As part of activities lined up to mark its 21st Harvest Thanksgiving Anniversary, the Celestial Church of Christ, Joy of Salvation Parish, One Man Village, Wednesday, donated food items, gifts, and other essentials to Abuja Children’s Home in Karu.
Blueprint reports that some of the items donated to the orphanage included rice, garri, noodles, biscuits, water, beverages among others.
Other activities lined up for the celebration within the week include a cooking competition, praise night, environmental sanitation and thanksgiving service on Sunday.
Speaking with journalists during the visit, the Shepherd in Charge, Evangelist Adeniyi Samuel, offered a message of hope to the children and caregivers at the home.
He also called on philanthropists and public-spiruted organizations to join in supporting orphanages and children in need across the country.
“The children are not hopeless; they are the future of tomorrow. Among them could be the next president of Nigeria. Preach hope to them, and let them believe in God.
“Any structure or society that removes Jesus Christ from its foundation will not stand. We must keep God first and continue this work together,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of reaching out to the less-priviledge in the society as stated in the scriptures.
“We are here in commemoration of our 21st Harvest Thanksgiving. According to the scriptures, this is a time to reach out to the less privileged — the widows and the orphans in our society.
“We have chosen to come to Abuja Children’s Home to extend our hands of fellowship. Today marks the beginning of our harvest activities, which will run through the week till Sunday.”
Also speaking, Mother Celestial Gladys Adeniyi expressed joy at the spiritual connection between the church and the orphanage over the years.
“We were here in 2005 during our first harvest, and by divine leading, we are back again for the 21st. It is not by accident — it is the work of the Holy Spirit,” she said.
She thanked God for the lives of the children, noting the visible progress and well-being of those who had grown over the years.
“My message to the children is to trust more in God. He is the only one who can do the impossible. If they believe in Him and in their destiny, all things are possible.”
On her part, the education officer of the home, Efayemiode Lekan, while acknowledging challenges facing the orphanage, thanked God for His mercies and the church for the kind gesture.
““Yes, we have challenges like everyone else, but we’re thankful. God has been merciful. With the help of individuals and organizations like yours, we believe the future will be better.
“On behalf of the staff and management of the Abuja Children’s Home, we say a big thank you. We are deeply grateful you thought of us during this celebration.
“It’s not every orphanage that gets such recognition. We feel blessed that you remembered us and brought all these gifts.”
