College and at the Prestigious ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja. After graduating, he was licensed as a Pastor and appointed to serve as an Administrative Assistant and Church Secretary at ECWA Headquarters from 1973-1979. Rev Victor and his family then proceeded to Columbia Bible College and Seminary U.S.A where he obtained his first degree in Theology. After three years of study in the United States, he returned home in 1981.

Ministerial Experience

He was reappointed as the resident Pastor of ECWA English Section, Kano in 1981 and later ordained as Reverend by the Kano DCC. He served the Church as a pastor until 1994 when he became ECWA President. He served in various Christian boards across the nation and beyond. He served as Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and later Chairman, Kano State from 1981-1994. He also served as Chaplain of the Girls' Brigade as well as Chairman, Boy's Brigade Kano State Council for eight (8) years. He was Chaplain of the NAF Base Church Kano in 1983. While he was the Pastor of ECWA English Section Kano, he served as the Kano State DCC Vice Chairman from 1983-1985 and substantive Chairman of the Kano DCC from 1988-1994. He also served in inter-religious peaceful co- existence Committees which were set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to represent the Christian community under the auspices and umbrella of CAN National Headquarters and particularly, the Northern States.

During is tenure as ECWA President

(1994-2000) he was nominated and served as Chirmam Board of Trustees of the World Peace Academic Association in 1998 and retired voluntarily after his second tenure as ECWA President in the year 2000 when he focused on biblical premarital counselling- a passion he and his wife shared as a ministry on retirement. During retirement, he was a visiting Lecturer at His ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS) where he taught Christian Home as a course after which the institution confirmed on him honourary doctorate degree in Theology.

Legacy and Impact

Late Rev. Dr Victor Onoh Musa will be remembered as a de-ethnicised leader who was virtually'incapable' of any form of ethnic prejudice as a result of his multiethnic background (aquality critical to achieving harmonised unity both in Church and society). This is evident in the impact he made by spearheading the creation of Rantya New layout Community Association where he resided as his retirement home as well as his service as Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee. He was an epitome of stewardship: integrity, shepherding and service which was seen in his Leadership style at all levels of his ministry (LCB to DCC to GCC to National and International levels). He was blessed with amazing communication skills especially in English & Hausa and could interact at basic multilingual levels in Yoruba, Efik, Igala, Bassa Nge & Tyap. These were the qualities that inspired the vision to establish the Rev. (Dr.) Victor O. Musa.

Conclusion

Besides being a father beyond borders by accommodating everyone he came across, Rev. (Dr.) Victor O. Musa always put smiles on the faces of those he met and interested with, more so as an advocate of peaceful co-existence. He was a man of prayer and loved to engage in worship through singing songs and hymns during the times of fellowship. He loved the Lord and made it a point of duty to lead whoever he came across to Christ wherever he found himself. Our joy as the family of Christ in ECWA is a tasting that Late Rev Dr. Victor O. Misa's life reflected a truly Christ-like character. Our collective prayer as a family of Christ is that his life will be recorded as yet another testimony to God's glory and how Christ reconciled us to God, even though, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Baba Rev Dr. Victor O. Musa is survived by his dearly beloved wife Mrs Mary Nnaye Musa, many children ( biological and non biological), and grandchildren.
God biological children are:
1. Mr David Bonat Misa
2. Mrs Victoria Godiya Akujah
3. Mrs Gloria Hauwa Gbemudu
4. Mr Jonathan Allen Musa
He had eight (8) grandchildren, two son's in law and two daughter's in law.

We pray and hope that everybody, we can draw guidance, inspiration and knowledge from the life of Late Baba Rev Dr. Victor Onoh Musa towards raising the present and the next generation of leaders and followers of Christ Jesus and Saviour into the ultimate glory of our father in heaven.

Source: The Funeral Programme, titled "Home Going Service," Pages 3-5. Printed by ECWA Productions Limited, Challenge Press, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Held on 17th January, 2026 at ECWA Goodnews, Dadin Kowa, New Abuja, Jos.

Special Appreciation to Rev Professor Stephen Oluwarotimi Baba for sending this along.

