It was a celebration of gratitude, faith, and reflection as worshippers gathered at the Refreshing Word Christian Centre, Kubwa, for the church’s mid-year Thanksgiving service. The atmosphere was charged with praise, worship, and heartfelt testimonies of God’s faithfulness during the first half of the year.
Delivering the sermon titled “Be Ye Thankful,” Pastor Boniface Onwuanaku reminded the congregation of the importance of maintaining a thankful heart regardless of life’s circumstances.
Taking his text from John 6:8-9, Pastor Onwuanaku emphasized that many people often overlook the numerous blessings they have received because they are too focused on what is yet to happen.
“We easily forget the little things God has done and focus only on what He is yet to do. If you cannot see and appreciate the small progress, you may not be thankful when the big breakthrough comes,” he said.
The pastor admonished the church to cultivate a habit of recognizing and celebrating even the smallest victories. He highlighted that thanksgiving is not just a religious ritual but a powerful spiritual key that unlocks supernatural multiplication and divine intervention. 
Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:13, Psalm 107:1, and Philippians 4:6, Pastor Onwuanaku stressed that a heart of gratitude shifts attention away from problems and instead fosters joy, peace, and faith in God’s ability to do more.
“Complaining solves nothing, but praises have the power to change everything. Waking up each day is a miracle on its own, and it’s enough reason to thank God,” he noted.
He also emphasized that thanksgiving must be expressed not only with words but with one’s resources. Referring to Deuteronomy 6:5, he asked, “Can God access your substance? If God truly has your heart, He will have your resources too.”
Using the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand in John 6:1-13, Pastor Onwuanaku explained that giving thanks over the little in one’s hand can bring about supernatural increase.
“Thanksgiving provokes the miraculous. When you give thanks, God sustains you until the next supply arrives,” he declared.
He cited the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:12-19, stressing the importance of returning to give thanks, as only one of them did, and he received complete restoration.
The service, filled with vibrant praise, dancing, and testimonies, was a stirring reminder of the power of gratitude in the life of a believer.
Pastor Onwuanaku concluded with a charge: “Don’t wait until things are perfect before you thank God. True thanksgiving is proven when you can praise Him even in your low moments. That is when victory is certain.”
The service closed with a collective thanksgiving offering and prayers of dedication for the remaining half of the year.
LV