Akure, Nigeria – Ven. Henry Olugbenga Bankole Ajayi, the Archdeacon of Akure East Archdeaconry and Diocesan Youth Director, led a powerful service on this year’s Harvest Thanksgiving, with the theme “Harvest of Appreciative Heart”. Drawing inspiration from Genesis 4:4, Ven. Ajayi shared profound lessons on gratitude, sacrificial giving, and the importance of honoring God with one’s resources.

Opening his sermon with heartfelt appreciation to God for the lives of all youth members in the Diocese, Ven. Ajayi emphasized the importance of maintaining a thankful heart. He extended special thanks to the Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini, and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetumbi Borokini, for their unwavering support and openness to the youth. He also acknowledged the Dean of St. David’s Cathedral, Ven. Opeoluwa Kujero, and his wife, alongside all the clergy and families of the Church.

The Youth Director made a special mention of Hon. Abegunde, whose birthday coincidentally aligned with the service, congratulating him and urging him and other public figures to honor God with their time, as time is a valuable gift that should be dedicated to God. “God’s time should not be shared,” he reminded the congregation, emphasizing that honoring God with time is an essential form of thanksgiving.

In his address to the Deji of Akure land, Ven. Ajayi encouraged the traditional ruler to leave a lasting legacy for his successor, underscoring the significance of living a life that influences future generations for the better.

Delving into the core of his message, Ven. Ajayi highlighted that God values harvest, citing Genesis 8:22, where God Himself established the law of Seedtime and Harvest.

“God proclaimed it, and nothing can alter it,” he said. The Youth Director then urged the congregation to appreciate God through their substance, following the example of Abel, who offered the best of his resources to God. He emphasized that giving must be both intentional and sacrificial. “Our giving to God must cost us something,” he declared, reminding the faithful that offerings shouldn’t only be made when there’s an abundance.

He also stressed the importance of instilling a culture of giving in children from an early age, encouraging parents to teach their dependents the values of generosity while they are still impressionable. “Teach them to give, not just when they are adults, but from their youth,” he urged.

Ven. Ajayi went on to discuss the dangers of refusing to give to God, drawing attention to the potential for disappointment and divine rejection, as outlined in Genesis 4:6. He quoted Hebrews 11:4 to remind the congregation that giving wholeheartedly invites God’s approval.

Concluding his sermon, Ven. Ajayi stated that harvest time serves as a reminder of God’s goodness and a time to reflect on our own actions. “Whatever we sow, we will reap,” he cautioned. He also reminded the congregation to show their appreciation to God regularly and not to become “rich fools” as warned in Luke 12:21-22.

“A time of harvest is a time to show God’s goodness,” Ven. Ajayi declared, urging all to offer genuine thanksgiving and sacrifice. He encouraged believers to continually appreciate God with their hearts, making every day a time of gratitude and giving.