April 1, 2022 | St. Mary’s, Antigua | Theresa Goodwin
Sabbath, March 26, 2022, will be forever etched in the minds of seven women and five men of God from the Bible Speaks Seventh-day Adventist Church. These elders, deacons, and deaconesses stood proudly as they all answered to a higher calling of ministry in the first-ever ordination service since the completion of the newly built edifice at Creekside, Antigua. The theme of the service, which started promptly at 4 p.m., was “Called to Serve”.
The seven females, namely: Gwendolyn Robinson, Ruth Africa Francis, Dale Jacobs, Petronella E. Davis Prince, Viznita J. R. Prince, Victoria G. Peters, and Magdalene Abraham, were officially ordained as deaconesses. The women, smartly attired in full white ensembles with a touch of red, beamed with pride, as they were introduced by Head Deacon, Felix Alexander. The introduction included their names, their various positions held in the church, and their favorite scriptures.
Everroy Simpson was the lone male who was ordained as a deacon. Hand in hand with his wife, he embraced the role in the presence of other deacons who were on hand to welcome him into the fold. Four men were also elevated to the status of elder. This list includes Marcus Nicholas, Ivan Miller, Kyle Phillip and Devon Rose.
Like the women, the men of the Bible Speaks congregation were also smartly attired. The men were dressed in full black suits accessorized with brilliant white shirts and red ties to complete their look.
Delivering the homily, church pastor, Dr. Wayne Knowles, highlighted their responsibility to the church, which they will assume, with the support of others in similar roles. Dr. Knowles also encouraged them to refer to the Church’s manual which lays out their duties in-depth.
The evening’s service was concluded with a prayer of consecration by Dr. Knowles and Pastor Andrew Gardner, a former Pastor of the church. This was followed by the distribution of certificates and photo opportunities. The leadership of the Bible Speaks congregation remains committed to empowering its leaders to serve in the church and the wider community.