The Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh–day Adventists began its series of convention celebrations in Providenciales on Friday, January 17 under the theme, “In His Hands, Going for More!” This two day event was hosted in the auditorium of the Maranatha Academy. On Friday night the programme began promptly at 7:00 p.m. and flowed seamlessly, a clear testament of the deliverance of God who helped us overcome several challenges in the preparatory stages leading up to the event.

Tested but not Daunted

The President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference (TCIC) of Seventh – day Adventists took the time to explain some of the challenges. The largest auditorium on island, The GustavusLightbourne Sports Complex was not available for the dates requested. Consequently, the decision was made to set up a massive canvas cathedral on the grounds of the Maranatha Academy. With the help of the members of our churches the tent was erected on Sunday, January 12. However, on Monday, a strong gust of wind brought a large section of that tent down. Many questioned whether it was an act of God or the devil trying to block our praise in order to prevent us from “going for more”. Regardless, with convention only four days away, it was evident that the Conference Executive doubled their efforts to work out the logistics and troubleshoot options, church members rallied with the convention committee and toiled day and night, resources were pooled and prayers ascended to the heavens. Thanks be to God, by Friday night, the Maranatha Academy was transformed into a state of the art auditorium. Adjoining classrooms were also fully equipped to allow for the comfortable viewing of the proceedings which was projected on screens. With a membership of over three thousand, Pastor Cornwall highlighted the fact that there is nowhere in Providenciales big enough to accommodate all our members, which is a good problem to have. This was received with a rousing amen and chuckles from the congregation.

Acknowledgement of Guests

In attendance were members of the Atlantic Caribbean Union Executive; Pastor Peter Kerr, President and Dr. Cheryll Rolle, Executive Secretary. The island’s government was represented by Hon. Washington Missick, Leader of the Opposition Party (PNP).

Dr. Cheryl Rolle brought greetings on behalf of the ATCU administration. She praised the congregants for their gallant efforts in evangelism, of having baptized 210 persons in 2019. She also commended the members for their quick response in donating relief items and money to the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

Maranatha Academy Electrified

Melodious songs of praise punctuated the air throughout the programme. These songs were rendered by Sis. SherlyneInelus, a member of Bethel and Golden Ray, a group also from Bethel. The meditation song, “I’ll Just Say Yes”, was beautifully sung by the TCIC Convention Choir. It could not have been more apt in setting the atmosphere for the deliverance of a sermon which urged members to go for more. Of course, if we are to go on God’s errand we must first, say yes.

The guest preacher was internationally renowned, televangelist, Pastor Glen O Samuels who currently serves as the President of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh–day Adventists. Using Deuteronomy 31 and Joshua 1: 1 – 6, Pastor Samuels referenced the hardships that Israel endured which included the death of Moses. Of the 600,000 men on their way to the Promised Land, notably only 2 survived – Joshua and Caleb. Pastor Samuels highlighted that though Israel’s unfaithfulness had induced their suffering, it did not stop the work of God nor will it ever stop the work of God for modern Israel. Moses was dead but God’s mission was still alive. God installed Joshua as leader during his mourning. The preacher used this illustration to highlight several points:

1. We are to stop mourning over dead things in our life, that is material/ superficial things.
2. We are not to dwell in the past but use it only as a reference. If we are to preoccupy our minds with the distressful experiences of the past it will hold us back and we will never be able to go for more.
3. Great is God’s faithfulness. God will continue to give us more if we abide in Him, and He in us. In Joshua’s time of grief He admonished him to be strong and of a good courage because Joshua would have been given that which God had promised his forefathers (Joshua 1:6).

As this power packed sermon was delivered, the auditorium became electrified, not just by the stage lights which accentuated the backdrop and flooring, but more importantly by the presence of the Holy Spirit. There were shouts of praise and congregants stood to their feet as they demonstrated their march to higher ground, in Jesus’ name.  At the end of the sermon we were definitely left thirsting for more. Members definitely had to return on Sabbath, to receive the complete filling of the Holy Spirit.

By: Jodian Scott-Banton