ECWA Emic

16/01/2026

ASABAR, 17 GA JANAIRU
NASSI: RUT 1:6-14
KAN MAGANA: DANGARTAKAR SURUKAI

RUT 1:6-14

6:Daga can Mowab, Na'omi ta ji cewa, Ubangiji ya taimaki mutanensa, ya ba su abinci, sai ta tashi daga ƙasar Mowab tare da surukanta.

7:S**a k**a hanya zuwa ƙasar Yahudiya.

8:Amma a hanya, sai Na'omi ta ce wa surukanta, “Bari ko waccenku ta koma gidan iyayenta. Ubangiji ya yi muku alheri k**ar yadda kuka yi mini alheri, ni da marigayan.

9:Ya sa kuma ko waccenku ta yi aure, ta sami hutawa a gidan miji.” Sa'an nan ta yi bankwana da su ta sumbace su. Sai s**a fashe da kuka,

10:s**a ce mata, “A'a, mā tafi tare da ke wurin mutanenki.”

11:Amma Na'omi ta ce musu, “Ku koma, 'ya'yana, don me za ku tafi tare da ni? Ina da sauran 'ya'ya maza a cikina ne da za su zama mazajenku?

12:Sai ku koma, 'ya'yana, gama na tsufa da yawa, ba kuma zan sami miji ba. Ko da a ce ina fata in yi aure, a ce ma zan yi aure a daren nan, in haifi 'ya'ya maza,

13:za ku yi ta jira har su yi girma? Ai, ba zai yiwu ba, 'ya'yana. Ina baƙin ciki ƙwarai saboda abin da ya same ku, da yadda Ubangiji ya yi gāba da ni.”

14:S**a sāke fashewa da kuka. Sai Orfa ta yi wa surukarta, sumba, ta yi bankwana da ita, amma Rut ta manne mata.

DANGARTAKAR SURUKAI

Dangantakar surukai mai tsami ta zama ruwan dare, duk da haka dangantajar Na’omi da surukanta Mowabawa, ta zama abar yabawa.

Duk da bambancin al’adu, haɗin kansu yana da ƙarfi.

Addu’ar da Na’omi ta yi wa surukanta ta nuna kauna da hadin Kai.

Surukai za su iya zama abokan tarayya masu ƙarfi.

TAMBAYA: Yaya zaki ƙwatanta da dangantakar ki da surukanki?

ADDU’A: Ya Ubangiji, ka nuna jinkai wajen kyautata danganta ta da surukana. Amin.

ABINCIN YINI - 2026

16/01/2026

SATURDAY, 17 JANUARY
TEXT: RUTH 1:6–14
TOPIC: THE RELATIONSHIP OF IN-LAWS

RUTH 1:6–14 NIV

6:When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.

7:With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

8:Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me.

9:May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud

10:and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

11:But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands?

12:Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—

13:would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”

14:At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF IN-LAWS

Strained in-law relationships are common, yet Naomi’s bond with her Moabite daughters-in-law is commendable. Despite cultural differences, their unity is strong.

Naomi’s prayer for her daughters-in-law exemplifies love and harmony. In-laws can be your strongest allies.

QUESTION: How would you describe your relationship with your in-laws?

PRAYER: Lord, show mercy in improving my in-law relationships.

Food for the Day - 2026

16/01/2026

FRIDAY, 16 JANUARY
TEXT: RUTH 1:1–5
TOPIC: TRANSFORMED BY TRAGEDY

RUTH 1:1–5 NIV

1:In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.

2:The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

3:Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.

4:They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years,

5:both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

TRANSFORMED BY TRAGEDY

Ruth’s story unfolds during a time of crisis in ancient Israel. Famine forces Elimelek and his family to Moab.

After experiencing multiple tragedies, Naomi loses her husband and sons, leaving her to wonder why God allowed such suffering.

Yet trials are part of life; Peter reminds us not to be surprised by difficulties. Tragedies lead us to depend on God.

QUESTION: What hardships have led to your most significant growth?

PRAYER: Help me focus on your plan, Lord, not my pain.

Food for the Day - 2026

16/01/2026

TRACING THE LEGACY OF SIM-ECWA POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

By ECWA Emic / Babatomiwa M. Owojaiye

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), rooted in the vision of the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), has built a rich heritage of faith, education, healthcare, and community development. From humble beginnings in the early 20th century, ECWA has grown into a network of seminaries, universities, hospitals, and enterprises that continue to impact lives across Nigeria and beyond. Here’s a chronological look at some of ECWA’s landmark institutions and initiatives.

