This year’s Eastern Caribbean camp meeting began with an atmosphere of expectation as delegates began arriving in the U.S. Virgin Islands on July 18. Attendees came from Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, St. Eustatius, and the United States to join the local saints in St. Thomas.   

On Sunday, July 19, following Sunday school, the first service opened with a clarinet solo of “I Look to You,” played by Angelyne Dolne. Then the choir sang “Grace Greater than Our Sin.” Following the congregational singing and prayer, the Scripture reading was given from Colossians 3:1-17 by Edsil Parris, who pastors in Barbados. During the announcements, greetings from around the world were shared, including an encouragement from Tim De Busk, Director of Eastern Caribbean Work.

For the message, Michael Anthony, the Eastern Caribbean District Superintendent, took his text from Matthew 6:5-8 and urged all to make a personal commitment to prayer. He advised everyone to regularly meet with God in secret and with honesty. At the close, a lively altar service followed.

The evening service was filled with uplifting songs such as “Showers of Blessings” and “Praise Him, Praise Him.” The sermon was taken from Ruth 1:18 and titled “Begin Again.” Sylvina Thomas, who pastors in Tortola, said the keys to new beginnings are a determination to serve God and a steadfast focus on Jesus. A good prayer service followed.     

The meetings continued through Thursday, July 23, with daily prayer meetings, Bible teachings, and evangelistic services. The Bible teachings focused on: “Youth Issues” with text from Ephesians 2:1-3; “Evangelism”; “Temporal and Spiritual Life” from Mark 10:17-22; and “Forgiveness” based on Matthew 6:14-15 and 18:35. The evening messages highlighted “Commitment” from Matthew 26:36-39, “The Power of God” from Judges 4:6-8, “Great Faith” from Matthew 8:5-12, and “You Are Salt and Light” from Matthew 5:13-16.

Throughout the week, inspiring songs, such as “What a Mighty God We Serve,” and victorious testimonies rang out in the services. One brother arrived at the camp meeting walking with a cane, but after the second day, he no longer needed it; God had healed him! A sister testified of being concerned about a hurtful relationship with her brother. After listening to the teachings, she decided to call her brother, and they sweetly reconciled, letting go of past hurts. The altar services were also inspiring with heartfelt prayer and several people coming forward to be prayed over for healing.

The camp meeting was a blessing to all who attended and possibly to many others as well. Two radio stations broadcast on Sunday mornings and feature sermons from both our local church and headquarters website.

Should the Lord tarry, next year’s camp meeting is scheduled to take place July 18-22 in Road Town, Tortola. This change in location, closer to some of our churches, should allow for more people to attend.