By Jamali Jack (Kingstown Church of Christ, SVG)
Sunday December 7th, 2003 was indeed a very eventful and edifying day for the churches of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Upwards of 300 Christians and visitors alike converged at the Richmond Hill Primary School for the hosting of the final nation-wide fellowship for the year.
The fellowship speaks volumes of the church in the multi-island state of (SVG) because autonomous cooperation among congregations is something that is not as easily attained in most other countries. The Brighton congregation hosted the momentous event that was supported by twelve (12) of the fifteen congregations scattered throughout the islands. Regrettably absent (for transportations reasons) were the brethren from Owia, on the mainland and Canouan and Union Island in the Grenadines. Conversely, there was much delight about the presence of the most recent (Tuesday 25th November 2003) addition to the body Christ, Nathaniel Lewis, and visiting preacher, Gilbert Neptune and his wife from Trinidad.
The overall theme of the day was entitled, Accomplishing The Mission (ATM). Joel Jack from the Kingstown congregation conducted the bible study session with the subtopic to the main theme being, “Sharing the Vision.” Some of the points brought out in study were the importance of abiding unchangingly in the infallible doctrine of Jesus Christ taught by His apostles; acknowledging, obeying and respecting Jesus Christ as our judge, lawgiver and king; and the indestructibility and exclusivity of the church of Christ. Mention was made of the LEAF 2010 proposal which is a goal to see the church more than double in growth in the next seven (7) years while maintaining and achieving phenomenal spiritual maturity through Leadership, Empowerment, Attitude and Faithfulness.
Firmly establishing that we are not longer under the law of Moses but the doctrine of Christ, Jack ended with a principle that can be used from Joshua 1:6-9. “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
The song service, conducted by Vaughn Lowman of the Georgetown congregation, was punctuated with a prayer scripture and reading by Vernon Scott and Kendolph Providence from the church in Retreat and Spring Village, respectively.
The word of truth was ably presented by Elvis Daniel who is the evangelist at Georgetown. Daniel, in keeping with the theme, spoke on the subtopic, God’s Way Forward. In preparing all Christians to answer the call of evangelism, he sited various examples of attitudes (both good and bad) of which we must be cognisant. A few examples included:
Daniel also stressed the urgent need for militant faithfulness and spiritual education towards growth with verses like 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:15; Revelation 3:14-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10,11 and Hebrews 5:12-14. The challenge was issued to go out and evangelise to save a lost and dying nation.
The Lord’s Supper and free will giving of contributions were conducted by another young brother, Ryan Cozier, from the Bequia congregation. After a few more choruses, a prayer for the meals, and brief remarks the morning worship concluded for lunch. This was an opportunity for many brethren to be introduced to and interact with each other. Relationships were strengthened and food was shared.
The afternoon session was festive with the excitement of the bible quiz that had participants from various congregations. After much deliberation, the overall winner of the quiz was the seasoned brother, Stanley Isaacs, from the Retreat congregation. Jamali Jack from Kingstown and Ketty Kydd from Bequia were second and third place, respectively. The closing choruses and prayer, “Thank Yous” and dismissal were done by Mark Charles and Bertram Pompey of the host congregation of Brighton.
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, the day was indeed a blessing to all serious-minded Christians intent on “Accomplishing The Mission!”
Sunday December 7th, 2003 was indeed a very eventful and edifying day for the churches of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Upwards of 300 Christians and visitors alike converged at the Richmond Hill Primary School for the hosting of the final nation-wide fellowship for the year.
The fellowship speaks volumes of the church in the multi-island state of (SVG) because autonomous cooperation among congregations is something that is not as easily attained in most other countries. The Brighton congregation hosted the momentous event that was supported by twelve (12) of the fifteen congregations scattered throughout the islands. Regrettably absent (for transportations reasons) were the brethren from Owia, on the mainland and Canouan and Union Island in the Grenadines. Conversely, there was much delight about the presence of the most recent (Tuesday 25th November 2003) addition to the body Christ, Nathaniel Lewis, and visiting preacher, Gilbert Neptune and his wife from Trinidad.
The overall theme of the day was entitled, Accomplishing The Mission (ATM). Joel Jack from the Kingstown congregation conducted the bible study session with the subtopic to the main theme being, “Sharing the Vision.” Some of the points brought out in study were the importance of abiding unchangingly in the infallible doctrine of Jesus Christ taught by His apostles; acknowledging, obeying and respecting Jesus Christ as our judge, lawgiver and king; and the indestructibility and exclusivity of the church of Christ. Mention was made of the LEAF 2010 proposal which is a goal to see the church more than double in growth in the next seven (7) years while maintaining and achieving phenomenal spiritual maturity through Leadership, Empowerment, Attitude and Faithfulness.
Firmly establishing that we are not longer under the law of Moses but the doctrine of Christ, Jack ended with a principle that can be used from Joshua 1:6-9. “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
The song service, conducted by Vaughn Lowman of the Georgetown congregation, was punctuated with a prayer scripture and reading by Vernon Scott and Kendolph Providence from the church in Retreat and Spring Village, respectively.
The word of truth was ably presented by Elvis Daniel who is the evangelist at Georgetown. Daniel, in keeping with the theme, spoke on the subtopic, God’s Way Forward. In preparing all Christians to answer the call of evangelism, he sited various examples of attitudes (both good and bad) of which we must be cognisant. A few examples included:
- Caleb’s example of optimism and faith from Numbers 13:1-6, 30,31
- The Poor Widow’s example of self-sacrifice in Luke 21:1-4.
- The Pharisee’s bad example of self-righteous piety.
- The bad example of procrastination by Pharaoh and Felix in Exodus 8:8-10 and Acts 24:25, respectively.
Daniel also stressed the urgent need for militant faithfulness and spiritual education towards growth with verses like 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:15; Revelation 3:14-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10,11 and Hebrews 5:12-14. The challenge was issued to go out and evangelise to save a lost and dying nation.
The Lord’s Supper and free will giving of contributions were conducted by another young brother, Ryan Cozier, from the Bequia congregation. After a few more choruses, a prayer for the meals, and brief remarks the morning worship concluded for lunch. This was an opportunity for many brethren to be introduced to and interact with each other. Relationships were strengthened and food was shared.
The afternoon session was festive with the excitement of the bible quiz that had participants from various congregations. After much deliberation, the overall winner of the quiz was the seasoned brother, Stanley Isaacs, from the Retreat congregation. Jamali Jack from Kingstown and Ketty Kydd from Bequia were second and third place, respectively. The closing choruses and prayer, “Thank Yous” and dismissal were done by Mark Charles and Bertram Pompey of the host congregation of Brighton.
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, the day was indeed a blessing to all serious-minded Christians intent on “Accomplishing The Mission!”
TRIVIA: Gilbert Neptune lectures at the Trinidad School of Preaching and was in SVG to preach at a week-long gospel crusade at Crick Corner at the invitation of the Belmont congregation. Belmont's full-time preacher is Rohan Hector, who is also the biological brother of Elton “Sambo” Lewis, presently attending the Trinidad School of Preaching. Both (Rohan and Elton) are the grandsons of Nathaniel Lewis. Serendipity? Perhaps.
