By HOSEA NYAMLONG
Pastor Paul Jika of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Local Church Council (LCC), Mazah 1, Jos North Local Government Area, has urged believers to adopt thanksgiving as a daily lifestyle.
This charge was given during a special thanksgiving service held last Sunday at COCIN LCC Mazah under the COCIN Regional Church Council (RCC), Jos.
The service was organised in honour of Mr. Sati Gimba, a staff of the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), publishers of THE NIGERIA STANDARD Newspapers.
Taking his text from Luke 17:11-19, Pastor Jika spoke on the theme, ‘Giving thanks to God in all circumstances’.
He pointed out that gratitude unlocked divine blessings.
He retold the biblical account of the ten lepers, noting that while all were healed, only the Samaritan returned to praise Jesus, declaring, “You are the Messiah.”
Jika stressed that Jesus called His followers to always be grateful.
He urged worshippers to reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the year and beyond.
In his personal testimony, Mr. Gimba recounted his recent illness and surgery.
He thanked God for sparing his life when many others did not survive similar procedures.
He expressed gratitude for God’s grace from 2001 to the present.
He also prayed for the swift healing of the sick.
Mr. Chris Gyang, General Manager of PPC, was represented by Mr. Lenkat Yusuf, Director of Technical Services.
The General Manager lauded Gimba’s hard work and dedication.
He encouraged him to keep looking to God as the “perfecter and finisher of our faith.”
Goodwill messages were delivered by Mai Angwan Ugur Nagohom, Mr. Bulus Bala and Pius Gimba, representing Gimba’s family.
They thanked the congregation and prayed for continued protection and healing for the celebrant and his family.
The programme featured song ministrations from the church choir, women’s fellowship and men’s fellowship.
A reception was later held at the Gimba residence, where guests enjoyed fellowship and refreshments.