The Impact of Words on our Lives

Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt (Author Unknown, 1862).

"It is never my custom to use words lightly. If twenty-seven years in prison have done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die." ~ Nelson Mandela during his Closing Address at the XI International Aids Conference, Durban, South Africa, 14 July 2000.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18: 21, New Living Translation)

Elder Joel Brathwaite used the above as a precursor to his message—The Impact of Words on our Lives.

We were encouraged that as Christians we should offer words of compassion. In addition, we should offer words of comfort especially to those who are sick according to 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.

We were also exhorted to offer words of praise and exaltation just like Mary did when she glorified God on learning that she would have been the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:46-55). Words of praise and exaltation give us a sense of holiness; they bring us closer to God and help us to be more Christ-like.

In closing Elder Brathwaite implored us to guard our words, as well as our actions, since what we do and say can affect others adversely or complimentarily. The power of words should bring honour and glory to God. We should use words of forgiveness, comfort and compassion and not words of anger and deception.

Elder Joel Brathwaite

Pray for the Commonwealth of Dominica

The Elders and members of Ellerton Gospel Hall extend prayers and sympathy to our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth of Dominica who are coming to grips with the after-effects of Hurricane Erika which brought widespread destruction and claimed the lives of 20 persons (to be confirmed).

We earnestly trust that the affected people, buildings and churches, including the Gospels Halls, (Laudat, Salisbury, Cockrane, Roseau, Petite Savanne) will be timely attended to, and that the buildings will be properly restored. We are praying that God will give Dominica beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; and that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified, Isaiah 61:3.

We at Ellerton promise our prayerful support and practical assistance. 

Pictures showing the damage by Hurricane Erika

23 August 2015 Service

We reflected on the Lord's dying, resurrection and coming.

Visitors included Dawn Scott, a former member of this church and her daughter Abigail Scott from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They attend the Calvary Baptist Church in the said Island. Abigail did a piano solo entitled 'What can wash away our sins?' 

Abigail Scott playing 'What can wash away my sins?'

In the young's people corner, we interviewed Dawn and Abigail. Dawn lectures in Mathematics at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. We learnt that Abigail, in one sitting, received 15 grade ones with 13 distinctions. Abigail was acknowledged as the top student in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both Abigail and Dawn advised that in order to be successful, students must put God first. Thereafter, they must study hard, complete all homework assignments, do additional work, have a regular study period, engage in proper eating habits, exercise and don't procrastinate.

Interview with Dawn Scott (first left) and Abigail Scott (second left)

The preacher was Bro. Arthur Thomas. His message entitled ‘Barbados must serve the Lord' was based on Joshua 23. Bro. Thomas reviewed the situation in Barbados, including the shooting and the drug problem and compared it to the time when Joshua was leader of the Israelites. Bro. Arthur implored us to stand up for what we believe and not to compromise our standards. He also said that we should talk to the young ones and reach them from early. 

Preacher Bro. Arthur Thomas

Highlights of 16 August 2015 Service

The theme of the service, which was officiated by Elder Neil, was 'Why are we losing our Blessings?'

Elder Neil’s sermon was an analogous sermon as it reflected on how the children of Israel lost their blessings and how we too can lose our blessings. In order to capitalise on our blessings, Elder Neil beseeched us to give God constant praise and thanksgiving and not put Him on the back burner. In addition, we must be obedient and listen attentively to what God has to say. He further stated that we must be knowledgeable/aware of what God has for us and work within the framework that God has set down for us and as we do this, He will open His plan and will for our lives. We must adhere to the standards and values set by God and there must be total compliance to God's word. 

Mrs. Hassiroon Byer rendered a solo ‘Does Jesus Care?’

Mrs. Hassiroon Byer rendering a solo

There was a camp report by some of the Ellertonian campers who attended the Gospel Hall Camp during the past week.

Campers reporting

Campers at Breakfast

Campers

Barbados Scholarship winner was praised for his success and gave a few words of advice to students on how to be successful at school.

