BERAKAH WIDOWS FELLOWSHIP ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO CULTIVATE THANKFUL HEARTS
Lagos, Nigeria Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Participants at today’s Berakah Widows Fellowship gathering at the Widows Centre, Maryland, Lagos, were encouraged to develop thankful hearts and recognise God’s goodness in every season of life.
The devotional session, titled “Thankful Hearts,” reminded participants that gratitude should not be limited to moments when everything is going well. It is an expression of faith, trust and awareness of God’s presence, even during difficult circumstances.
The teaching was anchored on 1 Thessalonians 5:18:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Psalm 16:11 was also reflected upon as an assurance that God reveals the path of life and provides fullness of joy in His presence.
During the session, participants were encouraged to reflect on important questions, including:
Do I practise gratitude even when life feels difficult?
How does giving thanks change my attitude and strengthen my faith?
What blessings have I overlooked that deserve my appreciation?
As practical action steps, the women were encouraged to write down at least three things they are thankful for each day, appreciate someone who has recently encouraged or supported them, and intentionally replace complaints and worries with words of gratitude.
Speaking during the fellowship, the Missioner, HRG Olori Dame Ayo Yemisi Jaiyeola, said:
“Gratitude does not mean that a widow has never experienced pain or hardship. It means that, even through the pain, she chooses to recognise God’s presence, protection and provision. A thankful heart creates room for peace, strength, hope and renewed faith.”
She further reminded participants that Jesus gave thanks before miracles and demonstrated complete trust in God, even before the cross.
The fellowship concluded with the declaration:
“Keep a heart that gives thanks in all things.”
Berakah Widows Fellowship continues to provide spiritual nourishment, friendship, counselling, encouragement and practical support for widows and their families.
The fellowship is an initiative of the Serendipity House Widows Foundation and God’s Wives International Widows Ministry, under the leadership of HRG Olori Dame Ayo Yemisi Jaiyeola.
Venue: Widows Centre, Maryland Bus Stop, Lagos
godswivesinternational
Mission: No Widow Must Sleep Hungry.
Sponsors; Family of late Mama Mohammed.
1st year remembrance.