The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, has urged Christians to consistently cultivate the habit of thanksgiving, noting that gratitude to God opens the door for greater blessings.
Dr Ali Aba made the call while preaching at a family thanksgiving service organised by a former lawmaker who represented Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo, held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the Methodist Prelate, thanksgiving paves the way for more divine help, stressing that believers should thank God at every stage of their life, regardless of circumstances.
He said life comes in phases, and whatever phase one finds himself, he should learn to thank God, stressing thanksgiving attracts more help from God.
In his homily, the Prelate emphasized the spiritual importance of gratitude, drawing reference from the biblical account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ.
He noted that only one returned to give thanks, which paved the way for his complete wholeness.
Quoting Christ’s words, “Stand up and go your way, your faith has made you whole”, Dr Ali Aba explained that thanksgiving brings completeness and restoration, and urged Christians to imbibe the habit of saying thank you in every situation of life. He added that life has different grades, and at whatever grade one finds oneself, God deserved to be given thanks.
The Prelate equally commended the Onuigbo’s family for their decision to return thanks to God, describing it as a reflection of humility and faith.
Speaking at the service, Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo recounted his journey in public service and the reasons behind the family’s thanksgiving. He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout their life and career.
According to him, God has been faithful to his family. “We have come to prostrate before God. My wife retired this year as a Director in a Federal Ministry, and after representing my people for eight years in the House of Representatives, I was appointed as a Board Member of the North East Development Commission, representing the South East. All these are acts of God’s mercy, and we have come to thank Him”.
He further announced the family’s decision to rebuild and reconstruct St. Paul’s Methodist Church as part of their continued service to God.
Meanwhile, the service attracted several prominent personalities from within and outside Abia State, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd), the Chief Executive Officer, Harmony Foams, Chief Henry Ikoh, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonna, as well as clergymen, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers.
