Testimonies from Nigeria

My gratitude goes to our Heavenly Father, who gave me the opportunity to be born on this earth. I am grateful for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and for the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on this earth. I am grateful for our living prophets since the Restoration. I am particularly grateful to President Russell M. Nelson. His counsel and directives have been awesome. I am grateful for missionaries in the field and temple ordinance workers. I am grateful to my wife and children for the sacrifice they are making. I am grateful for my stake presidency, for the way and manner they are paying attention to members’ individual and collective needs, whether the needs are spiritual or temporal. I am grateful to my ward bishop for his commitment to serve God. I am a beneficiary of the good counsel of our prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

Following his counsel during the COVID-19 lockdown has preserved my family. My gratitude goes to the Abuja Nigeria Wuse Stake presidency for their genuine effort in caring.

—Johnson Udo Etim from Jikwoyi Ward, Abuja Nigeria Wuse Stake

I feel blessed in so many ways by the prophet’s counsel. We now live in a world where everything is moving so fast and most times, we find it difficult to stop and ponder. As I took the prophet’s challenge to give thanks and pondered on 2020 with all its attending problems, I found God’s hands in blessing my life and that of my family. My home became a sanctuary where the sacrament is blessed, and covenants are renewed. I discovered ways to make my home gospel centered. For these I give thanks.

—Chinedum Chidi Chimezie from Opebi Ward, Lagos Nigeria Ikeja Stake

It is a great privilege to be a member of the only true Church on earth. I know God lives and his son Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of this Church. I know the prophet is the mouthpiece of God, I usually count more of my woes than my blessings. This practice always makes me sad and unpleased with things around me.

But since the Prophet’s counsel to give thanks, I have seen the mercies of God in my life. I know that as we learn to show gratitude for all that Heavenly Father has done for us, it is one great way for him to do more, counting my blessings brings me joy and helps me to know how much Heavenly Father loves me. I know as I express my gratitude to God, He will continue to bless me and my family.

—Salamatu Juliet Uwaya from GRA Branch, Abuja Nigeria Wuse Stake

My dear brothers and sisters, as I sit back to reflect upon the prophet’s invitation to give thanks. I learned to give thanks for those blessings we overlooked. This 2020 is a year to be remembered with all the challenges. The Lord is so merciful, caring, and loving to me and my family for the gift of life.

—Michael Ogbole Oboh from Ijoko Branch, Lagos Nigeria Agege Stake