(BY NGOZI ADIGHIBE)

The Supervising Priest of Wuse Archdeaconry and Vicar of All Saint’s Church, Wuse, Abuja, Ven. Ernest Onuoha has termed it unfortunate that Christians today tend to focus more on woes such as the insecurity and scarcity in the land and the unemployment situation in the country, and lose focus of the goodness of the Lord. According to him, the more a person concentrates on the terrible things happening around, the more such a person loses sight of the mercies of the Lord.

Speaking at the 2019 Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Chapel of the Advent, Primate’s office, Ven. Onuoha emphasized that even in looming situations, one must give thanks to God, knowing that He is able to turn things around for one’s good. He said it is good to be thankful to God, because every good and perfect gift comes from Him; and for His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for mankind even when all were still sinners.

While addressing the theme for this year’s harvest, “The Thankful/Grateful Heart” got from the book of Psalms, the preacher explained that Christians must come before God with a thankful heart because it is a privilege to be in the presence of God; and therefore, one must not take it for granted or abuse it. He said the psalmist is reminding believers not to forget the benefits they receive from God, who supplies their needs, heals their diseases and redeems their lives from destruction. The cleric stressed the importance of being grateful to God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do; adding that worrying about things will only bring hypertension and not solution.

The Venerable Ernest Onuoha concluded his message with a charge to the congregation to express their thanks to God through giving to His church and the work of God. According to him, man needs to overcome the flesh to be able to give wholeheartedly to God; because when man focuses on the negative circumstances around him or his needs, he may not have the courage to give to God as he ought. He opined that instead of worrying, believers should through prayer and thanksgiving make their requests known to God, who is willing and able to supply their needs according to His riches in glory.

Highpoints of the Harvest Thanksgiving Service include the special song rendition by the Episcopal House Choir, cutting of the harvest cake and donations and thanksgiving offerings to God for His mercies and in support of the work of God in the chapel.

It was indeed a time of celebration as the staff of the Episcopal House ably led by the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, sang and danced to God as they gave their offerings, joined by the Clergy in the diocese and well-wishers.