If you were on the street around Clay Ground, Bamboo, St Ann, last week Sunday afternoon into evening, July 16, you would have likely heard a rousing service with spirit filled singing, hallelujahs and words of encouragement.
It was the way members of the Bezer Holiness Church of God were saying thanks for 40 years of service by that institution and congregation. The service also had several moments when they recognized the founding pastor Phillip Walker and his wife, Sybil and current pastor Sheron Davidson, who has been at the helm of that church’s ministry since 1991.
There are few churches where you will see children as young as six in a choir but there they were at Bezer — the youth choir — participating and doing their own song, under the baton of their own leader. But it was the combined choir that rocked the church that afternoon, drawing loud applause and cheers. This was especially their dramatization of ‘Sinking Sand’
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…
in a church that prides itself on being built on a rock. The choir is under the leadership of Shackera McKenzie. Music was a big part of the evening and it got the members and visitors to their feet, hips rocking, feet stomping, hands clapping and voices ringing out in Clay Ground.
Visitors and members got a good idea of the work of the church over the year to July 18, when Angalene Williams did the church report. The report spoke of many special days and activities, including annual week of consecration, visits to the St Ann’s Bay Infirmary, health expo, prayer breakfast, career day, and work days to help the needy.
Visiting pastors also gave their words of congratulations and encouragement to the church. These included pastors Monica Allison, Lloyd Dunbar, Conrad Brown, Glenville Orrett and Patrick Hibbert; evangelist Laughton McZenna and minister David Sanderson. Pastor Harry Morgan of the UK also brought greetings.
Evangelist Carlton Daley delivered the message with scripture for Matthew 16:18, supporting his central theme that the church was built on solid rock. He said it was built to last and that it was alive and well. He took the congregation through well known Bible verses interpreting them for the benefit and support of the church and called on them for faithfulness.
Donovan McKenzie was the moderator who guided the programme. He started out by acknowledging the initial work of the founders and said the church was not a failing one. In acknowledging the current leader, Pastor Davidson, he said she has already gone through many dangers, sorrow and toil. “She would never have made it this far without God,” Mr McKenzie said.
Earlier Pastor Francis Morrison had done the opening prayer and Colin McKenzie had done the devotional exercise. Pastor Orville Campbell did the intercessory prayer for the church.
Members were awarded for the long service to God and the church.
The vote of thanks was done by Karen Guy.
