Cleric urges Christians to always show gratitude to God

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

An Anglican Cleric,Ven. Silas Ike, of St. Stephen’s Parish Agulu ,Diocese of Awka, has called on christians to always show gratitude to God whenever they receive special blessings and at all times.

Ven.Ike made the call on Sunday at St.Stephen’s Parish Agulu , Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, during a special thanks-giving church service by Mrs Ngozi Ofoedu for all the challenges that confronted her which she survived.

The cleric in his homily reminded people about the story of the ten lepers in the Holy Bible who were healed by Jesus Christ but only one healed leper came back to thank Him and Jesus asked the lerper that came back for thanks-giving,”Are you not 10 lepers that were healed, Where are the nine others?”.

According to Ven.Ike, the bible recorded that more blessings were added to him that returned for thanks-giving.

He stressed that it is a form of worship when people pay homage to God through thanks-giving for appreciation and urged faithful to emulate Ofoedu”s attitude.

“Ofoedu who resides in the United States of America, has done well for her to come home to thank God for all challenges she survived, is good you came home for this thanks-giving of healing , good life and great care you enjoyed.

“You have a good father because he ran to this altar and presented you to God during your health challenges.

“Today you have returned to thank God, you did well, some may decide to celebrate in USA but you came home” he said.

Chief Silas Ejide, the father of the Nigerian former Eagles’ Goal keeper, Austin Ejide and Ngozi Ofoedu, said that God wiped out bitter tears from his face and he is grateful to God.

According to him, thanks-giving is like sacrifice to one’s God for continued mercy and grace, so we have shown appreciation to Almighty for more protection.

“I could have been more pained in life at 86 years if my first child has missed in my hands, I am so grateful to God for her life,” Ejide said.

Mr Edumud Ewulu, Ngozi Ofoedu’s maternal uncle, said that God wiped away bitter tears from his eyes as such he owns all thanks to God.

Mrs Ngozi Ofoedu in his remark said that the thanks- giving was to return thanks to God for saving her life from illness and spared her life as a second chance to be with her family, relatives and friends.

“Words cannot express my gratitude to God for the privilege to offer this thanks-giving unto Him today. I am so happy to have all these people, my father, siblings, extended relatives and friends by my side, I feel flattered”.

“My husband, Mr Vincent Ofoedu, is a great asset in my life, I appreciate him so much and my children for their care and encouragement during my time of challenges, I ask for a long and healthier life to celebrate God more,

” I appreciate my children for their care and encouragement during my time of challenges, I ask for a long and healthier life to celebrate God more”,she said