Oranjestad- The St. Eustatius Seventh-day Adventist Church last Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 has held an appreciation service for the President of North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventist.

Pastor Desmond James ministered in St. Eustatius from January 1989 until mid 1991. His ministry left lasting and impressive memories in the hearts of many whom he ministered during his tenure on the island.  

The Church also played a great role in helping to shape his ministry. The church felt proud when he was called to serve as the President of the North Caribbean Conference.

During the appreciation service that was chaired by Marcella Marsdin, members were invited to share words of congratulations to the President. Several musical items were rendered from choir, groups and solo. Poems and remarks were also rendered.

Among those who gave remarks were Pastor Virgil Sams, Godfrey Blake and Clyde van Putten. 

Van Putten, who held several leadership offices in government, reflected on the years of Service of Pastor James when he served as the district Pastor of the  St. Eustatius SDA Church.

He made reference the ecumenical service  that was organized by the Government of St. Eustatius in collaboration with the various churches of the Island in the wake of the Kuwaiti war. Van Putten spoke of the sermon preached by James that brought peace and calm to a worried community.

He also highlighted the enormous impact and involvement of Pastor James in the Statia community and the way he reached out and witnessed to the people across denominational lines.

“Pastor James’ influence was so profound  that he was asked to deliver the featured address/sermonette at the inauguration of  the Governor Mr. Irvin E. Temmer”, said Van Putten.

It  was during the crusade in  June of 1990, which was conducted by Pastor James, that Van Putten accepted the Advent message and was baptized on June 13, 1990. He said even before accepting the message he discovered the talent, potential and great leadership qualities in Pastor James and knew that he had a great future and was destined to fill big shoes. He told the packed SDA Church members and community guests who were in attendance that Pastor Desmond James was chosen for  such a time like this to lead the  Conference and God’s people.

He described James as humble, noble and a man after God’s own heart.

Van Putten also said we are in the “Shaking period “where the church is called upon to preach and teach so that others will be drawn to Christ.  “Pastor James is a great friend and I wish him and his dear wife all  the success as they lead the conference and God’s people”, said Van Putten.

Message

The service ended with a message from the president with the topic “Who is Jesus to you?” The church was greatly encouraged to look to Jesus from what is revealed through His word. Secondly there must be a realization of who we are and thirdly, there must be a transformation in the lives of God’s people. 

The service was well attended. Token of appreciation was given to pastor James. All who attended left the service with a sense of fulfillment from expressing gratitude to God for the ministry and presidency of Pastor Desmond  James.