Resolving Conflict

 Humans and conflict have co-existed since time immemorial. Ever since the creation of man, his contrasting interests and impulsive desires have taken the better of him. Therefore, conflict can be considered an inevitable concept in the human race; perhaps until God's kingdom arrives. The Bible, as one of the oldest books in existence, has recorded a couple of instances of conflict, including the infamous tussle between brothers: Jacob and Esau. 

However, when the term conflict comes to mind, it connotes different things to different people. Some define it as a disagreement or argument between two or more people about a situation, with these disagreements often enduring for a long time. Whereas, others define it as a clash between individuals arising from a difference in thought process, attitude, understanding, interests, requirements, and perceptions. A conflict results in a heated argument which leads to physical abuse, war and in worse cases, loss of life. 

Anger, although being beneficial as well as treacherous, is one of the causes of conflicts. This has done more harm than good in the world we live in today, which is why the Bible describes an angry person as foolish and a person who stirs up strife. Anger has caused jealousy and fueled enmity among those who should coexist.

In 1John 5vs19, the Bible describes Satan, the devil, as the controller of the world. He’s come to steal, kill, and destroy the peace on earth; the devil himself fuels earthly crisis. It is said that “He that preaches war is the devil’s chaplain”. It is of fact that we are living in a period foretold by the Bible as the last days, marked by wars, natural disasters, food shortages, and pestilences. This proves that conflict will be around for some time.

The situation crisis in Russia and Ukraine today is an example of how abominable conflict can be. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis as civilians flee for their lives. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) declared the crisis to be at the highest level of emergency the day after the invasion. More than two million refugees have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries in just 12 days, with another million displaced within the country.

Given the premise, we can see that conflict usually if not always, has a negative outcome on both sides. But Jesus taught his disciples how to handle or resolve conflict during His time of ministry on earth. These teachings apply to Christians today because they will help us be at peace with all men, as the Bible states. Before coming to worship his Father, Jehovah, Jesus taught his disciples to reconcile with their fellow Christians (neighbors) with whom they hold grudges. You can ask yourself, with whom do I have a strained relationship? Will God accept my worship to him right now? Remember that Jesus is emphatically clear that we must first be on good terms with our fellow Christians whom we can see before giving our worship to His Father whom we cannot see. By so doing, we will experience peace and harmony among ourselves.

"Pray without ceasing", Jesus instructed his followers. Christians must pray to Jehovah whenever they are in a conflicting situation. This will guide them in resolving issues; listening intently, thinking before speaking, and apologizing when appropriate.

Before involving a third party, Jesus taught his disciples to try their hardest to resolve conflicts among themselves. In a case uncontrollable, a third party can be involved (such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis); this third party should not be partial but should carry God’s presence and carry out God's will.

Ultimately, all Children of God should always remember, and live by what is written in James 1vs19-22 which says "Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that can save you. However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning".

Written by Adunkpe Mercy

Edited by Olujobi Bethel

Communication: key to a firm relationship.

 The essence of communication is recognized by our God, the creator of all things with life. This He demonstrates by making His Word, The Bible available to us today. It is written in The Bible that Jehovah practised communication when he said "let there be light" at the beginning of creation. Communication is the driving force behind human growth, development, and building a firm relationship with God, and our fellow man. However, the Bible illustrates that communication is more than just the ability to speak; it also includes the ability to listen.

The ability to accurately receive and analyze messages in the communication process is referred to as listening. Effective communication necessitates the ability to listen. Messages are readily misunderstood if not listened to well. That is why, in a few of His sermons, Jesus Christ encourages his disciples to listen more than they speak; this also applies to Christians in the present age (mankind in general). Jesus not only teaches us to listen, but he also practised it. During the death of Lazarus, Jesus listened to Martha and Mary's grief, which is why He was able to feel their pain, weep with them, and step into their situation. His Father, Jehovah God also listens to us through our earnest petitions/prayers.

James 3vs5 says "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. For these reasons, the inspired Word of God, The Bible, encourages everyone, especially Christians, to think before speaking, to show respect while speaking, and most importantly, to speak with grace as if seasoned with salt. Not only will this attract others, but it will also attract God, and His Son, Jesus to us.

Now, what does it mean to speak with grace as if seasoned with salt? The Bible provides a practical answer to this question; speaking with grace, as if seasoned with salt (remember that salt preserves, cleans, enhances flavour, and purifies) denotes firstly, practice encouragement, showing honour, listening carefully, speaking truthfully, and recognizing responsibilities.

God's infallible Word, The Bible was written to bring us closer to the Creator and his Son, Jesus, as well as to comfort, give hope and encourage us. For this reason, mankind is expected to emulate such qualities. We are instructed to encourage our fellow Christians through the words we use because words are like arrows that can't be called back once they've been released. When we communicate with encouraging words, we indicate that we care, and we want to assist them to make good decisions.

