Visit to Terry and Vanda Thomas

By Silvannas McKenzie (Kingstown Church of Christ, SVG)
For me, visiting the elderly, and those who are sick, shut-in, etc, is a great opportunity to tap into the past and to learn about their live stories and experiences. Since it is something I like doing, I like to encourage us, especially the young people, to see our elderly brothers and sisters as a blessing from God

Glimpsing into the future and even observing life, we understand that we ourselves, if Christ does not burst the clouds first, or our lives are preserved, would someday will reach to such age. We don’t stay young forever. From the day we are born, we start getting older day by day, minute by minute. You get the point? This world is not our home we are just passing through. Our life on Earth is preparation for eternity. No matter how long we live on Earth, it is not even a fraction in Eternity, because time and age do not matter there.

At a prior meeting of some of the men from congregations of the churches of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it was seen fit to plan visits our elderly brethren. Particularly those who have so eloquently served the church in their commitment to God. On Monday May 23, 2016, we visited our beloved brother, and fellow heir of Christ, Terry Thomas, at his home in Carapan. As we arrived at about 5PM, we embraced brother Thomas, along with his lovely wife and sister in the faith, Vanda Thomas, who graciously protected us from their dog as we went up to the house. Our brother Thomas was presented with a fruit basket and other wonderful gifts of our appreciation for all the work and labour that he, along with his wife, so graciously rendered for almost 50 years. LEARN MORE ABOUT TERRY THOMAS HERE

(L-R) Jack Gellizeau, Kenneth Greaves, Terry Thomas, Jamali Jack, Bertram Pompey, James Stephenson (standing), Mark Charles, Joel H. Jack, Silvannas McKenzie

My first encounter with brother Thomas that I can remember was on the last Sunday of February 2016. It was at the congregation at Biabou where I was invited to preach. Coincidentally, that day being My First Sermon Experience presenting for a Sunday morning worship service. Prior to that memorable encounter, I knew nothing about brother Thomas, but after the 23rd of May all of that changed.

As we gathered in the Thomas' porch, we sat and encouraged them both while brothers spoke about their encounters with them and the zeal that they expressed to the work of Christ. My eyes were opened and I discovered a lot that I might not have known about brother Thomas, and his wife, other brethren of a previous generation, and their stewardship over the years.

Much thanks to sister Thomas and her daughter, Chanda, for refreshing us with some cold orange juice and coconut water. Thanks for the love shown by all the brethren from various congregations who were present, namely; Albert Gellizeau (Spring Village), Bertram Pompey (Brighton), Jamali Jack (Kingstown), James Stephenson (Biabou), Joel J. Jack (Kingstown), Kenneth Graves (Barrouallie), Lenrick Browne (Biabou), Mark Charles (Brighton), and myself, Silvannas McKenzie (Kingstown).

I know that I speak for all the men also when I say that it was a very wonderful time spent and thanks to the Thomas family for having us. 

Amen.