Passover highlights 2011

 

Passover Night

What a night, what a night, Israel marching out with their flocks and herds...what a night hhmmmmmm.

This much anticipated annual event had finally arrived. All the preparations such as securing lodging, uniform, cleaning out the leaven in our homes and hearts had finally born fruit. This Passover night was the best we had seen in a long time. It seemed the saints had come with one mind and were in one accord. The Executive Officer, Bishop Albert Hall in his welcome charged us to put our implicit faith in God. So the praises went up and the blessings came down. 

The sweet soul saving message came from the Executive Officer, Bishop Albert Hall. Duetoronomy 16th was the chosen text. Bishop reminded us that every man shall receive a just reward. This night he said is much to be remembered. Only two out of the 600,000 stalwart men, not counting women and children who left Egypt that night.it is something to think about. God is no respect of persons, whatever he says to do that we should. God said we should observe the month of Abib and keep the Passover honouring the Lord thy God. God has given his commandments and told us what to do and we should do these things that we might be saved. He had us singing, "What a night.Israel marching out with their flocks and herd.Israel going away to serve the Lord!"

The serving of the sumptious lamb followed during which the sweet songs of Zion were chanted. Truly the presence of the Lord was in this place!

FIRST DAY

The praises continued to roll in on the Sabbath and the testimonies of the saints were rich. Some testified of financial miracles magnifying the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The bread of heaven came through Elder Clifton Scott who pledged that whatever the Lord wanted him to say that he would. He it is said that the young should take over the church because they are educated. Should they follow our example? Do we want them to follow our examples? Are our examples healthy enough to build the church? Reading the sermon's text (Job 1:6-7)he said Satan thought to himself that he has a right to go whereever he wants since it was God who threw him out of heaven. Similarly many will say they have a right to go to the house of God for the house of God is a house of prayer for all people. However there are criteria when you come to the house of God. There are criteria we must recognize and live up to if we want to remain in God's kingdom. The Elder then spoke specifically to the singers (battle axe) who were asked to quote a portion of the singers' creed (Psalm 101). He questioned what our purpose is when we too present ourselves on the Sabbath Day. He left us much to chew on.

SECOND DAY - CHILDREN'S DAY

The programme was cheered by the delightful Saints Zaydre Barnes and Monice Turner. The children were exceptionally happy to have their own day this year and seized the opportunity to show us that they are multitalented.

Sister Evangelist Dorothy Scott delivered a very educational sermon. First she told us that God loves you children she said and He will take care of you. He takes care of the sparrow and you are worth more than many sparrows. Children are an heritage to the Lord. Then she enlighted us using Genesis 2:7,21-22 how God took a black shapeless earth and created a masterpiece.. We were fearfully and wonderfully made. He placed a lot of thought into making us,hence we are special. She introduced us to the four taste buds, the 206 bones in our bodies and the brain which is like a giant computer with wires called neutrons. The neutron sends messages throughout the body which in turn tells the body what to do and how to feel. In conclusion, We were encouraged to respect our bodies. We look like Jesus because we were made in His image and likeness. Hence we are related to Him. When the sermon ended we felt like we were in a classroom being edified by the teacher.

THIRD DAY- SABBATH DAY

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. We assembled into the mountain of the Lord's house another blessed and holy Sabbath Day and serviced commenced at approximately the third hour. With one accord the church anthem was sang and prayer followed.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. A lively testimony session was heard. The stomping, singing and shouting had those on the outside rushing in to see what was going on. 

Sister Elder Raymond Munroe gave a soul searching exhortation. Can God vouch for you as he did for Job? Is God your witness? Can you honestly say this?

FOURTH DAY - YOUTHS' DAY

From early onset we knew this day would be a one of the main highlights of the seven days. The young St. Jodian Maxwell read the scripture lesson eloquently. The chairpersons St. Jowayne Blake and St. Aerica Harrison chaired the programme expertly and we all enjoyed the well spread table of items. The march of the youths was electrifying and what a time we all had!

We had heard that a young man had expounded the word of God by way of a sermon in previous weeks at a Youth fellowship weekend at the Morant Bay's tabernacle. This young man was also slated to break the bread of life on Youths' day. Certainly we were not dissappointed. St. Orlando Whyte he urged ministers to create opportunities for the youths.youths in turn were encouraged to seize the opportunities that are provided.  He also urged the Youths to come together and stop the separation. It is one Church of God and Saints of Christ, therefore we should be one.

Later that evening the ministers' dinner was in full swing. The saints were nicely dressed and seated in fine style while the ministers became the servants.

FIFTH DAY-SINGERS' DAY

Singers' are the battle axe and two of such wonderfully chaired the day's programme. We were reminded of our charge by the once singer and shepherd boy, Elder Duwhayne Elliott. He said the shepherd boy and chorister are the leaders of the choir, yet there are so many others leaders telling what should or should not be. Let us not try to be leaders in our own right, but let us be obedient to those in charge. He charged us also not to do anything for vain glory. When the praises go up the blessings will come down. Battle axes, be prepared to strike the blow for the Lord.  

SIXTH DAY-DAUGHTERS' DAY

Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy, to whom the dominion was given. It was the daugthers who first saw Jesus after his resurrection.  They received the message to go tell the disciples that Jesus had risen.

There was much food on the table as each mother sarah came us with the daughters of their tabernacle.  The Caribbean Exhorter, Sister Evangelist Reynolds gave the last message: "Run from the well and run with the message."

SEVENTH AND LAST DAY

This was the last day and for those who had not yet enjoyed themselves this was the last day to do so. The service was rich from the singing of the opening hymn,testimonies and the powerful sermon brought to us by the Bishop which he expounded from Romans 10:2, 13:1-2. He said although the pastor tells you what time to come to service some still walk in at their leisure. Bishop said we are early to work, early the embassy, or party for which we are dressed to impress. When you come to church no one can say anything to you. To make it worse you head downstairs to fix up yourselves. Fix yourselves from home

·        Guard your lips

·        Do not be a chatter box

·        Do not cause your tongue to cut off your head

·        Be on time for service

·        Be not wise in your own conceit

·        Do not wear any dirty slippers on the street to church

·        Fix yourselves from home

·        Support the work of God

 

In conclusion Bishop encouraged us to come together and serve the Lord. The Lord will be pleased for ritghteous sake, he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Then the lame will walk, the blind will see, but we are holding these things back. He prayed that God will help uswe will all of us as we leave here to fight the battle, for the battle is the Lord's but the victory is ours.

SABBATH SCHOOL

During the Sabbath school session, we were entertained with an interview re-enactment of how Prophet Crowdy met his wife St. Lovey Crowdy. The characters were as follows:

St. Andre Grant - Prophet Crowdy

St. Adenikee Munroe - St.Lovey

St. Sali-jo Walker - interviewer   

APPOINTMENTS

Saints Camelia Palmer and Keisha Robinson were appointed Crown Makers for the Diocese. Some were looking for more but God knows all things best.

CULMINATION

The curtains came down on Passover 2011 with the saints singing and praising God for seven glorious days.