ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 25th, 2012  –  Government officials, educators and students alike gathered at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre to receive the spiritual direction for the 2012-2013 school year at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s sixth annual Back-to-School Church Service held on Sunday.

Acting Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering along with Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn and fellow House of Assembly Members Honourable Archibald Christian, Honourable Andrew Fahie, Honourable Marlon Penn and Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines were among the dignitaries present to usher in the new school year with a service held under the theme, “Excellence: Putting God First.”

Minister Walwyn in his remarks to the congregation said, “We believe that by training our young people to pursue excellence, they will understand and appreciate that they must endeavour to be the best in all that they attempt to do, in school, in their careers, socially and spiritually, so as they journey through life, they will not depart from these ideals. Today we ask that you join with us as we encourage our youth to attain excellence by putting God first.”

Speaking directly to students, Minister Walwyn said, “Students, throughout the bible you will find examples of God’s servants in pursuit of excellence. What I want you to understand today is that excellence should not just mean getting straight A’s. Yes that is good and we want you to aspire to such academic accomplishments, but excellence should be part of your personality and everything you attempt will therefore be done with a divine spirit, at school and in life”

The Minister quoted the story of Daniel, one of his favourite Bible references of excellence, who was a faithful and brilliant servant of God, and had the talent of interpreting dreams.

He told students that in the midst of challenges just like Daniel, “never be too cool to get on your knees in reverence or to ask God for guidance and for strength.

Every adult in this room will tell you that it is by God’s grace that we all are here today, so I encourage you, go before the Lord and pursue your academics,” he said, adding, “Chase it with a spirit of excellence that comes from God. I have every assurance, that just like Daniel you will become distinguished and have your chance to contribute to these Virgin Islands.”

Dr. C. Lucia Woods, Pastor of the Agape Total Life Centre delivered the sermonette and admonished to all present, “Put God first and then leap into your destiny.”

Mrs. Vansitart Huggins, the Acting Principal of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre chaired the afternoon’s programme which began with a Flag Procession by the Cadet Core which was immediately followed with the singing of the National Anthem and the Territorial Song by Elmore Stoutt High School students.

The Jabez Teens Praise Team led the Praise and Worship segment which followed the invocation from Mrs. Sybil Hodge, Principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.

The Francis Lettsome Primary School rendered a Spanish selection while Mr. Shaquille Christopher of the Willard Wheatley Primary School read the Scripture Reading.

The Althea Scatliffe Primary School Boys’ Choir delivered a musical rendition titled, “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” while Mrs. Deblin Ann Wishart, a teacher at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School prayed for the Education System.

The sixth annual Back-to-School Church Service is in keeping with the Ministry of Education and Culture’s ongoing efforts to “Create a Culture of Excellence.”

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