Christians have been urged to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude to God Almighty, with clerics describing thanksgiving as a powerful spiritual covenant that unlocks divine blessings.
This charge was given by Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Angela Faraday Iwuchukwu of the Redeemed Brethren Ministries, Port Harcourt, while delivering a sermon at the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Great Light of Life Ambassadors on a Mission (GLOLAM) Ministries, held at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Rev. Iwuchukwu described thanksgiving as a core covenant between God and humanity, noting that God delights in gratitude whenever He extends grace and mercy. She outlined the benefits of thanksgiving to include a stronger relationship with God, the unlocking of fresh blessings and breakthroughs, and renewed strength to overcome life’s challenges.
She explained that thanksgiving is not limited to material offerings such as farm produce, cash or hampers brought to church, but also includes acts of kindness and goodwill extended to others.
“Small outreach gestures, kindness to neighbours, sharing leftover food or even giving out old clothes all amount to thanksgiving unto God,” she said.
The cleric further urged believers to consciously reflect on God’s goodness in their lives, stressing that even the gift of sleeping and waking up daily is worthy of thanksgiving. Quoting extensively from the Bible, she emphasized that God has good plans for everyone, achievable through patience, hard work, consistency and total reliance on Him.
Highlights of the event included thanksgiving presentations by various Light of Life family units, the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Team Lead and Superintendent Apostle General, Eze (Prof.) Samuel Ugochuku Onyeka (JP), as well as musical renditions by the Selected Voices of Opobo (SVO).
In his remarks, the Global Team Lead, Apostle General Onyeka, said the thanksgiving celebration was inspired by Leviticus 19:9, which underscores generosity and care for the vulnerable. He noted that GLOLAM is committed to raising future “Esthers” and “Josephs” who will dream, interpret vision and lead generations towards Nigeria’s centenary in 2060 and beyond.
Quoting John 8:12, he stated that the young Light Ambassadors would embody the Light of Life, manifest the fruits of the Spirit and uphold the Body of Christ on earth.
The programme also featured goodwill messages and testimonials from several clerics, including Senior Superintendent Apostle Professor Stanley Dimkpa, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State chapter. Apostle Dimkpa commended the dedication of the GLOLAM leadership, while expressing concern that corruption and crime persist in the state despite its predominantly Christian population, particularly among politicians who claim to serve the people.