Chronological Timeline of ECWA Institutions

1. 1913 – The history of the ECWA Guest House dates back to 1913 with the establishment of the Miango Rest Home, followed by the SIM Rest Home at the ECWA headquarters in 1924. Over the years, this initiative has expanded into a network of guest houses across major cities in Nigeria. (Further details about this network will be shared on this platform soon.)

2. 1917 – Challenge Bookshops (division of ECWA Productions Limited, EPL). EPL was later incorporated in 1973.

3. 1918 – ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja (started as a School of Prophets).

4. 1918 – ECWA Theological Seminary, Karu.

5. 1927 – ECWA Central Pharmacy Limited (ECPL), began local production in 1948, incorporated in 1998.

6. 1931 – ECWA Theological Seminary, Kagoro.

7. 1943 – ECWA Eye Hospital, Kano.

8. 1954 – Radio ELWA (Eternal Love Winning All), Montovia, Liberia.

9. 1955 – ECWA School of Nursing Sciences.

10. 1959 – Evangel Hospital Jos, later grew into Bingham University Teaching Hospital (became a teaching hospital in 2010).

11. 1965 – ECWA Theological Seminary, Aba.

12. 1980 – ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos.

13. 1989 –The history of People's Oriented Department (POD) as an ECWA development agency dates back to 1989, when it was established as a distinct entity, separated from ECWA’s Rural Development and Community Health Programmes.

14. 1993 – ECWA International College of Technology (EICT), Jos.

15. 2005 – Bingham University, Karu.

16. 2010 – Bingham University Teaching Hospital officially became a teaching hospital.

17. 2014 – Gowans Microfinance Bank Limited.

18. 2015 – ECWA Development Finance Scheme Limited (EDFSL).

19. 2015 – ECWA Portfolio Management Limited.

20. 2018 – Bingham TV (formerly ECWA TV).

21. 2019 – ECWA Leadership Institute was established in 2019.

22. Others – Numerous primary, post-primary schools and Colleges of Education, Health and Technology, and Bible Colleges across Nigeria.

16/01/2026

My name is *ECWA,* I was born in Africa in *1954* , but my parent hailed from *EUROPE* .

So I grew up in *AFRICA* . I have been zealous for the Lord all along, but something spectacular began in my life *21 years* ago.

It all began in *1997* when I was advised to *RESIST THE DEVIL(1997)* because God was about to *EQUIP THE SAINTS(1998)* to *GO AND SERVE(1999)* and *MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY(2000)* because *NO ONE CAN SEPARATE ME FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST(2001)* if *I MAY KNOW HIM(2002)* and *BEAR FRUITS THAT WILL LAST(2003).*

‎I called my family, *WHERE ARE YOU(2004)?* Let's *RETURN UNTO HIM(2005)* and *WALK IN THE LIGHT(2006)* and *HAVE YOU HEARD in 2007.*

So we started *LIVING A HOLY LIFE(2008)* as *VESSELS UNTO HONOUR(2009)* and began to *WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT(2010)*, i told my family and friends that *WE ARE GODS WORKMANSHIP(2011)* and *FELLOW WORKERS OF THE TRUTH(2012)* not minding our different denominations and I also told them how I *WANTED TO KNOW CHRIST(2013)* and *PREACH THE WORD(2014)* which got me *PERSUADED (2015)* to *STAND IN THE GAP (2016)* for *A GENERATION WITHOUT GOD (2017)* and I will derive *JOY IN SUFFERING (2018),* then *I WILL DO A NEW THING* (2019) because it's *NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT (2020)*, that is the *CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY(2021)*. I will see Him *COMING WITH THE CLOUD* (2022), but I must *OCCUPY TILL HE COMES* (2023) for this *VISION IS YET FOR AN APPOINTED TIME* (2024), and *YOU WILL SEEK HIM AND YOU WILL FIND HIM* (2025), therefore *KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING* (2026)
‎
‎Remain blessed this year. 🎉🎉