Cross River Indigenous Gospel Ministers Unite In Gratitude At State Thanksgiving Service

Cross River Indigenous Gospel Ministers Unite In Gratitude At State Thanksgiving Service

Amidst vibrant hymns and fervent prayers by different denominations, particularly from the Apostolic Church and Anglican Church, the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Minister's Forum on Saturday, December 16, 2023 held a momentous Thanksgiving service at the prestigious Cultural Centre main bowl in Calabar. The event brought together indigenous gospel ministers from across the state in a unified celebration of faith and gratitude.

The main bowl of the Cultural Centre echoed with soul-stirring melodies as local gospel talents took center stage, captivating the audience with their heartfelt performances. The atmosphere was charged with an overwhelming sense of community and shared spirituality.

Notable religious leaders and ministers delivered powerful sermons, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and unity in the face of challenges.

Addressing members, the chairman of the forum, Evangelist Stephen E. Atukanre expressed deep gratitude to God for His benevolence in giving the state a God fearing governor and wife, while maintaining that Thanksgiving is powerful enough to unluck the vast potentials in the state. He explained that ingratitude and inconsistent prayer- life has cost the state to lose both the Bakassi Peninsula and the Oil Wells to neighbouring country and state. He said it is in Thanksgiving and supplication that believers advance spiritually, developmentally and financially, pledging the forum's continuous prayers and support for the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, while using the platform to appeal for financial and moral support for the purchasing of Evangelical equipment/instrument to facilitate the state month fasting and prayer cum the proposed local government to local government crusade across the state.

In his sermon, the Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, His Lordship, Most Rev. Prof. Christopher Koko-Ette Naseri ably represented by Rev. Fr. Peter Ekpenyong urged participants to reflect on the blessings bestowed upon the state and to continue to foster a spirit of togetherness, while taking advantage of the power of praise and thanksgiving to reclaim their place in God. He revealed that the devil is not interested in their lives, destinies or wealth but in their dominion and allegiance. He said that Praise and Thanksgiving are the tools to use in recovering their powers. 

Government officials present at the Thanksgiving service include Bishop Dr. Margaret Ene-Ita, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Pastor Ekpenyong, commissioner for transportation

Thanksgiving service also provided a platform for the gospel ministers to showcase their collective commitment to uplifting the state through their music and messages. .

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened community bonds, echoing the forum's commitment to promoting faith, unity, and cultural pride among the indigenous people of Cross River State. It also marks a significant chapter in the spiritual journey of the state's gospel community, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who attended.