Messages Bishop Dr. B.S.E. Dyer
The Portmore Ministers Fraternal
A
s one that has been in ministry for the past 50 years I am a living testimony of the truth of God’s word in Philippians 1:6 “ Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”. It takes God and a total dependence on and in Him to be able to handle the many challenges of ministry in a world of relativism, materialism and liberalism. Further, to be able to reach this milestone of 40 years in ministry and continuing with the passion of the gospel is enough reason to reflect, celebrate and honour the name of Jesus. No doubt your forty years (40) of ministry has had its own challenges but the grace of God and the will of his people proved to be unmatched. We are called to serve at a time when there is an incessant attack on Christian morals and values. However, we must not just counter but also take the
initiative in the fight against low morals and anti-Christian forces by embracing a posture of radical non-conformity to the surrounding culture and develop a Christian counter culture that reflects engagement without compromise; prayer with action, and service with accountability. This is our mutual responsibility as the Church in Portmore. We are afforded the opportunity to offer ministry for Christ in these our communities, an honour that we do not take lightly but embrace with a deep sense of commitment and enthusiasm. At the heart of the Christian ministry are the indispensable components of integrity, consistency, accountability, humility, creativity and teachability and judging from all indications, the Miracle Open Bible Church is doing her part in making Jesus Christ, our Jehovah Nissi, visible and infectious among our people. I wish to convey on behalf of the Portmore Ministers’ Fraternal our feelings of fraternal affection and communion at this your 40th year of ministry. We congratulate you and hope that our presence here in Portmore will deepen the bonds of communion and cooperation among us as we collaborate in providing hope and clear direction for our people, especially the young. Let’s work harder and be keepers of each other’s dignity and pride, all to the glory of Christ Jesus. Bishop Dr. B.S.E. Dyer – Rehoboth Apostolic Church
Reverend Franklyn King Divisional Superintendent
I
deem it an honour and privilege on behalf of the Middlesex Division to extend heartiest congratulations to the leadership and membership of the Miracle Open Bible Church, as you celebrate your 40th Anniversary of Ministry in Portmore and the wider St. Catherine Community. The Miracle Open Bible Church has made sterling contributions to Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica and to the fraternity of churches in the wider Portmore area. Many churches, both Open Bible and non-Open Bible, have benefited significantly from your ministry and generosity. Psalm 77:14 states: You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power amongst the people. As your church is so named, Miracle Open Bible Church, my
6
prayer is that there will be greater miracles and demonstration of the power of God in your midst. If there is a time that the church needs to see the miraculous hands of God at work it is now. We live in a society that secularism is the order of the day. People want the church to become worldly and the world to become churchy. The church can no longer be reactive, but the church must demonstrate the power of God, pulling down the stronghold of the enemy and establishing the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. So as you celebrate, it’s a time to reflect, it’s a time to reclaim and it’s a time to renew your vows and commitment to continue the Jesus ministry, not just in Portmore, but wherever God opens doors. May Almighty God bless you, may He enlarge your territory, may He extend your borders and may His hands be upon you mightily. May you go forth in the name of Jesus and allow Him to perform miracles through you. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes! Rev. Franklyn King, Pastor – Charlemount Open Bible Church