On December 15, 2019, Pastor Dexter Welcome was appointed Pastor of Harvestime New Testament Church in Queens, New York, in the United States. Attendees included friends and family from across the USA, Guyana and Antigua with a special viewing across Anguilla via Facebook Live. The anointed atmosphere was evident as the altar backdrop prepared for the Christmas season with a life-affirming green and vibrant poinsettia plants adorning the gateway of grace. The guest worship team from the Greater New York area filled the air with songs of praise.
The launch at Harvestime is only an extension of the timeless power of God and the continuation of a life of ministry that was started in Anguilla, 19 years ago, when the Welcomes took up their first ministry assignment by pastoring the New Testament Church of God. Pastor Welcome and his family are forever grateful to the Anguillian community for the love and support they rendered over the 19 years they laboured here. The Welcomes believe that their time and experience in Anguilla were a significant season of preparation for this new chapter in the United States. Pastor Welcome said, “It is a new time, a new season and a new decade, but the same all-knowing and all-powerful God remains.” Pastor Welcome further stated that he solicits the prayers of his Anguillian family and friends as he continues to heed the call of God.
The presiding officer, Bishop Joseph Persaud, Administrative Bishop – Guyana, announced that this is “a historic moment in time and we must give God all the glory. Some of you have traveled from far – from the great Caribbean islands and from South America.” Bishop Persaud shared that roughly 15 years ago he was told that “something big would happen in New York” and that Harvestime will be a “disciplining church and a mission church.” He knew that it was only a matter of time for the right time and the right season. He further declared that, “That time is now and Harvestime is ripe for an awakening.”
Bishop Steve Smith, Administrative Bishop – New York Church of God, was also an officiating minister along with special guests Bishop Byron Lee and Bishop Thompson. As the service continued, the talented Rushanna Welcome, daughter of Pastor Welcome and Teacher Natasha Welcome, effortlessly vocalized praises to God by singing “I Believe.” She emphasized a message that is needed by many men and women today: “I believe what you say of me. You say I am loved – You say I am strong, when I think I’m weak. When I don’t belong, you say I am yours. In you, I find my identity.” As Bishop Persaud returned to the pulpit, he proclaimed that, “Many souls from across the nation will come to be a part of what God is doing. God is building this church, and nothing can stand against it.” Flanked by servant leaders of high responsibility all in one place to bless Pastor Welcome, he was filled with support for the hefty task at hand, all God-ordained. The task is huge, but the burden is light.
The special message of the evening, titled “The Servant and the Fire”, was powerfully delivered by Bishop Steve Smith. He proclaimed, “The potter puts the vessel He intends to use in the fire. If you are ready for your purpose, you will be tested. Keep faith and remember your ABC’s – Adversity Builds Character.”
To conclude this very special service, Pastor Welcome offered words of gratitude – specifically acknowledging his colleagues, family and friends in attendance from numerous countries including Guyana, Antigua and Anguilla. He noted that, “One of the best things that happened to me was pastoring in Anguilla. Rushelle and I miss and love you dearly, Anguilla. You are forever in our hearts. May God richly bless you. Happy 2020, ANGUILLA!”
– Contributed
