The North Caribbean Conference administration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in the persons of Pastor Silton Browne (President), Dr. Henry Peters (Executive Secretary) and Miss Sanaida McKenzie (Treasurer), facilitated a commemoration ceremony for the organization of a newly established congregation.
The New Life Adventist group was organized as the 4th Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Anguilla on July 3, 2013. Since its inception in 2011, under the dynamic leadership of the late Elder Horace Cupid, and other associate leaders, it has been recognized as a fast growing group of believers. Elder Cupid served the New Life Company since its inception until the day of his passing on May 7, 2012. Elder Glen Boothe became his successor until present.
It will now be referred to as the New Life Company. According to the Seventh-day Adventist structure, where a number of isolated believers come together in a particular location, a company of believers may be organized for fellowship and worship with the objective of growing into an organized church.
“We all can share with New Life congregation in this great victory. It has not been very long in coming for some. But for many, we have been looking forward to and longing for this day. It seemed almost like yesterday after an evangelistic crusade that was conducted by Evangelist Mil Robinson in February 2011 – we have now become an established congregation. We praise God for His leadership,” said Pastor Virgil Sams, senior pastor of the Church in Anguilla.
The event, which attracted approximately one hundred persons filled the old church building at East End, had representatives from the other three SDA congregations, plus visiting guests from the community.
The President of the North Caribbean Conference of more than 14,000 members, Pastor Browne, in his remarks said, “I congratulate the leaders for advancing the growth of the SDA church in Anguilla. It is not the organizational leadership that makes it a powerful church – it is God himself.”
He continued by highlighting the doctrines and statistical account of the church during the church organizational process. He maintained that the Seventh-day Adventists Church is ranked as one of the fastest growing denominations with a membership of 18 million baptized members and about 25 million total members and adherents worldwide.
Dr. Peters charged us to make sure that the action units meet the needs of the individual and commended our small bible groups.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Miss McKenzie on behalf of the North Caribbean Conference.
This was followed by several members including Pastor Williams who participated in the service. A comprehensive historical background was given by one of the founding members of the newly organized congregation, Mrs. Colvette Coley.
After the official acceptance of the New Life congregation into the sisterhood of Seventh-day Adventist companies, the dedicatory prayer was given by Pastor Sams.
It was indeed a proud and happy moment for the New Life congregation as the members celebrated their hardworking and sacrificial efforts in this mile stone.
As of present, Anguilla has 3 organized churches and 1 company.
– Contributed
