The Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) hosted its annual Thanksgiving Service on January 12, 2025, at the NHRC Tennis Court. The event, themed “If It Had Not Been the Lord on Our Side” (Psalm 124:1-3), served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of God’s guidance throughout 2024 and a call for his divine guidance for fruitful and productive 2025.
Graced by staff and management of NHRC, clergy members from different denominations across the Navrongo municipality and interdenominational choirs, the occasion reflected a deep sense of unity and gratitude.
The celebratory ceremony started with an opening prayer led by Joseph Alale, setting the atmosphere for an evening of reflection and gratitude, songs of praises and worship were ushered to thank God and seek his presence throughout the service.
The Director of NHRC, Dr. Patrick Ansah in an opening statement, addressed the gathering, expressing heartfelt appreciation to God for his faithfulness throughout the year. He remarked,
“This year, God has kept us going. So, I want us to thank God, not for what he will be doing for us next year. I’ve been told that when you thank God today, your tomorrow is assured. I want to thank God for what he has really done for us. Let’s show we have gratitude. God has been good to us, and it looks like he’s still good to us and I’m sure he’s going to be good to us. So, let’s open our hearts and thank the Lord for bringing us here.”
Reverend Francis Nissi of the Lighthouse Chapel in Accra delivered a powerful sermon that resonated well with the theme. Drawing from Psalm 107:31, he said, “All men will give thanks to the Lord for his goodness. If it had not been God on our side, 2024 might have been the last year for some of us. It is not by our might, it is not by our power, but it is by the grace of God that you are able to see yourself in 2024 and still counting into 2025.” He urged the congregation to remember God’s daily blessings and to offer thanksgiving with joy, adding, “Be happy for what God has done for you. I believe God is able to do what he has planned to do for us in 2025.”
The heartfelt sermon emphasized the importance of gratitude and faith in propelling the Centre to profound heights.
Intercessory prayers formed a significant part of the service. Worth mentioning among the intercessory prayers said by invited pastors from different churches were prayers for the peace of the nation, good governance, and leadership of the nation, as well as prospects for the institution and projects. Other notable prayers included thanksgiving for the past year and committing the new year into God’s hands, thanksgiving for journey mercies throughout the working year and holidays, prayers for the management and leadership of NHRC, and prayers for peace, love, and unity among the staff.
The event saw a remarkable turnout of clergy members from various denominations, including Pastor Clement Anaba of Winners Chapel International, Pastor Larbi Kwane-Stephen of The Apostolic Church of Ghana, Pastor Eric Asante; Pentecost International Worship Centre, Rev. Collins Kumador; Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Pastor Prince Amening Enoch of United Pentecostal Church, and Rev. Father Adams; Catholic Church, amongst many others.
Adding a melodic touch to the occasion were performances by Melodies Exalted from Fountain Gate Chapel, Vine Music, Minister Philip Markwo, the Saint Cecilia Choir, and the NHRC Lab Choir.
The thanksgiving service was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration for the NHRC community. It was an opportunity for staff and management to come together and express their appreciation for the numerous blessings on the Centre and its achievements.
The celebratory Service concluded with renewed hope and determination for the year ahead. NHRC remains committed to its mission of advancing health research and making a positive impact on the lives of communities in Ghana and beyond.