The Evangelical Church Winning All Gospel off Ashaka Gombe State, Nigeria has held its annual harvest and thanksgiving service celebrated with joy and gratitude as members came to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and blessings received throughout the year 2023
The harvest and thanksgiving giving which commenced on the December 8-10, brought together people of all ages to reflect on the abundance of the harvest season and express their appreciation for the blessings in their lives.
On Sunday morning, the pulpit was adorned with an array of seasonal produce, including beans, guinea corn, maize, groundnuts, fruits and sugarcanes harvested from local farms.
The Guest Speaker of the Programme who is the ECWA General Secretary ( GS) Reverend Ayuba Ashehe, urged members to give in response to what God has done for them.
Ashehe who spoke on topic “A thanksgiving that cost nothing ” drawn from the book of first chronicles chapter 21 verse 24 -30 quoted King David who said ” I will not sacrifice a burnt offering to the Lord that will cost me nothing,” challenged christians to give themselves first and then substance to God.
He said God will in turn bless them abundantly adding “Thanksgiving is to appreciate how much of gratitude to offer to God, therefore give a substantial offering.”
The ECWA Secretary said God has blessed them with life, spouses,children, good health hence the need to express their gratitude by giving joyfully and thankfully to Him.
Ashehe said, “although we cannot pay what God has been doing to us we ought to make personal and deliberate effort to honour God with their substance.
“God is the owner and giver of all we have and we cannot deny He has been good to us.so let us reflect and count our blessings one by one.There is joy and pleasure in giving to God.The Widow in the bible gave in her all to God and she was rewarded bountifully.”
The Minister in Charge of ECWA Gospel Off Ashaka Gombe Reverend Andrew Yusuf, had in a sermon on Friday urged members to honour the Lord with their wealth.
Yusuf who read from the book of Genesis Chapter 4 verse 1-4 and Proverbs 3 verse 7 dwelt on the story of Cain and Abel.
He said Cain gave part of the produce from his farm but not the best and God rejected but Abel gave the best of his animal to God and it was pleasing and acceptable .
The Minister in Charge titled the message ‘Choose to honour the Lord with the best of your substance’ said “Go down memory lane and think of all that God has done for you and you will see so many reasons to be thankful.”
Yusuf advised parents to be role models for their children to emulate so when they grow they will give honourably to the Lord adding that giving to God is not an option whether in recession or no recession.
“God knows about recession. it is a period of test just like the case of Abraham who was asked to offer his child and the boy who had two fish and five bread,” Yusuf added.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the service included prayers of gratitude, hymns of thanksgiving, and reflections on the significance of the harvest season.
Families and friends joined in the celebration, sharing stories of their experiences throughout the year and expressing their thanks for the abundance of food, resources, and opportunities.
Following the service, a festive atmosphere filled the air as members came together on sunday evening for a bountiful love feast.
The aroma of dishes filled the room as people enjoyed a delicious meal together, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of unity within members .
The Chairman of Harvest and Thanksgiving Committee Dr Samaila Buba, appreciated the church members for the support accorded to the committee members which he said led to the success of the program.
Buba appreciated the church leadership for the opportunity to serve the church in that respect and the committee members for giving him the needed support.
