Adapted: “I’m coming up on the Rough Side of the Mountain”. This was the song presented energetically by the CHURCH of GOD of PROPHECY Church Choir. From feedback it summed up the sentiments of the people gathered at the St. James Anglican Church in Salem, as well as those listening by radio.
The 15th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving was held at the St. James Anglican Church on Sunday, July 4 to remember the onset of volcanic activity at the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat, which began on July 18, 1995.
The Honourable Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Easton Taylor Farrell supported by the Office of the Chief Minister organised the service. The Montserrat Christian council led out in the service, which was attended by Honourable Acting Governor, Mrs. Sarita Francis, Ministers of Government, other Parliamentarians, members of the opposition, representatives from all denominations on island and the general public.
It is fifteen years on and featured speaker Bishop Melroy Meade said that one day was not enough. In a passionate message, he called for a week of Thanksgiving during which time residents would give thanks to God for his protection, preservation and faithfulness over the last fifteen years. The congregation that came together to give God thanks appeared to have agreed with him.
Bishop Meade likened the experience in Montserrat to that of Job when everything he had was taken away, but he pointed to a better day which is coming. He also referred to the determination, resoluteness and pride of a people who have suffered greatly. Like Job, people don’t understand what Montserratians went through but when they become familiar with the island, the resilience of the people they too want to embrace it, he said.
According to Bishop Meade, “The truth is our trials come to make us strong and life cost what it cost and it never goes on sale.”
Indeed it was great worship experience as the Methodist and Anglican Church choirs sang two moving pieces.
