BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [1]”  This was the theme of the National Service of Prayer & Protection for the People of Haiti that was held on Thursday evening at St. George’s Anglican Church on Cayon Street.

The special service was organised by the NGO Coalition, comprised of the Evangelical Association and Christian Council of St. Kitts, and the Chamber of Industry & Commerce.  The ecumenical service brought together approximately 160 persons from across the island to pray, give thanks to God, and mobilise relief support for the people of Haiti who are suffering the ravages of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. 

At least 12 members of the clergy officiated in various capacities at the service, with Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins delivering a rousing sermon on the importance of thankfulness, peace of mind, and steadfastness in the goodness and mercy of God.  The Chamber also participated in the service with Chamber President, Mr Mark Wilkin reading the New Testament Lesson and the organisation’s Executive Director, Wendy Phipps delivering the vote of thanks. Special selections were also rendered by the St. Kitts National Choir, and the Reverend Father Burnett Moise of the Episcopal Church of Haiti with a delegation of Haitian students of Windsor University.  Father Moise also proclaimed the gospel reading in Creole, and later joined the Windsor students in singing the National Anthem of Haiti in Creole. 

A number of uniformed bodies also attended the National Service of Prayer & Protection for the People of Haiti, including members of the Royal St. Christopher & Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts Fire Services.  Playing a prominent role in the service was also a strong delegation from the St. Kitts Red Cross Society who collected the evening’s offering from the congregation.  This offering, totally EC$28,705.12 was officially presented the St. Kitts Red Cross Society President, Dr Reginald O’Louglin prior to the close of the service.  An additional private sector donation of EC$25,000 has since been received from S L Horsford & Company Ltd.

Among the specially invited guests who attended the National Service of Prayer & Protection for the People of Haiti was His Excellency the Governor General Dr Sir Cuthbert Sebastian.