By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Dec. 19, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Volta Region on Thursday gathered officers and invited guests for its annual Nine Lessons and Carols and Thanksgiving service, highlighting a renewed call for spiritual reflection, unity, and commitment to duty among personnel.
The event, held at the Regional Headquarters in Ho, was themed: “Be imitators of God,” anchored on Psalms 100:1-5 and Ephesians 5:1-2.
The service featured scriptural readings, choral performances, prayers, exhortations, and a message of spiritual accountability as personnel reflected on the Christmas season and the end of the operational year.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer II (ACFOII), Joseph Tetteh Freeman, Volta Regional Commander of the GNFS, who read the ninth lesson selected from John 1:1-14, urged officers to uphold the teachings of scripture as a guiding light for life and work.
“We must use the word of God as a daily standard so that all of us can enjoy His glory to the fullest,” he stated, calling on personnel to uphold truth, integrity, and compassion.
Delivering the sermon, Reverend Divisional Officer II, Dickson Asante, Volta Regional Chaplain of the GNFS, encouraged members of the Service to live exemplary lives, reflecting the character of Christ in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
“Indeed, we are not qualified, but this is what the Lord has done for us. He fought every battle that could bring us down,” he said. “To imitate God is to follow His works and to live according to His teachings. Our responsibility is to look strictly to what Christ has done for us and reflect that in our actions.”
Rev Asante urged personnel to embrace love, forgiveness, and mutual support, noting that the world judged people by the lives they lived. “Our children are observing us, the world is observing us. Are we imitating God? If we are not, let us return to His will,” he cautioned.
He reminded the gathering that earthly achievements were temporary, and that character and faith would define eternal destiny. “This earth will pass. A day of accountability will come. Let us amend our lives and bring others closer to God,” he said, calling on personnel to serve as “each other’s keeper” and support the poor and vulnerable.
The Chaplain further encouraged officers not to disconnect from church life because of the demands of uniform service, saying knowing Christ was fundamental to spiritual identity and purpose.
He prayed for God’s protection for GNFS personnel, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and service. “May the Holy Spirit guide and lead us so that when that day comes, we can say we have fought a good fight and finished the race,” he stated.
The service drew participation from personnel across regional commands, clergy, families, and friends of the Service, who joined in hymns, carols, and thanksgiving to mark the festive season.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade