Worshippers of First Baptist Church Owerri were filled with joy as they sang and danced in thanksgiving to God for showing them His mercy, goodness, grace, as well as preserving them and strengthening the church despite their shortcomings.
Indeed, the 2021 annual harvest/thanksgiving which was tagged “A Harvest of Divine Transformation (A Call to Rebuild)”, saw the congregation jubilating in appreciation to God as they brought all kinds of valuable items including money before the alter of God.
In his sermon, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Owerri, Rev. John Chukwuneme Nnoje, PhD, told the congregation to continue to show profound gratitude to God for showing them His mercy, goodness, grace, as well as preserving their lives in spite of their sins and inconsistencies.
Dwelling his sermon on “Be Thankful”, the cleric reminded the congregation of the need to serve God with all their hearts in songs and dance while charging them on fervent prayers, goodness, steadfastness, righteousness and love for one another rather than troubling their hearts over frivolities and terror. “With God all things are possible. God’s grace abound, for He heals us, protects us, provides for us, strengthens us despite our sins”.
Stressing that “the biblical concept of transformation is what God does to bring about the desired change in yielded vessels (persons)”, Nnoje hinted that Divine transformation is the work of the blessed Trinity.
However, the Trinity can only bring transformation on what is presented, yielded unto Him (Romans 12:1-2). We are thankful to God on behalf of those vessels who yielded their lives unto God and whom God has transformed their lives for greater glory this year”.
Remarking that the 2021 “harvest is unique because it is a clarion call to rebuild the house of the Lord; a remodeling of the current church building and facilities”, the Pastor maintained that the “project is expected to cost sixty million naira”.
Appreciating the congregation for their commitment and contributions to the growth of the church and the society, the harvest committee chairman, Hon. Moses Uvie-Odeghe, called on them to continue to work and invest in the Vineyard of God to gain more blessings”.
