Copyright thenassauguardian
Rev. Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer Union Baptist Church family in Farmer’s Hill, Exuma recently celebrated the church’s 133rd anniversary under the theme, “Glory To Glory”. It was a time to reflect on the faithfulness and goodness of God over the many years. Guest Speaker Bishop Rev. Dr. Simeon Hall, accompanied by his wife, said: “A church should go from glory to glory in God. God wants his church to grow and people to mature and become better in every area. The church should reflect God’s glory and when we do what God says He will bless us.” Hall further said that God made us from dust, but He put His spirit into the dust to create a living soul. “God expects us to praise him and give Him glory. He wants us to be present in every facet of life at church, in the community, in our family, and in our business. Hall admonished the women to lift the degree of womanhood from one degree of glory to glory. As mothers, you must be good wives and mothers. Loyal to your husband, children and neighbors. Let your Christianity go from glory to glory.” Hall reflected on his personal life, and exclaimed that God has been gracious to him. “From 1969, God has opened many doors to me. It’s a long way from ‘choke neck alley’. Do not let the circumstances of your birth deter you from moving from glory to glory. There is no such thing as a bastard child. They are all created in the image of God. I know what success and failure feels like. When the teacher said that I was dumb, that propelled me into success. Be careful what you speak to your children and to others. If you trust God, He can make something beautiful out of your life. “When you trust God, God will place angels in your way. Do not mind the negativity.” Hall alluded to how God used Sister Jane Patricia, a Catholic nun, to help guide him as she taught evening classes. Hall said she told him that he has the gift of speech, in spite of what was previously spoken to him. Hall said, “Say positive things to people. Lift God’s Glory into the lives of other people, and they can come out of the dump. Salvation is not static, but intended to make you extraordinary. Study God’s word, stay in God’s word, and He will take you from glory to glory. Exuma has a good record in The Bahamas, but make your record good in the Kingdom of God. Leave your children and grandchildren better from generation to generation. Don’t move or give up too fast. The glory is there. God is blessing Exuma. It’s time for Christians to stop being broke. God wants you to leave an inheritance for your children more than what your parents left for you. God wants us to prosper. As my years decline, my body gives me problems. But though the outward man perish, and the inner man is being strengthened day by day. I know that my Redeemer liveth.” Hall encouraged Pastor Smith and the Ebenezer family to be the beacon of hope shining on the beautiful hill in Farmer’s Hill. During the anniversary service the church’s praise team and musicians, namely Dwayne Rolle, Deaconess Karen Winters, Jennie Rolle, Gaynell “Jackie” Curry, Charisma Morris, Megan Saunders, Arthur Rolle, Nemiah Rolle, Wayne McKenzie, Reginald Smith, Uwe Dames, Dimitri Smith, Daron Morris, Nasson Pople and Simon Sammy Sima, received plaques of recognition for their commitment to the music ministry. Sister Elaine Franklyn, retired assistant secretary for the church, was also honored for her years of dedicated service. In attendance were Rev. Robin Thompson, president of the Exuma District Convention, Rev. Dr. Stafford Munnings, Rev. Patrick Brown, and Dr. Corey “DJ Councillor” Rolle.