Showing honour in communicating with people shows respect, and also draws respect to you. Most importantly, it encourages people in paying attention to what is being said. In the Scriptures, Jesus Christ recognizes the presence of little children, and even when his disciples dismissed them, He urged them to welcome them in kindness. This demonstrates Jesus' respect and love for children

We live in an era where everyone wants to be heard, wants to discuss anything and everything. People's thoughts have been muddled by the "I first" mentality, but the Bible teaches us to listen more than we speak to get proper information. We can learn from Noah's example in the Bible; he followed all of the directions for building the Ark precisely, and as a result, he and his family were saved from the 40 days and nights of the flood. We can also save ourselves and others from the storms and trivialities of this world if we follow such an example of listening well while communicating with our fellow Christians, and neighbours.

Speaking truthfully is another key aspect of communication. Satan, the Devil, is described as a liar and a deceiver, and all who indulge in his vile acts are associated with him. Therefore, we are all encouraged to speak truthfully to one another putting away any malicious behaviour. Doing so will allow us to be recognized as God's sons and daughters. In the Bible, Ananias and Sapphira sold their farm to aid early Christians, but they kept a portion of the money hidden. They lied to Peter, but Peter made it clear that they didn't speak falsely to just him but God himself. What were the ramifications of their decision? Jehovah struck both Ananias and Sapphira to death for lying to the Holy Spirit. It is critical, therefore, that we are truthful to both God and man.

Recognizing responsibility is an ideal aspect of effective communication. Taking responsibility for our actions not playing play the blame game demonstrates maturity and earns respect from others. The narrative of the good Samaritan is told in Luke 10:30-37, and it tells us that we are accountable for how we treat others.

Ultimately, the words we speak are a reflection of our feelings; for the mouth speaks from the wealth of the heart (Matthew 12:34). As a result, fill your heart with God's word. We must also control our tongue for the Bible says in James 3:8(NIV) "But I say to you, every idle word men may speak will be held accountable on the day of judgment, Jesus remarked. For it is by your words that you will be justified, and it is through your words that you will be condemned."

Written by Adunkpe Mercy 

Edited by Olujobi Bethel.

"Jossites are going to miss an icon", said Comrade Jango.

Senior comrade Jango who's birth name is Jonathan Ayodeji Ogboffa has finally graduated from University of Jos.

He gained admission into the department of History Education 5 years ago but has been in the school community for the past 8 years, which is contrary to the assumption that he has spent more than a decade in the institution. 

Jango who is a popular figure amongst the student because he was said to be a fixer who helped new and old students with registration, accommodation issues, political affairs and other challenge disclosed in an interview that after his deploma he seeked and got admission into the school with the help of comrade Flex Attah aka Aluta  Oracle and Nansa Dashi. 

   He also added that but for Corona Virus he would have been a graduate before now; regardless he is happy graduating now.

Going further, he thanked God for his parent who he mentioned are very happy for him and also thanked Jossites who did not hesitate to celebrate him. In his words, "thank you all jossite who took time to celebrate me and I'm sure you all are going to miss an Icon".

When asked the next step after graduation, he stated that, "i am coming back for masters here because UJ is my home and i look forward to working here".

Photo credit: facebook

By line: Adunkpe Mercy.

AMCOMS decides: Tension and anxiety glums electorates. (photo news 2).

ELCOM officials casting their votes.

Counting process.

ELCOM chairman assemble AMCOMSITE for official announcement of the election results.

Generous Dabian emerge as Welfare secretary.

Patrick logogot emerge as President.

Photo credit:

  Sewuese Naze

300level Mass Communication Students first-ever Academic Excursion. (photo news 3)

Students moving to the FINISHING room.

finishing room as explained is the last stage of publishing it is where the binding, stitching, sewing take place.

Laminating machine.

Glueing machine 

This mark the end of the tour as some students were seen trekking while others entering keke back to their various destination 

Photo credit:

 ADUNKPE Mercy.

300level mass communication students first ever Academic excursion. (photo news 2)

Batch 2 waiting patiently  to be toured round the building.

The student were shown the first printing machine used by FAB in 1977. It was quite difficult as it was done manually and it was time consuming.

A staff illustration some basic concept about the kind of papers used and how such papers can be differentiated and how the use of column are important in newspapers.

The students were moved to the COMPUTER room where every production starts. It where all designs are created with the use of corel draw as their major editing software programme.

After which the students where taken to the  DARK room, it is a second stage of production.

As explained by the staff "darkroom is used to process photography to make prints and to carryout other associated tasks. It is a room that can be made completely dark to allow the processing of the light-sensitive photographic materials and film".

LITHOGRAPHY room: Litography as explained is a printing process that uses a flat stone or metal plate on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance so that the ink will adherd to them by, while the non image areas are msds ink repellent.

Other machines that are use in this section.

In as much as students where all getting tried it was quite interesting to be in the PRINTING room.

The printing room has quite a number of machines that are use for different functions, one of such machine is the four coloured printing machine that print in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. (It first print in cyan and black before magenta and yellow).

A roland maged machine use for printing large material and coloured publications. 

with the polar-mohr machine you can cut and trim the edges or excess of a publication.

Photo credit:

  ADUNKPE Mercy.

300level mass communication students first ever Academic excursion (photo news 1)

 

A visit to FAB ANIEH printing house 

Waiting  to be addressed 

Organisers/ course lectures

Batch one (1) were ushered in.

Others refreshing themselves as they await their turn.

Finally batch one (1) coming out.

Photo credit:

   Adunkpe Mercy.