Knitted Potency – The Power of Community

We live in a new  era of small expectations. We are in a  recession  and we need to behave as turtles and stay within our shells.

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However, there are always those who follow the road less traveled. Let me illustrate.

I was recently invited to the 35^th celebration service of the Metropolitan SDA church community . Apparently this Caribbean community did not get the turtle retraction memo.  Thirty fives years ago,  a group of 50 folks purpose to form a Caribbean community to make a marked  difference. This milestone was an excellent review point for their journey to date.

The Caribbean spirit is quite evident as one enters the sanctuary.  The flag of every Caribbean nation can be found draped around the perimeter.

The anticipation of great things was quite evident from the warm welcome  party we received.

The announcement period contained an insightful promotion. It was the promotion of a weekly video series providing money management to the neighbors. The financial turmoil all around, makes this an important community service to offer.  The other outstanding announcement was the acknowledgment of their senior citizens.  Several members in their 90’s were reverently honored .  What an important lesson for our youth to experience.

This milestone  day had a two fold emphasis, namely:

• We have come this far by faith.
• One more river to cross.

They  recounted the blessings and accomplishments .

Here are a few highlights:

• They bought a 9.2 acre property.

• They built a worship center to serve 1000.

  They built a K-8 school.

• They built an assisted living senior citizen home.

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A steel band comprising of many elementary school students led us in a stirring rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Pastor Brenda Billingy shared an inspirational message that focused on the church’s next major initiative, the building of a community center. Ground had been broken, and the foundation had been established.  Would the church remain faithful, and bullish even in tough economic times? Then I witnessed a unique ending.  The pastor led the church to the building site and built an altar of faith.  She wanted the church to anticipate the victory they would realize in the coming year.  What bold leadership!

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 Top Perspective of Altar of Stone

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I will certainly be going back and checking on the progress of this community.

Let’s never underestimate what difference  a faithful, community can make.

Give a shout out to organizations making a difference where you live.