December 15, (THEWILL) – Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter (SWAN), has held a special thanksgiving service for God’s guidance, protection of members and the success of the 2024 SWAN week in Bayelsa.
At the SWAN thanksgiving service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Breakthrough Parish, off Osiri Road, in Yenagoa, the officiating Minister, Welman Donald, in the sermon “Arrows in the hands of God,” described arrows as weapons used to fight against satanic powers.
He stated that arrows are instruments of war and admonished youths in the congregation to live a purpose-driven life that will add value to the body of Christ.
The SWAN Thanksgiving coincidentally tallys with the Youth programme of the branch.
Taken his text from Psalm 127:1-5, Psalm 49:1-3, Jer 1:4, and Ezekiel 22: 27. The Youth President noted that many Christians regret their old ages because they never made a useful impact in their Youth, adding that it is the duty of Vibrant youths to be an agent of change and deliver those who are oppressed by the devil.
He stressed that a born-again youth is not just an ordinary being but an arrow in the hands of the Almighty God, designed to advertise his kingdom on Earth.
In his charge, the resident pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Breakthrough Parish, Osiri Road Yenagoa, pastor Ambrose Edovren thanked SWAN Members for recognising the importance of thanksgiving as an association.
He charged Christians to live a life of thanksgiving, saying many Christians are putting material preparation in this festive period against returning thanks to God.
In her brief testimony, the Chairperson of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter (SWAN), Comrade. Mrs Timinipre Ohia, thanked God for the success recorded in 2024 SWAN week and for God’s guidance and protection since she assumed duty as the State Chairperson. Members present were Elder Aherhoke Okioma, Priye Yabrifa, Alambo Datonye Fred, Patrick Oswagu, Ekaunkumo Amgbare, Promise Okotoko and Eunice Nnachi.
The State SWAN Chairman said members of the association have every reason to thank God, She recalled that SWAN members take risks to cover events even across the sea, just for the interest of society.
Comrade Timinepre stressed that nobody would have protected members of SWAN if not for God, which informed the need to thank God.
Timinepre noted that, when the SWAN week was approaching, it seemed it would not hold due to paucity of funds, but the God factor made everything successful to the glory of God.
She appreciated all members for their unwavering commitment and support since she emerged as Chairman of the association and all those who contributed to making the 2024 SWAN week remarkable.
The high point of the thanksgiving service was a special thanksgiving by members of SWAN led by the Chairman, Mrs Timinepre Ohia, and prayers were offered by pastor Ambrose for God’s protection and guidance of members.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
