By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
The annual 2023 harvest thanksgiving of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Unenurhie, Evwreni Archedeaconry, Ughelli Diocese (Anglican Communion) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has come and gone with a call from the vicar, Rev. Canon A.E. Onoyasakpo to the indigenous members of the church especially those in the diaspora to stretch their hands of support to those in need at all times.
The thanksgiving service which was held on Sunday 26th November, 2023 at the church hall brought together sons and daughters of the community especially those in the diaspora in lovely reunion with those at home, while featuring different dancing troupes with different dancing styles, Bible readings, hymnal and lyrical presentations and preaching of the Word of God to the large congregation.
The thanksgiving service, which was under the full canonically control of the archdeacon of the newly inaugurated Evwreni Archedeaconry, Ven. G.O.C, Ujevwecha, was also supported by other senior clerics from other dioceses who are also indigenes of the Unenurhie community. They were Ven. and Mrs Charles Esegba from Western Izon Diocese and Rev. Dr and Mrs. Gentle Omo-Ohwo Imudje from Warri Diocese.
Addressing the congregation during sermon, the guest preacher, Evang. Victor Onokpasa told members of the church to generously give to God and humanity if they want economic breakthroughs in their lives. Speaking on the theme, ‘The Harvest of Multiple Blessings,’ the anointed man of God reminded the ‘Church of God’ that, givers never lack good things from the hands of God and also from men.
Evang. Onokpasa concluded his sermon with a prophetic declaration of financial explosion on the congregation.
After the service, the harvest thanksgiving was chaired by Ven. Charles Esegba, supported by eminent personalities within and outside the community.
The event began with the presentation of harvest items, like garri, bunches of plantain, tubers of yam, bags of rice and beans, soft drinks, palm oil, groundnut oil etc and cash gifts from various prayer groups in the church, families and individuals in such order.
Thereafter, the table was set for cash donations to support the church and the service of God. The chairman of this year’s harvest thanksgiving, Ven. Esegba opened the floor and pleaded with the members of the high table and others to donate, because “we are donating for God and not to the pastors.”
In his vote of thanks after all the donations, the vicar of the church, Rev. Canon Onoyasakpo who was highly elated over the attendance and the donations said, “On behalf of the the PCC and the Harvest Planning Committee, I want to graciously thank all of you for being here for us in this year’s harvest thanksgiving. All your financial contributions are well noted.
“Let me at this time thank our Archdeacon and his wife for finding time to celebrate with us. In the same way, I want to thank our amiable chairman and illustrious son of the soil, Ven. & Mrs. Charles Esegba for his huge contributions. I also thank Rev. Dr. & Mrs Gentle Imudje. Let me also thank these two young men, Captain Emonena Egbe and Mr. Alex Onome for what they gave to God. I will also like to thank our amiable president-general and his lovely wife, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Maison, and the Otota’Rode of Unenurhie community, Chief Engr. Frank Imudje. And to all of you sitting there, you are such lovable and peaceful people. I’m proud of you as my dear members. Time won’t allow me to mention all the names. May God richly bless all of you in Jesus name!”
