September 4, 2020 | St. John’s, Antigua | Vaughn Joseph
Having consecrated themselves on Sunday, August 9, 2020, the laypersons of Antigua and Barbuda launched their Sunday night series of services titled, Let’s Talk About Him. This commenced on Sunday, August 23, at 7pm on all of the South Leeward Conference’s (SLC) media outlets, including the Second Advent Radio station. This initiative by the Lay Preachers/Lay Bible Workers Federation has kindled a flame which is beginning to spread like wildfire, bearing the light of Christ to all corners of darkness in this world.
Among other things, the Lay Preachers/Lay Bible Workers Federation of Antigua and Barbuda exists to fulfill the following purposes:
(a) To promote a closer relationship among the Federation’s membership of Antigua and Barbuda and the Conference.
(b) To bring about a harmonious evangelistic working relationship with the clergy and
the laity.
(c) To win men and women to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
(d) To enhance the usefulness of the Lay Preachers by acquiring evangelistic equipment and materials.
On the first evening of the Sunday night evangelistic services, there was a dynamic praise team, along with laypersons of the federation doing their parts in front of and behind of the cameras. The speaker of the hour was the SLC Personal Ministries director, Pastor Kay White. Her message was dynamic, pointed and Christ-centered, titled “Experiencing the Power and Deliverance of Jesus.” Pastor White posited that ultimate freedom is found in Jesus Christ, and appealed to the listening and viewing audiences to surrender to this same Jesus. The sermon set a sure foundation upon which the lay preachers would be able to build.
When Elder Kem Tonge took to the podium on the second week, he built upon the platform that was already set by Pastor Kay White. Elder Tonge, the host of the popular Friday night program on Second Advent Radio, titled Walking in the Light, certainly proclaimed the truth about the wonderful Savior that believers have in Jesus. Utilizing the biblical story of Zacchaeus, the message clearly came forth on that evening, declaring that Jesus, the Christ, is eager to save all of us.
God has indeed blessed the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Antigua and Barbuda with much talent and spiritual gifts. In this effort, there are lay preachers, singers, musicians, media personnel, organizers, prayer warriors, health professionals, and Bible workers who avail themselves to be used by God. We are reminded in Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV).
The upcoming weeks, promise more proclamation of the word of God in the most dynamic ways. Individuals are already responding to the services and appeals. The army of laypersons in the local congregations also plays a pivotal role in engaging and inviting members of their communities to experience these services and by God’s grace encounter the Savior.
On Sunday, September 6, the service will take a break to facilitate the commencement of the annual Family Life week of activities. However, the background work continues, with eager anticipation of the return of the broadcast on Sunday, September 13, 2020.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
All photos by Vaughn Joseph