First Baptist Church In Jos Celebrates 110 Years Harvest Thanksgiving In Grand Style

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The First Baptist Church in Jos, Plateau State on Sunday celebrated her 110th Harvest Thanksgiving anniversary in grand style.

The event had the auditorium filled to capacity and extended to Church compound.

The theme for the 110th Harvest Thanksgiving anniversary was “Season of Bountiful Harvest” 2Corinthians 9:6.

While speaking on “Understanding Times and Seasons of Life” Genesis 7:21-22, the Church Pastor, Rev Sunday A. Fabunmi in his brief charge said that everyone has his or her times and seasons and it is important to discover it, make use of it and do the right thing.

He noted that God has promised us that as the earth remains, there would always be seedtime and the harvest season.

He said “Seed is the planting season. You must understand the time and work with the time table of God. Know the seed that God has deposited in you. The planting season is usually a difficult period. Sow very well to reap very well.

“On the other hand, the harvest season is the reaping period. It is a time of harvest, joy, and happiness. It is however, a season to be careful, watchful and prayerful.

He concluded that “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).”

Fabunmi summoned the congregants to give their best to God who is the Lord of harvest for His faithfulness upon them in the past year.

The anniversary had the Oba of Yoruba in the state, Chief Jide Olagbemiro in attendance. Other guest of honour included Mr. Bisi Ajala (JP), Deacon & Mrs Michael Odeyale, Mr. & Mrs Victor Oyediran (OYEVICH), Deacon & Mrs Samuel Adeleke Adeoye, Mr & Deaconess Sunday Abayomi Oyalana and Mr & Deaconess Matthew Oladayo.

Others were: Mr & Mrs Shola Okelola, Mr & Mrs Adebayo Adegboyega, Mr & Mrs Sunday Olawuyi, Mr & Mrs Moses Oladiran, Mr & Mrs Timothy Oladiran and Pastor & Mrs Noel Akande among others.

More than 43 societies in the Church danced to the altar to appreciate God. The Church Pastors, youths, children and congregants with special celebrations were not left behind in the celebration.

While speaking with the media after the programme, the 110th Harvest Thanksgiving Committee Chairperson, Deaconess V.I Adewole thanked God for the success of the programme. She said that it was first of its kind that the Church in her 110 years of existence has experienced.

She said “Never in our history would we celebrate our harvest thanksgiving casually.

“God has been gracious to us as a Church in the last 110 years and as a grateful people, we decided to celebrate it in a special way.

“We have awards that would be presented to the best three in different categories including dancing. We are very happy for what the Lord has done for us.”

She appreciated the Church Pastor, Church Council, all the Committee members and the entire Church for their support towards the success of the programme.