Children on Thanksgiving Day, waiting for Apostle Odili at Ihinmwinrin congregation In Benin South District
11 October 2018

THANKSGIVING is a very important showing of gratitude to our Creator, Sustainer and Maker. On the 7th of October 2018, all New Apostolic members in Nigeria joined other faithful brethren around the world to celebrate Thanksgiving service for the year 2018.

In the south of Nigeria, Apostle Odili served at the Ihinmwinrin congregation in Benin South district using the text word from Psalm 136: 1, 25-26 (NKJV); ‘Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.’

In his message the Apostle told the brethren that God is a Creator. He created both the visible and invisible things in accordance with His desire and placed His creations into their various environments to serve His purpose for plants, animals, and human beings. In appreciation to God Almighty and Creator for His love, goodness, and faithfulness for us, we must make use of His creations responsibly to help ourselves in the present and for future generations.

He added that when we show gratitude and praise to God Almighty and Creator, we are acknowledging God's personality, grace, blessing, protection, sacrifice and also show humility. Thanksgiving honours God. He encouraged the congregation to always show gratitude and praise to God in all conditions of our lives here on earth.

In the west, Apostle Hagher served in the Ikeja Central Church Lagos using the text from Romans 1:20 (NKJV),  ‘For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse’

In his message the Apostle told the brethren to learn how to praise God the creator. He added that God created everything with Word. However, there are so many unpleasant happenings going on in the world such as earthquakes, droughts and diseases which are not of God but have come about because of sin through man.

In his conclusion, the Apostle encouraged all living beings to give praises to the Lord and in every situation we should give thanks to Him for He is good.