By Aderonke Ojo
Religious leaders have called on Christians and Nigerians at large to remain thankful, hopeful and steadfast in faith, despite prevailing challenges in the country, during the annual thanksgiving service of Christ the Rock of Ages Evangelical Gospel Mission.
The thanksgiving service, held at the church’s auditorium, attracted clerics, invited guests, youth members and congregants who gathered to appreciate God for His faithfulness throughout the year.on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Dr. Joseph Aunde Vambe, Presiding Bishop of the International Christian Organization for Sustainable Development, described thanksgiving as an essential Christian culture observed yearly to appreciate God’s protection and provision.
“Thanksgiving is more like a Christian culture that happens every year. We appreciate God for keeping us from January to the end of the year. Many churches hold their thanksgiving at the end of the year like this,” Bishop Vambe said.
He added that his presence at the event was also to celebrate friendship and fellowship with the host pastor.
“Bishop Afolabi Emmanuel has been a wonderful friend, so I came to celebrate with him on this great occasion. As you can see, we are excited, happy and thankful to God for all He has done for us. We believe that 2026 will be greater,” he stated.
In his address, Bishop Dr. Afolabi Emmanuel, founder and presiding bishop of Christ the Rock of Ages Evangelical Gospel Mission, expressed gratitude to God for the growth of the church, noting that the congregation recently marked its third year at the current location.
“We are just celebrating our third year in this location, and since we came here, the Lord has been great to us. Many churches around appreciate the way God is establishing us in this place. I give Him praise and adoration,” he said.
Bishop Emmanuel admonished members of the church to trust in God rather than human strength, urging patience and faith in God’s timing.
“God has beautiful things for everybody, but at a particular time. If your time has not come, don’t grumble and don’t be in a hurry. God’s time is the best. He has a time and season for every one of us,” he added.
The cleric also spoke on the state of the nation, encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope.
“For Nigeria, there is hope. It may be bad today, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel. We should not be afraid or lose courage. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and it belongs to God. In His infinite mercy, God will heal our land and restore it to His glory,” he said.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Bishop Emmanuel urged them to remain in the country and contribute positively to its future.
“The youth should see this country as their own. There is no need to run away. If the youth runs away, who will stay? Who will fight the battle? They should remain steadfast, trust God, trust themselves and look ahead to what God has prepared for them. There is hope for the youth in this country,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Olanrewaju Taiwo, Head Usher of the church, described the thanksgiving service as powerful and impactful.
“This year’s annual thanksgiving was very powerful to the glory of God. We thank God for the praise and worship, the invited guests, and the success of the entire program,” she said.
According to her, the 2025 thanksgiving surpassed the previous year’s celebration.
“This year’s thanksgiving is better than last year, and by next year we will keep improving to the glory of God. I pray that more youths and people will come to do God’s work and help in the expansion of God’s kingdom,” Taiwo added.
The event featured praise and worship sessions, prayers, thanksgiving offerings and messages centered on gratitude, hope and national renewal.