(BY NGOZI ADIGHIBE)

God is the ultimate giver, because He gave the world the best gift, in the person of His son, Jesus Christ.

The Ven. Ifeanyi Akunna gave this submission in his sermon at the annual harvest thanksgiving service of the Chapel of the Advent, Primate’s office in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. The Guest preacher explained that a cheerful giver, gives with the whole of his or her heart. Quoting from the scriptures, he described giving as an expression of love, an act of worship, a spiritual principle, and an expression of gratitude to God. He opined that giving is not stereotyped, but dynamic, explaining that people must learn to upgrade their giving and give generously to God. Ven. Akunna emphasized that giving must always be done out of love and that the best gift that one can give God is his or her heart, because according to him, God must accept a person first before He can accept their gift.

In an interview after the service, Ven. Akunna pointed out that it is best to invest in God because only what is done for Christ has eternal value. On the state of the nation, he advised all to trust in God for help and solution. Also, the Chairman for this year’s harvest committee, the Ven. Ephraim Akanya described the harvest as an avenue to express thanks to God for his leading and enablement all through the year.

High points of the service included the offering and thanksgiving by representatives from all the Churches in the Diocese of Abuja Anglican Communion, ably led by the Chapel praise team, the cutting of the harvest cake and donations in support of the work of God. The service was brought to a close with the vote of thanks by the Chaplain of the Chapel, the Rev. Canon Kingsley Obuh and the Chairman of this year’s harvest committee, the Ven. Ephraim Akanya.

It was indeed a refreshing time in God’s presence as all gave, sang and danced in gratitude to God for His wondrous works.