The Anguilla Methodist Circuit hosted a Training Seminar this week for Ministers and Presbyters from inside and outside the island.
Overall responsibility for the seminar was that of the Rev. Relis Martin-Riley, a national of Antigua serving as Superintendent Minister of the Aruba Circuit, and with 31 years of full-time ministry.
Rev. Martin-Riley, a woman of considerable influence and dedication as a Minister, spoke to The Anguillian on Tuesday evening at Bethel Methodist Church at South Hill, where the training, has been taking place.
She said the seminar was being attended by five Ministers-in training: Rev. Othniel Daley and Marjorie Liburd, from Nevis; Doris Lynch and Leanna Richardson from St. Maarten; and Candis Niles from Anguilla. And two Presbyters: Gilbert Lyband from St. Croix and Merle Malone from the St. Thomas/St. John Circuit. Anguillian Local Preachers, Wilmoth Hodge and Mrs. Veronica Gumbs, were also in attendance.
“I am the Secretary of the Ministerial Training Committee for the Leeward Islands District Conference,” Rev. Martin-Riley said. “This year the Conference decided that we would hold a seminar for the training of our Presbyters, Ministers-in-Training and prospective candidates. We decided to have it inAnguillabecause residing here are some of our most experienced Ministers in the Methodist Connexion.”
She said the local Ministers were involved in the seminar were: Rev. Joseph Lloyd, a former District Chairman, and Rev. Franklin Roberts, Tutors in Personal Ministry; Rev. Dr. Wilfred Hodge, Tutor in Christology, a study of the personal work of Jesus Christ; Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles, Tutor in Sermon Preparation; and Rev. John A. Gumbs and Rev. Cecil Weekes, Tutors in Caribbean Methodism.
“They are all Church Fathers, and we are proud of them,” she stated. “They have much to offer. I am refreshed and learning at their feet.”
She went on: “We need to prepare our Ministers well. We need to equip them for full-time ministry.”
Rev. Martin-Riley was also grateful to the Superintendent Minister of the Anguilla Circuit, Rev. Dunstan Richardson, for assisting with the arrangements for the seminar.
