Sunday afternoon, May 24, saw a special anniversary, dedication and ordination service at the Word of Life Ministries at Rey Hill, which was founded by Pastor Ambrose N. Gumbs between late 1996 and early 1997.
Pastor Gumbs is a well-respected, well-known and amicable gentleman in Anguilla who has served in the hospitality industry in Puerto Rico and his homeland for a number of years. It is his religious upbringing, and his exemplary Christian witness, that eventually influenced his decision to set up and establish the Word of Life Ministries, becoming the first Pastor of what is now a growing and vibrant Church. Presently ailing, he has been able to secure the services of other colleagues to assist with the work of the ministry.
Three responsible members, William Wilson (who dedicated the sanctuary), his wife, Athenia Wilson, and Carmen Gumbs, were ordained pastors during the above-mentioned service. Their ordination was welcomed and overseen by him. They are regarded as having been called to serve after a long association with the ministry – and having played leading roles during Pastor Gumbs’ illness and treatment in Miami, Florida. some two years ago.
A number of fellow pastors, from various churches in Anguilla participated in the service. They included Pastor Dexter Welcome, of Dominion Faith Centre, who brought greetings from his church; Pastor Gerard Gumbs, of God’s Store House, who delivered the sermon and conducted the main portion of the pastoral ordination; Pastors Leslie Richardson of the Apostolic Faith Church; Winston Ryan of Faith Evangelical Outreach Church; Victor Brooks of World Harvest Church; and two pastors from the Dominican Republic serving in Anguilla.
Pastor Ambrose Gumbs was delighted to have had the opportunity to deliver a prayer of blessing for the new pastors who will be engaged in conducting the regular services of the church.
In her address to the congregation, his wife, Mrs. Luz Gumbs, spoke about the founding of the Word of Life Ministries by her husband. She said that the ministries were established by him while working at the former Coccoloba Hotel in Barnes Bay where he met visiting Pastors Gaspar and Michelle Anastasi of Freeport, New York.
The Gumbs couple later travelled to New York “to witness a special service that began the official initiation of Word of Life Ministries in Anguilla”. Mrs. Gumbs related how, on their return to the island, they held services on the porch of their private home until her husband’s uncle, Rafael Gumbs, donated an acre of land to him, enabling the start of a much delayed church building there.
It is only recently that the interior of the church building was completed, thus allowing the holding of last Sunday’s triple event.
“Today, the pastors and family of the Word of Life Ministries, Anguilla, are expressing heartfelt thanks to all of you,” Mrs. Luz Gumbs, told the congregation. “Thank you for your love, time and financial support for this ministry. It is because of you that this ministry has withstood the valley and mountain experiences that any ministry can face. We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; and His Word truly brings Life to all.”
