From the Superintendent's DESK

Bob and Cheryl Downey concluded their trip to St. Vincent with services in Greiggs on Thursday evening, Penniston on Friday evening, and a youth convention in Paul Over on Sunday morning, February 5.

The Greiggs church is located in Charlotte Parish, the largest parish in St. Vincent, near the area known as Mesopotamia Valley, where much of the island’s vegetation is grown. That area is known for its abundant rainfall, evidenced by a downpour before the service began. The service opened with the congregation singing several choruses, followed by a few hymns after the middle prayer. Before the sermon, a soloist sang “The Anchor Holds,” after which the congregation sang “Will Your Anchor Hold?” The message text was Genesis 32:23-24, and the congregation was encouraged to persevere in prayer until they receive an answer from God.

The Penniston church is located not too far from Kingstown, the capital. The service began with a welcome by Timothy Myles, a young minister who often oversees the services since the pastor is in poor health. The congregation enthusiastically sang a number of choruses and hymns. The message text was 2 Timothy 2:19, and the topic was “Building on a Sure Foundation.”

On Sunday morning, nine of the eleven churches on the island were represented at the youth convention in Paul Over. The sanctuary was full, with close to two hundred attending. The theme was “Don’t Bend, Bow, Nor Break,” and the theme song was “Dare to be a Daniel.” Each church was given the opportunity to give a greeting and a music special. The youth minister read Daniel 1:8 for his text and exhorted the congregation to have the same boldness that Daniel had in taking a stand for God.

The Downeys left St. Vincent on Monday, February 6, in the afternoon and returned to Portland the following day. They were blessed by their time in St. Vincent, and the prayer is that God will continue to prosper the Apostolic Faith work in that region.