Dr. Stella Adereti Marks Golden Jubilee with Thanksgiving in Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Mrs. Stella Adereti, Ph.D., a nursing practitioner, marked her 50th birthday with a Thanksgiving celebration at the Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The celebrant, who was all smiles throughout the occasion, praised God for His mercies and grace upon her life. She expressed gratitude for how God had preserved her through a life-threatening illness, describing her journey as one of survival, restoration and renewed purpose.

Speaking during the service, Pastor Francis Francois, pastor and leader of the Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church, drew inspiration from Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” He noted that Dr. Adereti’s 50th birthday was an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to give thanks for the gift of life.

Pastor Francois stated that although some people have discouraged the celebration of birthdays, he believes Christians should be encouraged to mark such occasions in the house of God while acknowledging His grace, mercies and blessings.

He laid hands on Dr. Adereti and prayed that God would accept her Thanksgiving offering. He also prayed for God’s continued protection, blessings and guidance upon her life, her family and the congregation.

A major highlight of the Thanksgiving service was Dr. Adereti’s special rendition of the hymn “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me,” which added a musical expression of gratitude to the celebration.

Following the church service, members of the SDA family, along with friends and well-wishers, joined Dr. Adereti in celebrating her milestone birthday. Food and drinks were served as refreshments.

The second session of the birthday celebration continued at Dr. Adereti’s residence, where friends, associates and well-wishers also gathered to celebrate with her.

Elder Olubukola Awoniyi opened the second session with a word of prayer, asking God to grant Dr. Adereti many more years of good health, prosperity and fulfillment in every area of her life. He also prayed for God’s blessings upon her family and loved ones.

The celebration provided an opportunity for the church community, family and friends to honor Dr. Adereti’s life, celebrate God’s faithfulness and look forward to many more years of blessings and service.

Meanwhile, Ngwa Daughters represented by Princess Nkechi Nwandu describes the celebrant as a beautiful heart, who is well cherished by Ngwa daughters as one of their illustrious daughters, Prays for God’s protection, and blessings of long life with good health and prosperity in all areas of life upon her and family.

Lilian, who had also traveled down all the way from Dallas showered encomium on Dr. Stella who she describes as a reliable sister sho has a heart of gold, praying for more reasons to celebrate.

The glowing tributes are countless…