Parry welcomes delegates to 203rd Methodist Conference
Says role of the church is crucial in prevailing challenges
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 |
| Premier Parry addressing the opening ceremony last night |
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - THE Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry, said last night (Jan. 14) that the role of the church is crucial in dealing with prevailing challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas’ 203rd Leeward Island District Conference, in Charlestown, Parry told the delegates that the conference was timely as it was being held when the island and the region as a whole is faced with tourism challenges due to the global recession. He cited crime and delinquent youth as some of the major challenges.
The Premier attributed the social problems to lack of fear of God and detachment from church. He was however optimistic that the conference would bring about a revival and a renewal.
The two-week long conference is being held under the theme, “Redeeming the Time: In Duties Small.”
Parry called on the church to mobilise and encourage people to value family values and structures.
The Premier said the delegates had visited Nevis when it is at its best in the month January. He welcomed the delegates and hoped they would enjoy the unique hospitality offered by Nevisians.
 |
|
Flags of the attending countries
|
The District President, Reverend Franklyn Manners, stressed the need for Christians to redeem the society by being good stewards that God has given to the world.
He also said it was important that the church puts resources into the best use to facilitate the preaching of the word of God. He said the church needed resources including finances to advance its mission.
Rev. Manners called on professionals in the corporate world who serve in the church to utilise their skills so that resources are put to the best use. “We do not feel their expertise in church,” he said.
Rev. Manners also called on the delegates to ensure that the conference deliberations would impact the local churches.
Speaking on behalf of the Nevis Circuity, Steadroy Pemberton told the delegates and guests that the church needs to use new and innovative approaches to respond to the current challenges. He liked the modern day challenges to biblical Paul’s arrests and imprisonment, noting Paul had continued to preach the Gospel.
 |
|
The delegates
|
“Paul, the once persecutor of Christians, converted into an Apostle of Christ, found himself under house arrest in Rome during his first imprisonment.
This did not curtail his mission and ministry; he found a creative way to continue his passion.
The soldiers who kept guard over Paul were changed at frequent intervals, and thus he used the opportunity to preach the Gospel to many of them for the whole two years that he was under house arrest,” Pemberton said.
“These soldiers took the message of truth to their homes, villages, towns and cities. As a result, it became clear to all that Paul was in chains for Christ.
Paul was eventually acquitted and continued his missionary labours freely. Like yesterday, the same divine and spiritual inspiration of God is available to guide us on this our new form of arrest,” Pemberton said.
The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Governor-General St. Kitts and Nevis; the Deputy Governor Eustace John and his wife; the District President, Rev. Charles Seaton; Secretary of the Leeward Islands District, Dr. and Mrs. Wycherley Gumbs; Superintendent Minister, Nevis Circuit, Rev. Rose Marie Julius; Vice Chairman of the Nevis Christian Council, Father Antonio Ritaccio; President of the Nevis Island Assembly, the Hon. Marjorie Morton; and Nevis Island Administration(NIA) ministers and officials.
