By Divine Sam
The Assemblies of God Church, Oluyole Extension, Olusoji in Ibadan, Oyo State, was filled with joy and reverence as members gathered for their 2025 end-of-year Thanksgiving service. The atmosphere radiated unity and heartfelt gratitude as families, departments, and individuals came together to appreciate God’s unfailing love, protection, and provision throughout the year.
The event had in attendance the immediate past District Superintendent of the Oyo District, Rev. Amos Folarin, the Sectional Leader, Rev. Ephraim Ernest, and other ministers of the Gospel, who joined the congregation in offering praises to God.
In her opening remarks, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee for the 2025 Thanksgiving, Barr. Folasade Alabeniyi, expressed profound appreciation to God for His consistent faithfulness toward the church and its members. She emphasized that giving thanks is not just a tradition but a spiritual obligation.
“It would be an act of ingratitude if we fail to thank God for His generosity His protection, blessings, and provisions from January to December,” she said.
“Today has been set aside for all of us to return with our harvest of thanksgiving in appreciation for God’s multiple blessings.”
Barr. Folasade encouraged every member and guest to seize the opportunity to give sincere thanks, noting that gratitude opens doors to even greater divine intervention.
During his short exhortation, the Sectional Leader, Rev. Ephraim Ernest, reminded the congregation of the divine expectation for believers to cultivate a grateful heart. Preaching from Luke 17:11–19, he revisited the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus.
The scripture recounts how Jesus healed ten men suffering from leprosy, yet only one returned to give thanks. Jesus responded by asking, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” and then told the grateful man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Rev. Ernest explained that the passage illustrates not only the importance of gratitude but also its power. The one leper who returned received more than physical healing he received wholeness.
He encouraged the congregation to imitate the grateful leper, saying:
“When we return to God with thanksgiving, we acknowledge His mercy over our lives. Gratitude moves God to do more. A thankful heart attracts greater blessings.”
He concluded with prayers, asking God to accept the church’s thanksgiving and to make the coming year’s celebration even more fruitful and glorious.
The vibrant ceremony featured thanksgiving by families and departments, praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, a talk show, general thanksgiving, and the sharing of assorted meals all contributing to the joyous atmosphere marking the 2025 Thanksgiving celebration.
The day ended with renewed hearts, strengthened faith, and a collective commitment to walk into 2026 with gratitude and expectation
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