Some 20 Pastors, holding membership in the Anguilla Evangelical Association, accompanied by members of their congregations, paid glowing tribute to the Reverends Drs. Ambrose and Kathleen Richardson, a husband and wife team, for their Ministry spanning almost 45 years.
The honourees are the Pastors at theChristianFellowshipChurchon theBlowing Point Roadwhere the membership is about 400, compared with the 8 followers they had at the start of their ministerial work in 1967. Pastor Ambrose was highly commended not only for his leadership role at his Church, where he has groomed other leaders for the Ministry, but for his influence on, and outstanding example to, many young pastors on the island as well.
The well-attended event was held at the Life Impact Center on theWest End Main Roadat which the Moderator was Pastor Paula Gumbs of The City of Faith Church in The Valley.
President of the Anguilla Evangelical Association, Pastor Gareth Hodge, of Destiny Baptist Church in The Valley, told the large crowd, to prolonged applause: “We are honouring them because they deserve it. Some day we will be crying over their caskets saying how great they were, and it is our duty today to let them know, while they are alive, what they mean to us. Let us in these proceedings rejoice and celebrate and thank God for them.”
Pastor Hodge was praised Pastor Ambrose’s wife for her supportive role to her husband and the Church, and for her fine qualities as a Christian and standard bearer in Anguilla. “We are also honouring Pastor Ambrose for his leadership in the spiritual, social, political and economic development of Anguilla,” he went on. “He is a man who has led by example – a man who has been called by God and is fulfilling his call. He is not only the Pastor of his congregation, but is a pastor’s Pastor. Every major spiritual decision I have made in my life, although I have discussed it with my own pastor, I also discussed it with Pastor Ambrose.”
In another tribute, Pastor John Gumbs ofSovereign GraceBaptistChurch, at George Hill, told of his long association with Pastor Ambrose when they both served as taxi-drivers while also engaged in their pastoral duties.
He came to admire Pastor Ambrose for his spiritual life and commitment, and for being a man willing to stand for what is right. “I have learned from him over the years that even though others might think you are wrong, you should do what is right,” he said. “Pastor Ambrose came to Anguilla when there were no pay cheques in the ministry – and there was no one in the church working. He had to live by faith, and now God has blessed him. For those of us who are climbing the ladder, let us take one step at a time and trust in the Lord.”
Pastor John also spoke appreciatively about Pastor Ambrose’s wife, and of the strength and encouragement she gave him over the years while also charting her own course in the development of the Ministry.
Grace Carty, a member of theChristianFellowshipChurch, who delivered the biographies of the couple, stated in part: “Pastor Ambrose has passionately provided guidance and leadership. He has equipped, counseled and mentored leaders, pastors and other young men and women, serving in diverse communities to effectively lead in dynamic Christian-centred ministries. He is best known for his 44 years and months…of faithful, unbroken service as the Senior Pastor of the Christian Fellowship Church.
“He surrendered to the call of God in November 1967 and came to Anguilla at a time when it was neither easy nor glamorous. Anguilla, as we knew, or heard, was in turmoil and under a revolution. He did not come alone. Even though he told his wife to stay in a protected society, she said ‘wherever God sends you, I will go.’ Pastor assumed the leadership of the Christian Fellowship Church when there were only 8 adult members, and continued for more than 40 years, and our congregation has now grown to over approximately 400 active members.
“Rev. Dr.Richardson, without a doubt, is an important spiritual leader in Anguilla, with a multiplicity of gifts, with a practical yet insightful charismatic preaching style. He is dedicated to preaching the Gospel to everyone he meets,” she continued.
“He is a sought-after speaker, revivalist and teacher, who is called on to empower and encourage the people of God; and he travels internationally proclaiming the word of God.
“The Rev. Drs. Richardson have contributed to theKingdomofGodas wise and compassionate Pastors, fervent Evangelists, far-sighted visionaries, caring mentors and steadfast shepherds casting a shadow that is shaping generations.”
The sermon was preached by Pastor Lucien McDonna of theLifeImpactCenter. He joined his colleagues in paying tribute to the husband and wife pastors, and likened Pastor Ambrose to Abraham of old who served at a most difficult and trying period, but whose faithfulness stood the tests of time.
In their replies, both Pastors were grateful for the Special Appreciation Service for them. They took the opportunity to encourage the various pastors, and all other persons present, to live exemplary Christian lives and to care for their fellowmen. Pastor Ambrose pointed out that while he deeply appreciated the recognition paid to him and his wife, there were other Pastors whom they met in Anguilla who had served with distinction and dedication. He named two of them as being Bishop David Rogers and Bishop George Connor, both of theChurchofGodof Prophecy and residing at South Hill. He felt that they, along with the others, should be honoured in like manner.
