Speeches

Harvest Of Divine Restoration Held At Cherubim And Seraphim Movement Church

Nov 30, 2008 - The season of harvest is usually a season of joy, a season of hope and a season of expression of thanksgiving to the Lord of harvest who commands the soil to yield its increase. Indeed, it is a most fulfilling and rewarding season for a hard working farmer who laboured all year round tilling the soil and tending the garden to reap a bountiful harvest.

The Almighty God in His divine wisdom has since the time of creation designed and decreed certain natural occurrences to specific period of time and season. Thus, the saying “To everything there is a season and time to every purpose under the heaven”. (Eccl. 3:1) Similarly, with the turn of the year, comes a time for stock taking; a time to reflect on the goodness and mercies of God over our lives, families and businesses; a time to look back in retrospect, think deep and open our hearts in appreciation to our Maker.

It is in this spirit that we are all gathered here today, with our heart full of praises and thanksgiving to Almighty God who through His mercy has kept and spared our lives to witness yet another harvest and thanks giving service in this holy land. Truly, the Lord has been so good to us all. As a church, there could not have been a better way to express our depth of gratitude to a great and merciful God who over the years has remained faithful and has continued to decorate our lives with good things. Little wonder why this year’s edition of the harvest thanksgiving of this church is called a “Harvest of Divine Restoration” in appreciation of His kindness to us all. I am indeed pleased to join you in this harvest of divine restoration.

I congratulate the General Leader and District Chairman of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni o, Dr. G.O. Fakeye, the Elders, the 2008 Harvest Committee and the entire congregation for the success of this year’s celebration.

We in Lagos State have every cause to praise God, knowing fully well that the Lord has been good to us. He has granted us peace and harmonious co-existence. However, as we collectively celebrate and express our profound gratitude to God on this occasion, may I at this point draw your attention to an important message which, I believe, must not be lost on the euphoria of this festival. It is central to what we are doing today; this is the natural law of sowing and reaping. “Whatever a man soweth, the same shall he also reap”. There is a social contract between you and your government; you have elected us to serve you. We have received the mandate and are determined to serve you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as expressed in a similar forum some days ago, I emphasized the pivotal role of Church in shaping and reshaping development in our society. For our country to be truly great, it must have at the helm of affairs men and women who have the fear of God in their hearts, those whose words are their bond and service, their watchword.

As Nigerians and indeed citizens of Lagos State, we must work and pray for our leaders in the church and the private and public sectors. We must also realize that the foundation we lay today in Christian virtues will guide our future right and prosper society. The message of this harvest festival must be clear to us: There is a time to sow and a time to reap, there is a time to expect and receive and there is a time to show gratitude and thanksgiving. We must demonstrate the values of true Christianity by showing love, generosity and kindness to our fellow men and women. We must not only sow into the church, we must also sow into the lives of others and into your government so that the harvest of good governance will become the portion of all Lagosians.

While I thank you all, especially the religious leaders for your support and cooperation since the government of Lagos State came on board, I would like to solicit your continued support in our effort to take Lagos State to new heights of excellence.

Finally, I congratulate General Leader and District Chairman of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni o, Dr. G.O. Fakeye, the Elders, the 2008 Harvest Committee and the entire congregation for the success of this occasion. May the good Lord of harvest continue to reward us with bountiful blessings and pray that God’s promise in Psalm 126 v 6 will surely manifest in our life. Amen.

Thank you for listening and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State