(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – National Officers of the Bahamas Christian Council were in Eleuthera on Monday, March 18th, celebrating with local clergy during a special installation service of new Eleuthera Christian Council members at the Wesley Methodist Church in Governor’s Harbour.
Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson, President of the Bahamas Christian Council, was the special guest speaker during the evening. In his message to the new leaders, taken from the Council’s theme, “Empowering the Church – Making a Difference”, he urged them to make a real difference in their island. Patterson stressed that it would not be easy, however he reminded them that God was not only able to supply all needs, but also that little was much when God was involved with it – quoting a number of examples in the Bible where God multiplied small amounts to supply great needs.
Representatives of all three Christian Councils, at the installation ceremony
New members were installed for three local councils, representing North, Central and South Eleuthera.
Pastor Antonius Johnson will now serve as President of the North Eleuthera Council, assisted by Rev. Cedric Albury, Vice President; Mr. Luther Kemp, Secretary; Pastor Shannon Johnson, Asst. Secretary; Bishop Creswell Cash, Chaplain; and Bishop Simeon Stewart, Treasurer.
In Central Eleuthera, Pastor Henry Whyte takes on the reins as President, serving with Reverend Winifred Williams, Chaplain; Ms. Emily Petty, Treasurer; Rev. Lee Carl Sands, Vice President; and Deacon Audrea Clarke, Secretary.
South Eleuthera’s new Christian Council President is Minister Gerard Allen, along with Pastor Michael Saunders, Vice President; Assistant Pastor Wayde Mackey, Secretary; Pastor Paul Thompson, Treasurer; and Brother Charles Strachan, Chaplain.
The new councils seemed energized and ready to make a difference within their communities, demonstrated by Minister Gerard Allen, who after giving the vote of thanks, exhorted his fellow leaders, saying, “Let’s get down in the trenches and get busy for our God”.
Bishop Victor Cooper, Vice President of the Bahamas Christian Council, during his address to the new council members, encouraged them and audience members in attendance to continue to take a stand as a people. He referred to the recent referendum on gambling houses, and the crucial role the Church in the Bahamas played in determining the eventual outcome. Cooper also spoke of upcoming issues the Church would be called to have a united position on. He encouraged persons in attendance to be independent and not beholden to anyone, so that they would be able to stand up for what was right – also hinting at international pressures that would likely come to bear on the Bahamian people on issues like same sex marriage and others.
