Special meetings commemorating the twenty-ninth anniversary of the Apostolic Faith Church in St. Eustatius, located in the Leeward Islands portion of the West Indies, were held from Sunday, March 5, through Wednesday, March 8. The guest speaker was Ernest Marshall, the pastor in Fort Worth, Texas, who attended with his wife, Joyce. Michael Anthony, District Superintendent of Eastern Caribbean, and his wife, Monica, also attended, along with Samuel and Mignolia George from Road Town, Tortola, US Virgin Islands.

On Sunday morning, Brother Ernest preached on the topic, “FOCUS: Forget Past Issues; Overcome any Obstacle; Commit; Understand God’s Word; and Be Steadfast.” That afternoon, Brother Michael and Brother Ernest had the opportunity to share the Gospel on a local FM radio station. They spoke on the importance of character values that form the basis for young adults to make decisions.

On Sunday evening, Sister Joyce sang “Jesus, Oh Jesus” before the sermon. The topic of Brother Ernest’s sermon was “Watching the Pitfalls.” He brought out the importance of being spiritually prepared to overcome the challenges in life.

Bible teachings were held on the topic of “Prayer” prior to the evening services. On Monday evening, Brother Michael preached on “The Lord Is With You.” Before the sermon on Tuesday evening, Sister Monica sang “Lovest Thou Me More than These?” Brother Ernest read Mark 11:22 and Matthew 7:7 for his texts, and encouraged the congregation to exercise their faith in God by actively asking, seeking, and knocking. During the concluding service on Wednesday evening, Brother Ernest read 2 Peter 1:4-10, and emphasized that the virtues listed in this passage are an excellent formula for a successful Christian life.

During the meetings, Sister Mignolia and Sister Joyce shared their testimonies of victory. Brother Samuel provided musical support on the guitar and keyboard, which was greatly enjoyed by the congregation since they do not have a keyboard player at this time. The Spirit of God could be felt in the wonderful congregational singing, testimonies, and altar services as the seekers fervently sought the Lord.

On Thursday, March 9, the Marshalls and Anthonys traveled to St. Maarten, US Virgin Islands, to attend the fourth anniversary service at the Bishop Hill Apostolic Faith Church on Sunday, March 12. That congregation is French-speaking, and Rolland Deler, the District Superintendent in Haiti, was able to come and be the interpreter. Unity was felt as voices rang out with the familiar hymns of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art,” in both French and English. Brother Ernest read Numbers 13:27-28 and Deuteronomy 7:8-9 for his texts, and encouraged the congregation to be victors and not victims.

The anniversary services at Bishop Hill will continue until March 17, and will be supported by the branch churches in Cole Bay, St. Maarten, and Sandy Ground, St. Martin, on the French side of the island.