The religious and social life in Anguilla is being impacted by a five-week or more lengthy evangelistic crusade which commenced on Sunday night, October 6, in The Valley.
Initiated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, “The Final Millennium Showdown Gospel Explosion” crusade, as it is entitled, is being conducted by International Evangelist, Dr. Preston Patterson, a national of Guyana.
The Evangelist is serving in Anguilla in close cooperation with the two recently-appointed District Ministers, Pastor Simon and Pastor Jules. In introducing the Evangelistic, Pastor Simon told the attendees under the sprawling yellow and white tent:
“Those of you who know about cricket, I don’t know if you ever heard about this fast bowler from Jamaica by the name of Patrick Patterson. When that guy bowls, he bowls with such pace and speed that batsmen used to tremble. Well tonight there is another Patterson – not a Patterson in fast-bowling, but a Patterson in preaching and God has gifted him with the gift of evangelism. He stands tall not only in stature but in delivering the Word of God.
“He has preached the Word all around the Caribbean, in North America and in other places and, wherever he has gone, his electrifying sermons have transformed lives – and now he has come to the Kingdom as such a time as this. He is here on Anguilla together with his wife and two daughters. The Lord has blessed this man and he is a mighty man on a mission for his Maker – a decorated Seventh-day Evangelist.”
Dr. Patterson expressed the hope that at the end of the evangelistic series “all of us will know and understand that we are heading to Heaven.” He joined Pastor Simon in introducing a number of crusade team members, and other workers, who will be travelling through the tent and in the community assisting and encouraging them with their spiritual lives.
The crusade was declared open by the Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Evalie Bradley, who brought greetings from Premier Victor Banks “who, because of other duties, is unavoidably absent – and sends his apologies and best wishes for a successful crusade.” She further said: “I also bring greetings on behalf of the other members of his Cabinet of which I am a member and, by extension, the people of Anguilla. I think it is also in order that I extend a warm greeting and welcome to our new Pastors for a successful pastoring of their flock here in this part of their vanguard. I also pray that under their leadership that the ministry in Anguilla will continue to flourish and be spiritually fruitful and productive.”
Mrs. Bradley, a Methodist Local Preacher and Pemier Banks’ Cabinet Prayer Leader, continued: “I also offer a word of Christian welcome to the Evangelist, Dr. Preston Patterson, as he speaks over the next few weeks on the Final Millennium Showdown. It is my hope that, as this Anointed man of God brings forth the Word for such a time as this, the hearts of men, women, boys and girls, may be uplifted, edified, energised and renewed with a passion for putting God’s Mission into action – and that is bringing Christ’s loving witnesses – and proclaim to all people the everlasting Gospel of His Message through Christ-like living, communicating, teaching, healing and serving.”
The Ministerial Assistant went on: “Just about now, the atmosphere here in Anguilla will be buzzing with political talk. Some will win, some will lose. We all can’t be winners. There will always be opposing views but I trust that even during this time that the beauty of Jesus will be seen in us by our speech, our conduct, our behaviour and our respect for each other.
“Above all, let us recognise that true leadership and authority come only from one source – and that is God Almighty through His Son, Jesus Christ, on whom we must depend for guidance and direction in all that we do. We may come from different religious denominations, and backgrounds, but there is only one common factor and that is: ‘The Church is one Foundation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“I therefore wish you much success for a spirit-filled crusade as we minister in song, prayer and the spoken Word; and that people may come to personally know the Lord for better spiritual, social and community living – so that all of us may enjoy better days of friendship, peace and happiness as we seek to brighten this small corner of God’s Kingdom.
“Congratulations and greetings again on behalf of the Government and the people of Anguilla. It is my distinct pleasure and honour to declare this crusade open.”
Mrs. Bradley was presented with a token gift by Pastor Jules on behalf of Evangelist Dr. Preston Patterson and the crusade team.
