Alphonsus Nweze
Christians have been urged to cultivate the habit of thanksgiving to God as a way of showing appreciation to God for his grace and mercy to humanity.
The priest in charge of Fountain Of Life Anglican Church, New Haven Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Rev. Ossy Oguaka, admonished the people of God that thanksgiving is the act of appreciation to God which he said attract more blessings
Oguaka, in his brief homily which he delivered to mark the 2022 Harvest/ Thanksgiving Service tagged ” Harvest of Gratitude”reminded the people of christians that it is imperative for them to imbibe the spirit of thanksgiving and always appreciate God in all He has done and what He would do.
The cleric quoted the gospel of St. Luke chapter 17:11-19, explaining that only one out of ten leprosy patients healed by Jesus Christ went back to thank Him, but Jesus asked “where are the remaining nine”, pointing out that the question Jesus Christ asked the leper showed how Jesus Christ values appreciation.
The cleric emphasised on the vital aspect of expressing appreciation to God and our fellow human beings anytime we obtain favour from them.
“Remember, today is our thanksgiving to God for all He has done to us in this Church and what He would do for us in future. God loves appreciation and that’s why Bible says ‘It is better to give than to receive’. God is not trickish. He owes nobody but always share rewards. He doesn’t fail to complete His promises. You all are wonderful people of God who will help me to do exploit in this Church” said the cleric.
Fielding questions from newsmen, Rev. Oguaka expressed gratitude to God, saying that he was impressed for the success of the Harvest/ tTanksgiving and Bazaar organised in his Church.
He said that he had only spent two months in the parish, hinting that the parishioners really impressed him and extended hands of fellowship and readiness to workwith me.
“Well, I really thanked God and the Bazaar committee, the entire membership of the church for making the event a successful one. It shows the spirit of oneness and mutual cooperation. I also thanked the Catholic worshippers who attended the event. Their presence as well proved good relationship existing between Anglicans and Catholics in the area. And that’s what it should be. Let’s People learn how to live in harmony irrespective of religions diversity.”
He continued, “I will advise my parishioners to endeavour to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) for this forthcoming election and vote for the rightful candidate that could make Nigeria a better country.”
Also speaking, the priest in charge of New Generation Anglican Church New Haven Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Rev. Paul Ezeabata praised Fountain Of Life Church members for transforming their parish, stating that their Church is less than three years old and they have acquired land.
A visiting priest from Obosi Archdeaconry, Venerable Ikechukwu Timothy Umeh, urged the parishioners to continue doing exploit in the God’s vein yard and God would continue to bless them.
Similarly, the Chairman of 2022 Harvest, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuemeka, said he was excited for the privilege God gave him to witness this years Bazaar, praying God to as well grant him another privilege to witness 2023 own.
He disclosed that the benefit of general harvest bazaar is a means which he said Church members generate revenue that would enable them to undertake expenditures and carry out projects in the Church.
He extolled Rev. Oguaka in a special way and said he was the brain behind the huge success of the Harvest/Thanksgiving and Bazaar.
“Our Harvest/ Thanksgiving and Bazaar this year is more unique than the previous years. Our Reverend came few months ago but he performed tremendously. He made the bazaar to be special and colourful. Infact, he tried. We are delighted to have him and he will remain with us. Actually, he has proved that he would take our parish to the next level and we will support him” he said.
Other members of 2022 Harvest/Thanksgiving Committee were; Mr. Uche Okafor, Mr. Chuka Okonkwo-Secretary, Sir. Chigozie Ubakwelu, Mr. Josiah Uche – pastors
