CATEGORY:REMEMBERANCE
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By Trevor Thwaites (Inside Greneda correspondent)


TANTEEN, St.George’s - Many attended the Interfaith Service in commemoration of the second Anniversary of Hurricane on Sunday September 10, at the GBSS Auditorium in Tanteen. Religious leaders and their followers from several denominations rejoiced and thanked God for the goodness and mercies rendered to the country before and after Hurricane Ivan. Spiritual leaders, Governor General Sir Daniel Williams, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell and opposition leader Tilman Thomas all spoke at occasion.

Member of the Spiritual Baptist Church Richardson Andrew, who delivered the Sermon, brought a message of goodwill and togetherness. He welcomed the service which he said was very important. “ We must say thanks not only after we have received benefits, but as spiritual people we must say thank you always”, Andrew said, adding that if this is not done we will become bitter, angry or even resentful. He warned the congregation and the nation at large about blaming one another or even God for some of our setbacks.

“We are not contended, we become rebellious and we complain. That, brothers and sisters, you know and I know is not the way to live. That is a dog eat dog kind of live” Andrew, who is also the Chief Executive Officer in the Agency for Reconstruction and Development, pointed out. He said that despite the challenges and setbacks, the Lord must be gratified. “We have to thank God- heavy heart or not, because as we praise him the burden of our hearts will fade away and goodness will flow.”


Andrew urged his countrymen to live good with each other. “The God in you is the same God in me and that should condition the way in which we live with one another because if we harm a brother we harm the god in him and if he harms us, he affects the God in us.” The Baptist preacher wants to see a stronger bonding among nationals. He said that despite the huge loss as a result of the hurricane some positive developments have surfaced, which should help us to face the future with more confidence.

“The helping hand and the various things that have happened must be considered. We need to do the analysis, the lessons we learned, will they help us to become a better, conscious and more bonded people, so that the lessons and the sufferings are not lost. If not, we would have suffered in vain.” He said that it is all about solving problems, coping with the difficulties that we have to confront us as individuals, communities, as a people and as a nation. “We have to avoid contaminating ourselves with the negatives around us- the world, the flesh. That is really the challenge of this life”, Andrew proclaimed.

As the reconstruction and recovery efforts continue, Andrew encourages his countrymen to show respect and regard for all those who are working hard to rebuild the country and hold them in the highest regard. “I also say live in peace with each other, motivate those who are idle, encourage those who are afraid and timid, help the weak and be patient with everyone.” The preacher finished in style just as he had started and was able to move the congregation with the chorus – “I have a Joy in my heart”- The congregation, clapped, sang and chanted the chorus as he made his way from the stage.