The annual Eastern Caribbean prayer retreat took place at the headquarters church in Smith Bay, St. Thomas, November 8-10. With the objective of focusing solely on various aspects of prayer, attendees came from the British Virgin Islands, St. Eustatius, and the United States.

The retreat began on Friday morning with prayer. Then a letter was read from the Superintendent General Sola Adesope, who extended greetings and offered prayers from the Portland headquarters.

The first session was taught by Shermaine Mason, from the British Virgin Islands, on having a “Prayer Mindset.” She began with two thought-provoking questions: “Why did I attend this prayer retreat?” and “What steps am I taking to achieve those goals?” Then she highlighted three main areas that influence one’s prayer mindset: assumptions, focus, and atmosphere. To demonstrate focus, volunteers were asked to walk around the room, each carrying a full glass of water without spilling it. Then everyone’s attention was directed to a white board depicting many things in life that can occupy one’s mind, taking the focus from God. A lively discussion followed on the limitations of communication with God due to divided focus.  

In the evening, Ernest Marshall, pastor in Fort Worth, Texas, took his text from Psalm 15 and 1 Peter 4:17-18. He focused on the instructions that God gives and how believers can be guilty of not following those instructions. They may even forget the instructions or end up not being Rapture ready. It’s a wonderful thing to realize how much God loves each one, because it is not His will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

On Saturday morning, Michael Anthony, the Eastern Caribbean District Superintendent, taught on “The Will of God” and “Our Will.” The focus point was “Prayer is not to get God ready to do our will, but rather it is to get us ready to do His will.” The group explored the topic of God’s permissive will in choices as opposed to His perfect will. A clear example is the matter of divorce, where God’s permissive will was allowed because people did not submit to His perfect will (see Matthew 19:8). Brother Michael also pointed out the need to be prepared to do God’s will after He answers prayer. The roles of the body, soul, and spirit in one’s relationship with God were also mentioned, including the inner struggles one can have. When people focus and strengthen their spirits, everything comes into alignment with God’s will. The importance of time alone with God (TAG) was emphasized for growth in one’s prayer life.

Saturday evening, Brother Ernest took his text from Psalm 3:1-6. He asked if anyone had the experience of bad things multiplying in his or her life, and said believers can learn to trust God in those times because He is concerned with what concerns His children. Brother Ernest shared a testimony of when he missed a bus from Denver, Colorado, to Dallas, Texas, and the Lord provided a way to help him catch up with the bus. God used the district manager of the bus line to make it happen.

On Sunday morning, which marked the 10th anniversary of services in the current Smith Bay sanctuary, the meeting began with a violin and piano rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” followed by the choir singing “Lord, Make Me a House of Prayer.” The service continued with hymns such as “The Solid Rock” and “Revive Us Again.” The Scripture reading was from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Brother Michael gave the sermon on “Our Purpose” from Ephesians 4:12-13. He spoke about having the required elements, qualities, or characteristics for unity in one’s walk of faith. Reference was also made to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, “That they all may be one.” This is vital as believers individually and corporately seek to fulfill the Great Commission. All present stayed for a luncheon after the morning service.

After Sunday evening worship, John Adebayo, from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, spoke from Acts 12:5 and 10. He pointed out that the Kingdom of God is principled and the power of a praying Church is invaluable. He said it is sad when people deal with God as if they are dealing with someone like themselves, rather than as He truly is--a loving Heavenly Father. Brother John closed by encouraging everyone to think and pray about that one thing they needed God to do for them. Like the other meetings, this final service ended with an invitation to pray as souls drew closer to God.