Rev. Basara Yohana
Resident pastor
Our Story
Our History
From a mustard seed to a movement — the story of faith that brought us here, and the leaders God has used along the way.
Chapter 01
Our Roots: The Sudan United Mission (1904)
The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) traces its origins to 8th October 1904, when four pioneer missionaries of the Sudan United Mission — Dr. Herman Karl Wilhelm Kumm, Dr. Ambrose H. Bateman, Mr. John G. Burt, and Mr. J. Lowry Maxwell — arrived at Wase, in present-day Plateau State, to carry the gospel, education, and healthcare into the region.
Chapter 02
From Mission Station to Indigenous Church (1907 – 1977)
What began as a single station in Wase spread to Langtang, Panyam, and Foron by 1907, and further to Kabwir and Boi by 1910. In 1948, the Sudan United Mission granted the Nigerian church the freedom to govern her own affairs, and on 1st January 1977 the church took the name Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) — later Church of Christ in Nations, reflecting her growing international reach.
Chapter 03
COCIN Today
COCIN now stands as the oldest Protestant denomination in Northern Nigeria, with well over 8 million members across roughly 2,000 congregations, and a presence extending to the United Kingdom, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. COCIN LCC Lyoh-Rak (Faith Center) is proud to stand within this legacy, carrying the same gospel mandate forward in our own community.
Chapter 04
COCIN Lyoh-Rak
The story of COCIN Lyoh-Rak began with a vision as far back as 2008, credited to the late Tiyata Bugama Gokir. Between 2006 and 2010, the settlement of Lyoh-Rak grew rapidly, drawing a growing number of COCIN members among its residents. Recognizing this, Bugama went from house to house, consulting and enlightening members within the community about the possibility of establishing a church of their own. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with about 40 families expressing interest. In 2009, a general meeting was called for all COCIN families in the area, and by mid-2010, a formal letter was sent to the Executive Council Members and the Regional Church Council (RCC), then chaired by Rev. John Dayiru, requesting the establishment of a COCIN branch. While the community awaited a response, delays arose due to long travel distances, the risks of crossing busy highways, and the lack of nearby worship centers — challenges that discouraged many families from consistent participation. Determined not to lose momentum, the believers came together for a combined home fellowship on November 25, 2011, at the residence of Mr. Nathaniel Ardel, with 25 people in attendance. This gathering continued intermittently as members balanced their commitments to other churches. Under the leadership of Pastor Zi Samuel Pam, three prayer houses were mapped out across Lo-Daru, Lyoh-Tah, and Lyo-Rak, extending the church's outreach to the Tal people. The congregation later found temporary shelter at an Incubation Center conference hall, made available through Mr. Kefas Dashe. Services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sunday Adams on May 19 and 26, 2013, and on June 2, 2013, a mutual agreement was reached — the church was formally recognized by the COCIN Lyoh Council of Elders, pending approval from the RCC. Sunday Adams, Victoria Mashingil, and Elder Daniel Dalyop Badung stood among the church's founding members. Growth followed steadily. By June 9, 2013, attendance had risen with new members joining the fold. Under the guidance of Rev. Patrick Kwarbak, land was handed over to the church on June 21, 2015, and plans were set in motion to construct a temporary structure to support weekly activities. On July 5, 2015, the congregation held its first service on the permanent site — a defining milestone in the church's journey. As the fellowship grew, so did the need for structure. On September 6, 2015, a five-man committee was nominated to oversee the church's affairs: Stephen Ndareng (Secretary), Sunday Adams (Assistant Secretary), Amos Gukwat (Financial Secretary), Rahila Felix (Treasurer), and Mwanret Timothy (Welfare Officer). Then came the moment the congregation had long prayed for. On March 13, 2016, Rev. Elisha Pam, leading Pastor of COCIN LCC Bukuru, paid the church a surprise visit to deliver joyful news: the church's inauguration had been formally approved. The announcement was met with celebration and dancing, and by that March, the church's population had grown to between 115 and 160 members. Today, COCIN Lyoh-Rak stands as a thriving community of faith with an active Women's Fellowship, Youth Fellowship, Choir, Men's Fellowship, and a Band ministry still taking shape. The church has grown to about 90 communicant members, with the capacity to serve over 300, drawing residents from five Local Church Councils: Lyoh, Bukuru Gyel, Bwandang, Fwagul, and Gura Landoh. From humble home fellowships to a growing house of worship, COCIN Lyoh-Rak's story is one of faith, perseverance, and community — and it continues to unfold.
Those Who Came Before
Past Leaders
With gratitude, we honor the pastors and leaders God has used to shepherd this church family over the years.
Rev Peter Amos Kumu
Resident pastor
Rev PD Pwajok
Resident pastor