Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 19, 2022 (SKNIS): Reverend Adelyn Binta Mgonela, Pastor of the Ebenezer Estridge Moravian Church said that this year’s theme: “Refocus, Re-create, Redesign: Independence 39” is very appropriate as it causes us to think about reforming St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The theme, of course, is appropriate. It is appropriate for the unprecedented times that we find ourselves in. It is a theme that awakens our minds to the fact that God never gives us more than we can bear. “It is a theme that when we see and listen to God we will find a way out of any dilemma, predicament and despair,” said Reverend Mgnoela, while delivering the sermon on Sunday, September 18, for the State Service of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving in Celebration of the 39th Anniversary of Independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis held at the Antioch Baptist Church in Lime Kiln, Basseterre.
Reverend Mgonela reflected on the impacts of COVID-19 on St. Kitts and Nevis and worldwide, adding that it has been extensive and the effects are still felt today. She added that we can apply this year’s theme to rebuild.
“We can succumb to the reality or we can decide to reform, redesign, re-create and refocus. If we choose to Refocus, Re-create and Redesign, we can discover the many blessings that have come out. It has come our way [but from] the situation, we can discover that there are many blessings from them,” she said. “We can discover that the burdens brought about by the pandemic can be viewed as a blessing as they have opened us to the reality and the negatives in our nation. They have opened our eyes to the reality of our Independence and caused us to ask questions such as: What is this Independence all about? Why did we seek to become Independent? What sort of benefit ought we to revive and achieve from becoming Independent?”
The service featured scripture readings from Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew and Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Geoffrey Hanley. The congregation listened attentively to the lessons given from the scripture readings, was enchanted by the musical selection (steel pan), observed a minute of silence in honour of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and sang lustily throughout the service.
The service was attended by the Governor-General’s Deputy Her Excellency Marcella Liburd; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew and other Members of the Federal Cabinet; senior government officials; members of the diplomatic and consular corps; foreign dignitaries; Members of Parliament; the legal fraternity; Members of the St. Kitts Christian Council and Members of the St. Kitts Evangelical Association and members of civil society.
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