From the Superintendent's DESK

Bob and Cheryl Downey continued their visit to churches on the island of St. Vincent with services at Questelles on Tuesday, January 31, and Campden Park on Wednesday, February 1. Both of these churches are located in the same region, around a fifteen-minute drive from Kingstown, where the Downeys are staying.

In addition to the Questelles congregation, there were a number of visitors from the churches in Paul Over, Lowman’s Hill, and Campden Park. The sanctuary was filled with praises as the congregation sang several choruses. After the middle prayer, they sang a few familiar hymns, including “The Fight Is On,” “Hold the Fort,” and “I Shall Not Be Moved.” One of the choruses during the testimony portion stated, “Christian soldiers, the war is on; you can’t just stay home; you can’t just sit down; you’ve got to fight the good fight of faith.” Before the sermon, the congregation sang “The Goodness of God,” and the Spirit of God could be felt as hearts were lifted up in praise. The sermon text was Proverbs 3:5-6, and the message was on finding spiritual encouragement through worship, songs, testimonies, prayer, and the Word of God. Several verses were cited, and the congregation was encouraged to search the Scriptures and look to Jesus for every need in their lives.

Campden Park has the largest building of all the churches on the island. Although it is located in an industrial area, it stands out as a beautiful beacon in that area. Again, a number of visitors came from nearby branch churches to support the service, which opened with the congregation singing “Because of Who You Are.” Several other choruses were sung, transitioning to hymns after the middle prayer. Although some of the choruses have not been familiar to the Downeys, they have been inspired by the words. One chorus stated, “Able to save; able to keep; able to satisfy; my God is able, abundantly able, all of my needs to supply.” The topic of the sermon was “Salvation,” and the text was John 3:16-17. The unsaved were encouraged to give their hearts to Jesus while there is still time.

The Downeys report that in all the services, one thing has stood out: the congregation do not leave until after the prayer service has ended and a benediction has been given. The Downeys will continue to travel to churches this week, ending with a youth convention at the headquarters church in Paul Over on Sunday.