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General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in the Caribbean, Reverend Dr Joel Cumberbatch.

Mothers saluted by head of Wesleyan Holiness Church in the Caribbean

Before commencing his sermon on Mother’s Day, during the celebratory service of the Chalky Mount Wesleyan Holiness Church, Reverend Dr Joel Cumberbatch saluted all the mothers and women of Barbados, the Caribbean and the world.

Cumberbatch, who is the General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in the Caribbean, spoke yesterday during the service, presented on YouTube Live, and acknowledged the work that has been done by mothers to build the country.

“Women have always played a critical role in our development as a people, whether in the home, the community, our institutions of learning, in parliament, in the church, and every sphere
of operation as a people,” said Cumberbatch.

The leader continued by saying that Barbados was privileged and blessed to have women in key sectors of society serving with distinction, including Governor General of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Professor the Most Hon. Eudine Barriteau.

Born and raised in Chalky Mount, St Andrew, Cumberbatch took the time to also highlight the service and impact made by a stalwart of the Wesleyan Holiness community and former pastor of the church, the late Reverend Dorothy Millington.

“All of these persons continue to do a sterling job, giving of their best, in building our homes, building their families, building the Kingdom of God, especially in these very trying and difficult situations,” Cumberbatch said.

Acknowledging the fight on the frontline against COVID-19, the reverend also saluted essential workers in the Caribbean, especially women and mothers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, soldiers and police.

Afterwards, the pastor offered a few thoughts for those watching and listening to consider, on the theme ‘From God’s heart to your heart’. He reassured the members that God was aware of their situations, referencing the scripture 2 Kings 4 and the dire circumstances of the widow. Cumberbatch explained that right now heads of households, both men and women, were dying due to COVID-19 and it was bringing with it disruption and displacement to families.

The Wesleyan leader outlined that the situation faced by the widow and her family of no support, no money, no food and debt was a real situation faced by thousands of people in the region today. He put forward that those who require aid should call on God with the understanding that He was aware of their problems.

“In the midst of your difficult situation, follow the widow’s example and go to God. I hear the psalmist saying, ‘I was young and now I am old yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their children begging bread’,” encouraged the speaker.

Finally, Dr Cumberbatch told the listeners to anticipate great things from God, despite the circumstances; and be obedient, just as the widow was.

“God does not need a lot to begin to work on your behalf. All He needs from you is a little obedience – to surrender those gifts and skills, even those you consider insignificant, and He will unlock the possibilities and potential in your life...Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning,” Cumberbatch assured.
(AS)

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