The founder, Divine Faith Evangelical Mission, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area, Prophet Joseph Igbodo has during the annual harvest thanksgiving service of the church held recently stressed the need for clergymen and Christians to see harvest thanksgiving beyond just fund raising for the church.
In his words, “Harvest thanksgiving is specially designed to thank God in a special way for preserving our lives with our substance. So, it is not a fund raising service just like what many churches have turned it into. Christians should be allowed to give willingly during harvest thanksgiving, for this is what God wants. Because of the tasking nature, some pastors have made it to be, majority of Christians fail to attend harvest thanksgiving service for the shame of not measuring up to what others give as thanksgiving. This doctrine is unacceptable. Harvest Thanksgiving Day is a joyful day, hence every member of the church is expected to share in the joy of the celebration. Our gathering is to thank God for the life in us for it is utmost of our entire God giving gifts. Never measure your thanksgiving offering with others. You should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion”.
Prophet Igbodo speaking on the message titled, “Divine Key”, encouraged all present at the thanksgiving service to live a Christ-like life, which he noted as the requirement to receive God’s divine key that brings unmerited favours. He enjoined Christians to continue to have faith in God.
Some of the personalities present at the thanksgiving service include the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (Barr.) Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ashien, Bishop Triumph Osian, Deacon Agbolahor, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Ezenduka, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ezenduka, ASP Obodo, Pastor Michael Okwoms, Pastor Augustine Ikpebu, Pastor Friday Nzeh, Pastor Patrick Ojougboh, Pastor Osas Imas and others.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING IS NOT A MEANS OF FUND RAISING
Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (Barr.) Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume with Prophet Igbodo at the event