Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I greet you in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Chief Elder.
As a Church, let us welcome 2014 with optimism and confidence. Our Provincial theme, “Fulfilling the Mandate” with its thematic focus, “Step out in faith” conjures up an attitude of confident trust, no matter what the circumstance. While we might still be confronted with the world-wide economic crisis, and various declines in society and culture, I appeal to you to wait with expectation for the Lord. God has seen us through the past year with all of its challenges and I verily believe that the God who championed our cause in the past, will do even more than we can ever asked or imagine for this New Year.
Our Church throughout the Province is pregnant with an abundance of youthful energy. The future looks bright with the abundance of young people whom God has positioned in the Church. Our young people have been playing a tremendous role in the life of the Church. Let us not dampen their enthusiasm. Let us not put burdens upon them which are too heavy for them to carry and which burdens, we ourselves are not prepared to carry. Let us as Parents, Families, Elders, Stewards, Leaders, and the general membership of the Church, listen to the youth and communicate to them positive values of life and a desire to be of service.
The Eastern West Indies Province of the Moravian Church looks to young people with hope and confidence. I challenge us to encourage them to seek truth, to defend the common good, to be open to the world around them and willing to see ‘new things’ (Is. 42:9).”
Dear brothers and sisters, as Children of God, we are a precious gift for our society. The Church wishes to offer you the most precious gift she has: the opportunity to raise your eyes to God and make a difference in the lives of others. The words of Jesus, speaks forcefully as to how we should conduct ourselves as Children of God:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).
To allow our lights to shine for others to see Jesus requires faith and confidence. It requires risks. It requires that we stand on solid rock in Jesus. It requires a life style change.
Many times we’ll come to the edge of faith in our own lives. We’re not sure where things are headed. Maybe it is a decision to start a relationship with Jesus for the first time. Maybe you need to trust him with a business decision or something related to a relationship. There is a risk in stepping out in faith. Who will you trust? Will you trust in the Lord with all your heart? What if you’re wrong? Is it really God telling you to take the step of faith?
I challenge you in 2014 to take the risk and step out in faith. Trust God with everything you have. Do what God has told you to do in His Word. Then, when God challenges you with a risk of faith, you’ll be more confident to do what God tells you to do.
I pray you find encouragement in these words as we begin a New Year. Step out in faith, and you will be amazed at the things God will accomplish through you and His Church.
Happy New Year to you and May God Bless you more than you can ever imagine!
Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis
Chairman of PEC