Independence Service: “Whoever needs help is your neighbour”

Independence Service: “Whoever needs help is your neighbour”

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - For a brief period in the Independent Anniversary Celebrations (Sunday 18 Sept.), the leaders of the people of God held centre stage, and with the rapt attention of the Governor General, Prime Minister, Parliamentarians, Diplomats and other dignitaries, they prayed and gave direction to the governed and those who govern on how they felt God wanted the country to proceed.

The welcoming words of Rev. Dr. Wycherly Gumbs, Superintendent and Host of the Methodist Church, where this year’s Anniversary Service was held, set the tone as he drew attention to the serious responsibility thrust upon the leaders of our country:

“The burden rests on you, Sir, Your Excellency and Prime Minister and Parliamentarians. Take the torch given to us …the baton of possibilities... swing them wide so that our children may inherit a good day and a godly heritage. If we fail them now, the source of power will be against us…..We expect that Justice shall roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.”

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Prisca Hyliger, Pastor of the Evangelistic Faith Church….. “We have come to give God thanks,” she said, “and to reflect on the theme –‘Preserving our Heritage: Self Respect, Tolerance and Compassion’.”

She based her sermon on the theme of Compassion emphasizing the dire need for it by deftly contrasting a modern day story from Queens, New York where a wounded lady was left to die, with the story of the Good Samaritan of the New Testament times where one who was despised, a veritable enemy, made sacrifices to help another who needed his help.

She spoke of the dark side of our national character – the side which breeds indifference, fright and self absorption – the side that prevents us from getting involved in helping a fellow human being.

“What is wrong with people who do not reach out to help others?” She exhorted all to “be a good Samaritans”.

As she developed the theme of Compassion, she warned that Compassion requires a willingness to get involved, to shift priorities, change schedules and may even require us to endanger our lives.

She pointed out that ‘some are physically wounded, emotionally wounded; financially wounded, and some are social outcasts. “So let us be good Samaritans,” she said. “If we don’t help, who will?”

She spoke with passion and feeling and the audience listened to her every word, murmuring their assent on many occasions.

“Whoever needs help is your neighbour,” she explained giving a new refreshing slant to the Scripture which portrayed it as “he who shows mercy” as the neighbour.

“Put yourselves in the shoes of the needy,” she said, “and help in whatever way you can. They are all over the community.”

The annual Independence Thanksgiving Service was organised jointly by the St. Kitts Christian Council and the St. Kitts Evangelical Association.

It facilitated the participation of the Prime Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, who read the Old Testament Lesson and Parliamentarian Mr. Eugene Hamilton, who read the New Testament Lesson in place of Mr. Mark Brantley, Leader of the Opposition who was unable to attend.

Several members of the Christian and Evangelical Councils led sections of the service such as the Call to Worship, the Gospel Reading, Prayers of Intercession, Prayers of Affirmation and Prayers of Thanksgiving.

The Service was enriched by well-delivered anthems by the National Mass Choir accompanied by organist, Dr. Louisa Lawrence, Pianist Rev. Jeremy Francis and Trumpeter Larry Inanga. Other organists guiding the singing of the congregation were Ms. Tama Martin and Mr. Christian Nathaniel whose high standard of playing was noticed and applauded by the congregation.

The ambience of the Church was enhanced by the beautiful floral displays of the St. Kitts Floral Arrangers Association, who shares a birthday with the Nation.

The national spirit of all was consolidated by the singing of the song ‘Our Beautiful Country’ with words and music by Lady Hulda Lawrence.

The spirit of the Service could be aptly summed up in the last two lines of her song:

Give us the vision for progress, for service,
Peace and prosperity grant us we pray.