BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (MARCH 1ST 2004) – Sunday’s ground breaking ceremony to mark the construction of the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre is a significant milestone in the growth and in the development of that church.
Delivering remarks at ceremony at the site at Lime Kiln, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said the church since its establishment, has served as an important source of moral teachings and of helping to create better individuals and better communities through the teachings of the Word of God.
“Your Centre therefore must see itself, as integral part of the moulding of the various communities of St. Kitts and Nevis and the continued development of our country on a whole. I wish to remind you that you are an important link in the chain that helps to bind us as a nation. In fact, you contribute to the sustenance of a harmonious civic environment here in St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister Douglas, whose stirring remarks were punctuated with loud applause from the large congregation.
Dr. Douglas said the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre must continue to see itself as a beacon that is promoting the ideals of strong character, of confidence, of respect and of strong spiritual values, not only in the lives of its members and others, but all those who have come in touch with its teachings and with the word of God.
“The spread of these important traits throughout our communities can only redound to the benefit of the entire country. You must see yourselves, therefore, as helping to provide a cadre of productive citizens and residents through the constructive spiritual and moral teachings that will emanate from this building,” said the Prime Minister.
“You have an opportunity to reach out to many young people and provide significant guidance to them. Without your input, without your spiritual guidance, our young people will come to naught,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who said the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre has an obligation to help strengthen the family unit.
“You should have a commitment to play your own part in helping young individuals develop a positive sense of direction. You must help them to become engaged in activities that are supportive of their own growth and development. All of these things point to the sustenance of stable and productive societies,” said Dr. Douglas.
He pointed out although there is widespread support of the view that the Church and State should remain separate, “they must complement each other in an attempt to bring about a way of life for citizens and residents of this country.”
“That is why my Government is pleased to play a very facilitating role in the establishment and the expansion of the Church by providing State lands to you. I wish to God, it would have been free of cost, and although it has not been free of cost, we will do our part as a Government in ensuring that some of the necessary duties that you pay would be put aside,” said Dr. Douglas, who expressed pleasure with the spiritual growth of Pastor Dr. Allan Isaac.
A student of Dr. Douglas when he taught at the Basseterre High School, Dr. Isaac “became my own Pastor in St. Paul’s and today I embrace him as one of the important spiritual leaders that will continue to lead this country in the right direction,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
In brief remarks, Dr. Isaac expressed thanks to Prime Minister Douglas for facilitating the acquisition of the land to build the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre.
When completed it will comprise an auditorium, offices, World Impact Bible Institute, Youth, Youth Ministry, Children’s Ministry and other educational training facilities.
The ceremony included Praise and Worship, a dance by youth members, collection of donations for the sanctuary, the reciting of the Statement of Purpose and melodious singing by the choir.
The Rivers of Living Water Christian Ministry was started in August of 1995 by Apostle Dr. Allan Isaac.
