Lead Apostle Nwogu during the thanksgiving service in the Abuja central church
20 October 2021

In Nigeria, thanksgiving service is celebrated on the first Sunday of October each year. For the 2021 Thanksgiving day, almost all the congregations took part in the thanksgiving service and the celebration was great.

In most congregations, the text word was from Genesis 2: 3 “Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all the work which God had created and made.”

Our brethren were reminded that
In most countries, there are various seasons:  hot, cold, rainy, dry, and a combination of all.   Each season contributes to the creation and what we can yield from it.

We are supplied, nourished and sustained by it

In our lives, we also experience times and seasons; good and evil times, most times we faced with adversities like the present deadly covid -19 pandemic.
However, this should not make us forget God’s care, love, grace and blessings; for we know that all things worked together for good to those who love the Lord.
More so, God is able to make all grace abound toward us, that we may always have all sufficiency in all things (2Corrithians 9:8)
For these and more, we are to show our sincere gratitude.
The feast of Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the goodness and grace of God.

God, the Father, who faithfully watches over His creation:
God, the Son, whose sacrifice and resurrection give us access to His kingdom;
God, the Holy Spirit, who made us a new creation in Christ and sanctifies us for eternal fellowship with God.
It is also important for us to take time and reflect on the great deeds of God upon our lives, families and our neighbours.
More importantly, let's thank Him for granting us the strength to work and blesses our work not forgetting His comfort of the Spirit in our hour of despair.
There are many ways to express our thankfulness.
Our expression should not merely be in words but also in deeds.

Create time for the Lord!
During this pandemic, some find themselves with a little extra time while others are overwhelmed, trying to balance the chaos in their lives.
It is important for us to carve out time for reflection, prayer, and divine services.
Setting limits on our work, obligations, and even recreation is advised.
The story of Mary and Martha demonstrates that choosing “the good part” (Luke 10: 38-42) is the direction we should take.
This means seeking our connection with the triune God, pursuing our personal sanctification, and occupying ourselves with the word and sacraments.
In this way, we express our praises and thanks.

Respect the Creation
We are to treat the creation with love and wisdom.
Today, the great debate around the globe is on environment, climate change and the exploitation of our natural resources.
Laws and strategies are put into place to protect the creation.
It is important for us to do our part and help secure the future for our children and generations unborn.
We owe all people the same respect regardless of their origin, religion, language or social status.  We endeavor to treat others as we wished to be treated (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:37).  We are committed to the values of the gospel of love, tolerance, forgiveness and the rejection of violence and injustice.

Work, offerings and sacrifice
As New Apostolic faithful, this concept is not alien to us.
From the very beginning and throughout biblical history, the call to work is present.
Servitude is not out of obligation but of thankful heart.
We desire to contribute, to serve, to work, to offer, and to bring our sacrifices by way of our gifts, talent and resources.
This is the direct result of recognizing God’s grace, blessings, care and love which we reciprocate.