“When God heals the people; he heals the land. When God blesses the people; he blesses the land,” declared Pastor Samuel Telemaque to a capacity congregation at the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mount Vernon, New York.
Telemaque, Director of Sabbath School, Adventist Mission, Special Needs Ministry for the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, was delivering a sermon entitled ‘God Will Heal Our Land’ on November 14, 2015 for Dominica Day.
This day-long church service was organized by the Dominica Association of Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S. (DASUS) to commemorate the 37th Anniversary of Dominica’s Independence.
Informed by the Independence Day theme “Rebuilding Dominica Together” and the Recovery Effort from Tropical Storm Erika, Pastor Telemaque, who is from Marigot, called on Dominicans to first consecrate themselves and then beseech God to heal the nation. He explained that God has a record of healing his people through the land. The congregation gathered at the altar as he instructed each person to entreat for personal reconciliation with God so that “God can heal our land — Dominica.”
One highlight of the service was the delivery of Independence Day greetings by His Excellency Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica’s Ambassador to the United Nations. Dr. Henderson commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dominica and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for its consistent humanitarian work in Dominica. He said the SDA Church is making a positive impact in the current recovery effort. Dr. Henderson also spoke fondly of attending Sabbath School with his grandmother, who was a faithful member of the St. Joseph Seventh-day Adventist Church. He called on DASUS and other organizations in the diaspora to continue bringing Dominicans together to “lift up our country.”
Dominica Day opened with a vibrant Sabbath School program. Superintendents Jane James and Janevette O’Garro, underscored the theme with vivid illustrations and a strong mission emphasis; while William Bellot and Craig John led a dynamic corporate study of the Sabbath School Lesson. In her role as Advent Youth (AY) Leader, Corinthia James opened the afternoon session with a lively ‘singspiration’ of familiar choruses.
The program included a presentation by Pastor Josian Frampton on the Seventh-day Adventist work in Dominica and the church’s involvement in the ongoing recovery effort. In a television-style interview, Pastor Frampton interviewed Pastor Telemaque about his formative years in Dominica, his academic training, and his current responsibilities at the IAD. Dominica Day ended with an enjoyable cultural reception featuring Dominican treats and folk music.
Offerings collected at Dominica Day will go to the church’s Tropical Storm Erika Recovery Effort in Dominica. “We thank those who gave generously. We are also grateful to the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church for their kind hospitality,” said DASUS President Beryl R. Williams. “We thank all the participants who helped to make this worship experience successful; and we are grateful to all the Dominicans and friends of Dominica who worshipped with us.”
Dominica Day was organized by William Bellot, Glenn Wallace, Corinthia James, and Jane James. “We end this Dominica Day feeling refreshed, encouraged and deeply inspired,” Williams stated. “We look forward to bringing Dominican Seventh-day Adventists together for more worship and fellowship events. We also encourage all Dominican Seventh-day Adventists in the USA to join DASUS so that we can minister more effectively. ”
The Dominica Association of Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S., which sponsored Dominica Day, is dedicated to bringing Seventh-day Adventist Dominicans together to embrace their faith and heritage. DASUS’ vision is to strengthen ties with the church in the USA and Dominica to make meaningful contributions to select projects.
\” Pastor Telemaque, who is from Marigot\”
Wrong,; someone erred, I am 100% sure he is from our Village of Wesley, a few weeks ago I had difficulties recognizing him: in any event I know his mother, his late father, brothers, and sisters.
As a matter of fact right at this moment I am talking on the phone to one of his sisters in Houston Texas. No offense intended; I am about to talk with his uncle the Rev. Reuben Telemaque, Methodist Minister in New London!
There are many of us in Marigot, and Point Mitchell also, and all over the place.
who cares with who or what you know.
HE smiling !
very good congrats. One point of correction Pastor Telemaque is from the village of Wesley.