Thank you, moderator, and please be seated.
To the Suffragan and soon-to-be Bishop, Dr Anthony Farrington.
You know, as people of faith, we claim it in faith, then walk in its power.
I recognize the Leader of the Opposition, Michael Pintard.
Other Ministers of the gospel;
The executives, officers and members of the 39th District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World;
Visitors and well-wishers, good day to all.
It gives me great joy to bring greetings and congratulations on behalf of the government and people of The Bahamas on the occasion of the 74th Annual General Convention of the 39th District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) – The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Council (BTCC).
It is indeed convention time again where the church community gathers to report, reflect, renew, recharge and chart the way forward for the church in furtherance of the Kingdom of God. This “Apostolic Explosion” under the theme “HAVE FAITH IN GOD” taken from the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 11, verses 24-27 serves as a sharp reminder to all of us that we walk and live by faith, not by sight and without faith, it is impossible to please God.
This scripture further reminds us that while the church is in the world, the saints of God are not of this world. We are therefore admonished to reject all temporary and corruptible worldly pleasures and seek the eternal and incorruptible Kingdom of God and His righteousness, through Christ Jesus.
The 39th District of the Pentecostal Assembles of the World is indeed a powerful and formidable regiment in the spiritual army of God. You fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places.
As the Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus in one of his many epistles, I encourage the 39th District of PAW to “stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness” as you move forward in faith for the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.
I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to the late Ellis Farrington who faithfully served and led this august religious body with excellence as the Diocesan Bishop of the 39th Episcopal District of The Pentecostal Assemblies of The World (PAW) – The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Council.
Taking full advantage of the divine blessing of long life, Bishop Farrington spent more than 60 years in the spiritual vineyard of God – cultivating the presence of and spreading the word of God through the various ministries of preaching, teaching, missions and evangelism in not only The Bahamas but in Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and the United States.
Bishop Farrington’s vast body of work reflected focused attention on youth development and empowerment and has influenced several generations of leaders in many spheres of national life both at home and abroad.
Presiding over 28 churches in The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the United States, the reach and influence of the ministry of Bishop Farrington through the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Council (BTCC) were truly global.
I commend and applaud the demonstrated, selfless commitment and strong leadership of my dearly departed brother, Bishop Ellis J. Farrington as I memorialize his legacy.
My Government and I thank him for his devoted and dedicated service.
I offer my support and encouragement to the current Chairman, Suffragan Bishop Dr. Anthony Farrington and I am confident that with the prayerful support of the entire Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Council, this 39th District of PAW will continue to grow from strength to strength.
To the Suffragan Bishop Anthony Farrington, I am confident that you studied and internalized the sage advice, guidance, admonition and strong leadership of the late Diocesan Bishop in preparation to fill those big shoes.
You have my full support and prayers as seek your next leadership and kingdom-building assignment at the next international conference of Bishops later this year to be held in Saint Louis, Missouri where Bishop Ellis’ replacement will be ratified.
I am also confident that under your youthful leadership should you be successful, the 39th Diocesan District will experience growth and expansion never before seen in the entire Pentecostal Assemblies.
With prayer, supplication and faith, all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us.
Bishop Farrington, I look forward to seeing the rollout of more good developments in this district in the coming months and years.
I pray for God’s richest blessings on this 74th Annual General Convention and the continued work of the 39th District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of The World. As you look to the next 74 years of growth through faithful evangelism, please be assured that all that you do will bring both honour and glory to God. This is the primary objective of the church.
May Almighty God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.