Thanksgiving an act of appreciation, attracts blessings from God – Rev. Oguaka

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

Priest in charge of Fountain Of Life Anglican Church, Divine Grace  Archdeaconry New Haven Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA, Anambra State, Rev. Ossy Oguaka has admonished people of God to embrace thanksgiving as it is the gateway to Gods heart and Blessings.

Oguaka said this in a homily to mark 2022 Harvest/ thanksgiving Service tagged ” Harvest of Gratitude”. He reminded the people of God that,  it is imperative for them  to imbibe the spirit of thanksgiving and always appreciate God in all He has done and what He would do.

The cleric further cited the goospel of St. Luke chapter 17:11-19, explaining that one out of ten  leprosy patients healed  by Jesus Christ went back  to Him and thanked Him, but Jesus asked him, where is the remaining nine, pointing out that the question which Jesus Christ asked  the lepper depict  how Jesus Christ values  appreciation.

The eloquent cleric profoundly emphasised on the vital aspect of expressing appreciation to God and our fellow human beings anytime we obtain favour from them.

” Remember, today is our thanksgiving to God for all He has done to us in this Church and what He would do for us. God loves appreciation and that’s why  Bible says ” It is better to give than to receive”. God is not trickish. He owns nobody but always share rewards. He doesn’t fail to complete His promises. You all are wonderful people of God who helped me to do exploit in this Church” Said the cleric.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Rev. Oguaka expressed gratitude to God, saying that he was impressed for the success of the Harvest/ thanksgiving and Bazaar organised in his Church. He revealed that he only spent two  months pastoral work in the parish, hinting that the  parishioners really impressed him and extended hands of fellowship and read to work with me. 

” Well,  I really thanked God and the Bazaar committees for making the event a successful one. It shows   the  spirit of oneness and mutual cooperation. I also thanked the Catholic worshippers who attended the event. Their presence as well proved good relationship existing between Anglicans and Catholics in the area. And that’s what it should be. Lets People learn how to live in harmony irrespective of religions diverse.

I will  advise my parishioners to endeavour to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) for this forthcoming election and vote for the rightful candidate that could make Nigeria a better country”

Also speaking, the priest in charge of New Generation Anglican Church New Haven Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Rev. Paul Ezeabata praised Fountain Of Life Church members  for transforming their parish, stating that their Church is less than three years old and they have acquired land, even as a visiting priest from Obosi Archdeaconry, Venerable Ikechukwu Timothy Ume urged the parishioners to continue doing exploit in the God’s vein yard and God would continue to bless them. 

Similarly, the Chairman of  2022 Harvest Bazaar, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuemeka said he was excited for the privilege God gave him to witness this years Bazaar, praying God to as well grant him another privilege to witness 2023 own.

He disclosed that the benefit of general harvest bazaar is a means which he said Church members generate revenue that enable them to undertake expenditures and carry out projects in the Church. He extolled Rev. Oguaka in a special way and said he was the brain behind the huge success of the Harvest/ thanksgiving and Bazaar.

” Our Harvest/ thanksgiving and Bazaar this year is more unique than the previous years. Our Reverend priest came few months ago but he performed tremendously. He made the bazaar to be special and colourful. Infact, he tried. We are delighted to have him and he will remain with us. Actually, he has proved that he would take  our parish to the next level and we will support him” 

In their separate speeches, Catholic worshippers, Mr. Ifeanyi Umeagudosi, Chairman of New Haven Estate Nkwelle-Ezunaka and Chief Sir. Silas Ike, founder New Haven Estate Nkwelle-Ezunaka who spoke on behalf of others noted that their area is peaceful, describing Rev. Oguaka as a real Priest of Most High God which they said prompted them to grace the event.

They also said that Catholics and Anglicans are related and they don’t need to create division among themselves, adding that Fountain of Life Anglican Church Parish is their neighbour.

Other Bazaar committee members who testified that 2022 Bazaar was superb and commended the efforts of Rev. Oguaka includes; Mr. Uche Okafor-member, Mr. Chuka Okonkwo-Secretary, Sir. Chigozie Ubakwelu–member, Mr. Josiah Uche-pastors warden, Mrs. Azuka Uche and Mrs. Ogochukwu Chukwuemeka-members.