(BY VEN. FOLUSO TAIWO)

Christians have been challenged to always give thanks to God and compose love songs of praise, appreciation and gratitude to Him for His love, grace, mercies, support and encouragement.

The Bishop of Kabba Anglican Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Kayode Akobe gave this challenge in his sermon preached at the Cathedral Church of the Advent marking the 70^th Birthday thanksgiving Service of Mrs. Bosede Olufumilayo Adeboye.

Bishop Akobe asked the celebrant to look back and count her blessings and she will have lots to thank God for, more than those who grew up with her who have unpleasant stories to tell. He said there is always something to thank God for; adding that if not for the grace and mercy of God, humanity would have been consumed. He said thanksgiving is a virtue people must give at all times.

The Cleric described Mama Adeboye as she is fondly called as a pleasant natured woman full of hospitality and high sense of humour, never a dull moment; adding that God is behind all that she has achieved so far, the unfailing love of God to her, that kept her young and is keeping her going fulfilling her purpose in life. He said grace has distinguished the birthday celebrant not money, adding that Grace also distinguished David an ordinary shepherd boy and Mary the mother of Jesus Christ was not the only Virgin, but the grace of God distinguished him. He added that thanksgiving is germane, because her husband is beside her and together they appreciate God in thanksgiving that tomorrow shall be well because according to the preacher, God’s work is still in progress, he has not done with her yet hence thanksgiving is appreciation and anticipation of the future.

Bishop Akobe reiterated that thanksgiving reverses adversity and brings mercy and completion and put challenges in perspective and transform the faith of believers and strengthen their lives. The Birthday and Thanksgiving Service was celebrated by the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Nicholas D. Okoh with Bishops, the Clergy and their wives, who is who and celebrities in Nigeria in attendance. It was a glorious Service.