WEYMOUTH HILLS, St. Maarten (July 24, 2013) – The Church of God of Prophecy Leeward Islands region recently concluded their 59th Bi-Annual convention with a renewed push to evangelise and become more relevant to the communities they serve in.
More than 450 members of the church from St. Maarten, the Leeward Islands, French West Indies, Dominica and Suriname gathered at Victory Temple COGOP from July 18 to 21, 2013 for the meetings which focused on stirring up a passion for sharing the gospel.
For the first time the convention was simultaneously presented in three languages English, Spanish and French Creole. Members had only to tune in their radios or phones to a dedicated FM channel to the translations. “We are a multi-lingual region and we need to make sure our brothers and sisters can connect with the messages being shared,” explained Regional Overseer Bishop Michael Greenaway.
Although many members could not attend the convention, each session was streamed live on the church’s website at www.cogopleeward.org by goldenmedia. One of the areas that the church intends to expand in order to connect more regularly with churches and potential members is through the use of the internet and social media.
Pastor Dr Samuel Daniel presented the opening teaching last Thursday, which noted that a paradigm shift was necessary in order to reach the present generation for Christ. He noted that at his church on Anguilla, the focus on relationships and supporting couples with counselling is enabling them to reach entire families.
During the leadership workshop on Friday morning, Dominica-based pastor Irving Lawson reemphasised that all members should be encouraged to see themselves as Christian first and take that into the workplace and be living examples of faith and dedication.
Other speakers at the four-day convention were Regional Presbyter Bishop Dr Melroy Meade of Montserrat, and General Overseer of Jamaica Bishop Winston Leith.
General Presbyter of the Caribbean and Oceanic Islands Bishop Clayton Martin commended Bishop Greenaway for a powerful convention which had reignited a flame to share the gospel. He noted that there was a need to attract young people under the age of 30 to the ministry as missionaries and pastors.
Bishop Greenaway in his closing address on Sunday evening called for each pastor and member to seek a revitalised relationship with the Holy Spirit which would allow for innovative ideas and new methods of spreading the message of Jesus Christ to the world. He added that over the next two years, he wants to see the region grow by at least 500 new members.
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Netherlands Antilles News