Scholarship winner being praised by Elder Brathwaite

Bereavement Corner

Pray for Elder Dr. Maynard and family on the death of Cecil Gloria Maynard who was laid to rest on 15 August 2015.

The late Cecil Gloria Maynard

FGBMFI Seminar

Ellertonians attended a seminar hosted by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Barbados Chapter from August 13-15, 2015 at Divi Southwinds Hotel. The attendees included Elder Brathwaite, Elder Catwell, Elder Neil and J. Catwell.

The emphasis of the seminar was outreach ministry to ‘one-on-one’ persons and to groups. The presenters from Nicaragua, Oscar Herrera and Gerardo Alvarez stressed the FGBMFI model of outreach ministry via testimony. The main purpose of the FGBMFI, which can be found in approximately 165 countries, is to bring interest to the Christian gospel through real life experiences/testimonies.

Presenters posited that it is important to share one’s testimony as one may not know how it may impact someone’s life. We were implored to share miracles that happen in our lives, following which there should be a short, powerful pray leading people to Jesus Christ. Different strategies could be employed to achieve this including asking friends to come over for dinner (a meal), cell groups meetings, breakfast meetings or business meetings.

We were reminded that we must not only be fishers of men but we must train persons to be fishers. Subsequently, the presenters postulated that it is the Holy Spirit that gives the results. 

As God continues to bless this ministry, we invite your prayer support.

Presenters Gerardo Alvarez & Oscar Herrera & Moderator Michael Grannum (standing)

Attendees at the FGBMFI Seminar

Scholarship Winner Ryan Thomas

Scholarship Winner, Ryan Thomas

Ellerton Gospel Hall is pleased to congratulate one of its members and Barbados’ scholarship winner, Ryan Thomas. Ryan who was featured in today’s (August 14, 2015) Weekend Nation newspaper was born to Arthur and Rosita Thomas.

He received all grade ones in Communication Studies, Caribbean Studies, Law, Computer Science and Accounting, with distinctions in some of the subjects.

In an interview today, Ryan advised that results are within a student’s control. Students must put in a lot of hard work and must never become overconfident. Most of all, they must depend on God and give thanks to God for success.

Ryan is hoping to study law at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. We at Ellerton Gospel Hall continue to wish him success and God’s richest blessings.  

Appointment of Elder

Elder Curtis Neil was appointed Elder on 2 August 2015.

Elder Brathwaite along with Elder Catwell and Reverend Hull praying for the New Elder

Elder Catwell praying for the new Elder

Elder Neil accepting a gift of the cross from Pauline Morgan J.P.

Elder Neil accepting a gift of oil from Dolores Catwell

Elder Neil accepting a gift of a candle from his daughter Jalicia Neil

MP worships at Ellerton Gospel Hall

Today, August 9, 2015 was Youth Sunday. Ellertonions were delighted to worship with the Parliamentary Representative for St. George South, Mr. Dwight Sutherland.

Choruses included We bring the sacrifice, From the rising of the sun, We’re together again, God is a good God, Break every chain, Anointing fall on me, Hallelujah for the Lord Almighty reigns and Be Magnified.

The young people performed a dramatisation entitled ‘Use your Talents’ and the Parliamentary Representative offered felicitations to Elder Curtis Neil on being appointed to Elder and Elder Dr. Catwell on attaining a PhD in Ministry.

The speaker Bro. David Grant, hailing from Dayrells Road Gospel Hall, presented a sharp, sweet and short message entitled ‘From the Heart’. Bro. Grant referenced 2 Chronicles 24, Romans 10:9 and Psalm 37. He strongly implored us to serve God from the heart. He further reminded us that whatsoever we do unto the Lord, let us do it heartily. He postulated that, as the ‘Heart Doctor’, God does accurate evaluations and measurements of the heart. God looks at the heart, whereas people look at the outward appearance. He implored us to get out heart right with God.

Elder Catwell, Mr. Dwight Sutherland M.P., Elder Neil, Elder Brathwaite

Mr. Dwight Sutherland, M.P. making congratulatory remarks

Bro. David Grant, Preacher