September 18, 2014 - Pastor Edward Phipps gave his life to God at an early age. Pastor Phipps was just 18 years old when he accepted the Lord. From that special moment of his surrendering, Pastor Phipps has allowed God to control his life. He has been living the song “All to Jesus, I Surrender All.” Pastor Phipps was raised by my mother who was his aunt. She was always proud of what he became. Growing up we got the opportunity to see Pastor Phipps at work in the Pentecostal Church. His leadership was seen and noted by the seniors and predecessor Pastors, especially Sister Jackson. When the New Testament Church as it was then called needed new leadership, Pastor Phipps gained the full support of the Church laity for his accession.
The church grew and developed. He was an effective Pastor. Many souls were led to the Lord through his dynamic preaching and many were inspired on that the journey of Christian life as a result of his example.
Pastor Phipps served his village church, he served in the expanded role as overseer of the New Testament Churches of God in St Kitts and Nevis.
Whatever the honour and privilege he received from such promotion and acclaim, Pastor Phipps loves this Church. His love of this Church and its membership knows no limit.
A mark of an excellent leader is his ability to inspire new leaders, especially those who could carry on. On this score Pastor Phipps did very well. I have heard Pastor Keith Phipps/Akers and Pastor Augustus Shelford spoke about the advice and support which Pastor Phipps gave them. These two were nurtured in this Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Edward Phipps.
For all his 38 years as Pastor of the church, we can all agree that our beloved Pastor Emeritus Edward Phipps was and remains a role model. Our Pastor has been diligent and committed in serving God even at the expense of himself and family. He served God the only way he knew how- faithfully, humbly, courageously and in truth.
He is an example and role model. He has led his congregation to a closer walk. When it was his turn to make way, Pastor Phipps had his succession plan in place. I was heartened that a young lady with immense love for this church and more importantly passion for God emerged as the front runner. I speak of Pastor Octavia Warner of whom I am extremely proud. I wish her exceedingly well.
Pastor Warner given her youth can bring more young people to know and love God. Returning to Pastor Phipps, he never exploited his Pastoral leadership. He kept his integrity in tack at all times. Pastor Phipps was best known as a church leader and man of God but he was more than that.
At home, he was head of the household, provider, counselor, advisor, husband, father and confidant. He showered love on his soulmate Sister Ermine Phipps. She kept him fulfilled and focused on God’s work and for that God will bless her.
In closing I am honoured by the opportunity to congratulate Pastor Edward Phipps for yeoman service to his Church. He has been a blessing to all of us in the Harris family. We are proud of our close family blood ties with him.
We pray for him and hope that God’s will and mercy will always be with him. May the Holy Ghost Power continue to be a magnet in his life.
To God be the glory.
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