By 'Gbenga Bankole
It was a celebration of 60 years of enjoying God's miraculous deeds at the 60th church celebration of Christ Apostolic Church, Itire Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), headquarters, Itire, Lagos.
The church which came to being by divine design in 1958, started in a sitting room of a particular Elder Onalaru, has not only grown over the years to produce five zones, but now worship in a cathedral of over 4000 sitting population.
The joy of ministers and members (both present and old) knew no bound at the anniversary celebration on Saturday November 25, 2023 as they appreciated God for His loving kindness since the last 60 years.
The auditorium with its new beautiful look was filled to the brim. Notable personalities in attendance are Regional Superintendent of CAC Anosike Region, Pastor Simeon Oladokun and his wife, Mrs. Grace Oladokun who represented the church President, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele; Regional Superintendent of CAC Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo and his wife; retired Superintendent of Itire DCC, Pastor M.A. Adeoye; CAC Director of Admin & Music Director, Pastor Tope Dada; CAC Director of Publicity, Pastor Ademisoye Alawode; Special Assistant to the President, Pastor T.D. Asokeji and many others.
In his message titled "Think and Thank" (text: Psalm 118), the Regional Superintendent of CAC Anosike Region, Pastor Simeon Oladokun said it's a privilege to be among the thinking and thanking people today, saying God wants nothing from His people than to be people of praise and thanksgiving.
"It has a great blessing when you are a thankful person. It brings so much benefits for you to be thankful. Being a thankful person increases your personal joy. CAC Itire is known for evangelism. Thanksgiving increases witnessing for Christ. When you're a thankful person it enhances your relationship. What I discover about couples is that the longer they live together, the more they will begin to take each other for granted. God wants us to be thankful," Pastor Oladokun stated.
Quoting Romans 1:8, Ephesians 1:15 and Colossians 1:3, the Cleric said Apostle Paul was a thankful person.
On how one can become more thankful, Pastor Oladokun said one needs to remember that everything one has comes from God, adding that; " it's only a privilege for us to receive what we have from God. We were loaned those things by God. We must have the attitude of thinking and thanking God for what He has graciously done for us."
While urging people to avoid complaining, the Clergyman said complaining doesn't change anything, but can invoke the devil to cause havoc on one's life.
He added that; "you can't be a thanksgiving person and a complaining person. Stop complaining and start thanking God."
He concluded by admonishing people to develop a daily discipline of giving thanks.
Earlier in the service, the Chairman of 60th Anniversary Planing Committee, Elder Kunle Oyekanmi said the last time this type of occasion took place was ten years ago.
He further said that; "it is to the glory of God that we can say it loud and clear that this church has moved forward in geometric progression both physical and spiritual since then. We appreciate God for this and also appreciate our able Superintendent who gave us the assignment to organize this event and that has not left us to it, but constantly putting the committee on its toes. I equally thank every member of this committee for their commitment and sacrifice by taking the lead in making monetary contributions without which this success may be a mirage."
Part of the service is the reading of "The Journey This Far with Pastor (Dr.) Gideon Oladokun" by Elder Abiodun S. Olatunji.
Elder Olatunji said that Pastor Oladokun resumed work in Itire on Sunday, the 21st day of January 2018 to glory of God.
According to him, part of his achievements are restoration of Itire to its pride of place, 'One day with the General Evangelist' programme; purchase of public address system to the tune of more than Eight Million Naira; Purchase of JMG 150kva Sound Proof Generator and it's installation to the sun of about 11 millon naira; purchase of petrol generator at over N700,000, purchase of building situated at 179, MUSHIN Road, Itire for the cost exceeding 48 millon naira; establishment of cooperative society; purchase of new organ/combo keyboard for the Choir and many others.
Also at the service, present and past Superintendents of the Itire DCC were given an award. The history book of CAC Oke Iyanu Itire was also launched at the ceremony.
The service ended with cutting of anniversary cake and hallelujah chorus performed by Itire DCC choir.
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