The Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) is a health conscious organisation that advocates the wellbeing of cancer and AIDS patients in Anguilla. The Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, is the Health Advisor for the said network, and the organisation’s President, Mr. John “Pow” Lake, arranged a special prayer session for him and his fellow-ministers of Government. Fervent prayers were ascended as part of the Sunday service, of February 7th, at the Kingdom Gospel Global Outreach Ministries (KGGOM).
According to Mr. Lake, he organised the prayer because he saw the need for asking God’s direction upon the Government in this critical time of COVID-19 uncertainty. “The Lord gave me a word,” he said, “and He told me to pray for the government — for its task is not easy in this time of pandemic.”
Sister Georgina Williams was the moderator for the Sunday service. In general, service at this vibrant, developing Pentecostal ministry, is filled with enthusiasm. For this prayer service, the spirit of worship and praise enraptured the congregation. Many visitors, who, for the most part, had attended just for the Government’s prayer, were otherwise inspired by a jubilant atmosphere of lively rejoicing. Apart from the congregation’s energetic singing, a stunning dance was performed by Sisters Annette Richardson and Carol Miller, to Yolanda Adams’ “The Battle is the Lord’s” — a song which emphasizes that God will provide victory and healing over circumstances when he hears His people’s prayers.
In his opening remarks, the church’s Leader, Pastor Bernard Joseph, said: “I feel rather humbled to have the Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, and members of his cabinet, with us today. To all of you who have come to visit with us, and to pray for the men and women whom God has chosen to lead our country in this time of crisis, I say a warm welcome. God will make a way for us as we pray, even as He made a way for the Israelites in the wilderness and through the Red Sea.” He then asked the congregation to join him in making “Anguilla’s first elected Premier” welcome. As the Premier approached the podium, escorted by one brave young girl from the church, the congregation rendered hilarious applause.
The Premier complimented the little “angel”, and thanked the Pastor and his wife for the opportunity to address the congregation. In particular, he thanked Mr. Lake for organising prayer sessions. By extension, he also thanked all who had come to witness it. He stated:
“At this time when there are crises everywhere, due to the coronavirus pandemic which has taken over the world, this government upon entering office, has inherited a poor economic condition. Now, with this pandemic, for us there is economic uncertainty. However, we know that our God is still here for us.”
He alluded to Romans chapter 13 verse 1, which speaks about God-given authority, declaring: “‘There is no authority except by God, and the existing authorities are established by God,”‘ he affirmed. “We know that God sets up governments and He takes them down. So He knows what He is doing in this time of our existence. He has put the right government in place for the right time. I can therefore say, without a shadow of doubt, that we are meant to be here for such a time as this.”
Speaking from the backdrop of his religious conviction, the Premier further declared: “I can assure you that God is able to deliver. I am enthusiastic. Yes, I am hopeful…Sometimes we might get down and feel that negative airwaves are poised against us — when everyone questions what you do and thinks that they can do it better. But when you have the competence and the kind of team like the one that surrounds me, with God’s constant help we will make the right decisions and put this country back on the path to economic prosperity…”
The Pastor brought his sermon from 2 Kings 4. It gives an account of a man who died while owing his creditors much money. He left behind his widow to take care of their two sons. But soon the creditors came to demand what was owed. The lady would be either forced to pay the creditors, or they would take away her sons to be enslaved. After she related her plight to the Prophet Elijah, he asked her what valuable item she had in her house: “All I have is a jar of oil,” she answered. He replied: “Go and borrow many bottles from your neighbours to dispense the oil in, sell the oil, and pay off your debt.”
With his sermon entitled “What You Have in Your House Will Get You Out”, Pastor Joseph implored the congregation to believe that each individual, and each nation, has some valuable resource “on the inside” that can serve to bring them out of debt and economic hardship: “There comes a time when you have to stop looking on the outside for the help you need, especially at a time like this when everyone around you is looking for help themselves. Whether you are a nation, or an individual, you have something inside of you. So, find it and use it in order to get yourself out of your dilemma.”
The session of prayer after the sermon was led by three ministers: Minister Keeden Isaac, Pastor Kimaro Smith and Pastor Howard Simon. While Minister Isaac prayed for frontline workers, the COVID-19 vaccine campaign and wisdom for elected leaders, Pastor Kimaro Smith prayed for national economic stability; and Pastor Simon’s prayer centred on the general wellbeing of the Administration – and for divine guidance in this unprecedented era of uncertainty.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
