Churches call on Territory’s leaders to keep God in forefront [Photo-slide Included]
This they agreed was the recipe for a blessed Virgin Islands.
The occasion was a special thanksgiving service for the HOA members at the New Life Baptist Church at Duff’s Bottom on Monday December 5, 2011. The First Sitting of the House will be held on Thursday December 8.
Words of exhortation were given by Pastor Paul Ricketts of Sanctuary of Hope New Testament Church of God, Valley, Virgin Gorda; Pastor Myron Stevens of Christian Faith Assembly and Pastor Dr. C. Lucia Woods of Agape Total Life Centre.
Pastor Myron Stevens said God was not just looking for change but that which would bring honour and glory to his name. He said God has made his choice of leadership but the concern is whether the people will put him first and live by his words and noted that only then would blessings be pour out on the land. Pastor Stevens also urged the elected members to find their niche and not necessarily do what others have done. “Mr. Premier set your house in order and God will establish your kingdom.”
The pastor also spoke of the wise King Solomon who was an advocate of peace and who was able to build on his kingdom because he was able to forge diplomatic relationships. He also said the Virgin Islands could be the envy of the Caribbean and all it has to do is follow the mandate of God, which is to be men and women of integrity, honesty, truth and justice.
Dr. C. Lucia Woods’ message was one of thanksgiving. She said the bible says to continue to give thanks whatever the challenges and pointed out that the government was elected at a time when the world was going through a recession but that there was an answer to the crisis. She brought up the story of how Jesus was able to feed the hungry masses with five loaves of bread and two fishes and said the elected members needed to follow such an example, one of which was to listen even to those who may be deemed insignificant as it was not the most significant of apostles that brought it to Jesus’ attention.
She also said that when there is a scarcity or need that the place to look was to heavens because “your help cometh from the Lord”. The next thing Dr. Woods said Jesus did was gave thanks and he did so even before the food was multiplied. “When you have a heart of gratitude and you give thanks the next step is distribution”.
Stressing that the masses were all fed and not some, Pastor Woods said similarly there should be no racism and prejudice in the Virgin Islands. “If we want to deliver as a Government we have to be a people who look to God and who are thankful to God for what he has done. God is the only one who truly has the answers for the needs of these islands.” There was loud cheers and applause when she said that not only were the masses fed but that there was surplus food.
She also advised the members to be statesmen and not politicians as someone had quoted that a politician thinks only of the next elections but the statesman thinks of the next generation. “Give God thanks throughout your reign. Allow this Second House of Assembly to be on the shoulders of Jesus.”Meanwhile, the Old Testament reading was done by Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE and the Epistle by Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser, RA. The Gospel was delivered by Pastor Norman Chalwell of the Church of God Prophecy, Hope Hill and the Act of Dedication was led by Reverend Moreland Williams of the Methodist Church, BVI Circuit.
Prayers of intercession called for wisdom and grace for the newly elected members of the Second House of Assembly and that they seek spiritual guidance to carry out the duties and functions of the House; deliverance from the “ravages of crime and violence and from the evils of corruption, and the tendency towards a few becoming rich, while the majority remain poor; for all sorts of conditions of men: those in sorrow, need or sickness; those who suffer from cruelty, injustice and neglect”.
Prayers were also offered for the churches that they may be a shining light in the darkness and may serve to preserve the character and the integrity of the Territory, under God.
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Notably absent at the service yesterday were 2nd District representative Hon. Alvin Christopher and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, who was recently released from Peebles Hospital. Bishop John I. Cline said he had the privilege of visiting Hon. O’Neal in hospital and asked the congregation to keep the honourable member of the House in prayers.
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25 Responses to “Churches call on Territory’s leaders to keep God in forefront [Photo-slide Included]”
@keep it real, is u crazy deh man god saves amd if it aint for him yo a$$ wouldnt be breading right now. U full of donkey mess, know your role god is always good all the time!!!!! Money aint nothing compared to god mehson, now thats real!