By Izunna Okafor


Christians have been urged to develop the habit of offering costly sacrifice to God, as one of the surest ways to appreciate Him for His good works and attract more blessings from Him.

The Vicar, St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Ebenator, Ven. Godson Ugochukwu made the call in his sermon at the recently-held 2021 General Harvest and Thanksgiving of the church.

Themed “Harvest of Costly Sacrifice”, the general harvest held at the St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Ebenator in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, which was also the venue for the 2021 synod of the Anglican Diocese of Amichi.

Citing Genesis 22:1-19, 1King 17:7-16, 1Chronicle 1:6; 2 Chronicle 7:2-5 and other passages, he highlighted Abraham, Solomon, the Zarephath woman, among other biblical characters who offered costly sacrifices to God and received beautiful rewards and greater divine blessings for doing so.

He reminded Christians of the certain things that are happening these days and the various ways God has graciously blessed them. He therefore challenged them, both the poor and the rich, to always reciprocate God's love and provoke Him to do more through their costly sacrifice, which could be offered either in terms of material things, or by way of service to God and humanity.

He said, “My dear brothers and sisters, God is calling on us this morning, to give sacrificial and costly offerings to Him, at least to appreciate Him for all He has done for us over the years and even also attract more blessings, open doors and divine security for ourselves and our loved ones. And if there is any better time to do this, it is now. How prepared are you?”

The Vicar, Ven. Ugochukwu also took time to laud some of the youths in the church, who dedicated their time and service towards the success of the harvest, including Lucky Ezeh, who was also the Secretary of the Harvest Planning Committee; Thankgod Akam, Benjamin Okoli, among others, urging fellow youths to emulate them and their ardency in the things of God.

The event featured harvest thanksgiving by the various groups in the church, general and special thanksgiving from various families, cutting of harvest cake, donations, as well as converting of the harvest items into cash, amidst cheers, fanfare and conviviality.

Earlier speaking, the curate, Rev. Paulinus Ndiukwu reminded the church members that harvest was also a kind of contest, after which best zone among the three major zones in the church will be given a trophy.

In his remarks, a member of the church, Mr. David Ndoeche, who described harvest as a period to appreciate God for His loving kindness upon mankind, also expressed his joy for being part of this year's harvest, and thanked God for the opportunity; even as he equally enjoined other parishioners living abroad to always think home, to identify with and support their home church and encourage their priests, rather than doing wonderful things in the abroad churches, with less concern for their home.

In their separate remarks, other parishioners, Chief Erastus Okoli (Ichie Ewegbaraku) and Mr. John Orumba testified of the overwhelming success of the general harvest, and expressed optimism that subsequent harvest will be more successful than the former.

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Harvest Planning Committee, Mr. Robert Nwanzor appreciated God for the success of this year's harvest, and also extolled the committee members, the priests, the youths and other member of church who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the event, and prayed God to bless and reward them abundantly in their various fields of endeavours.