Fri, Oct 22, 2010

by Bishop Sonny E. Williams – Presiding Bishop
Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies St. Vincent and the Grenadines District

This independence celebration comes in the midst of the campaign for the imminent general election. In spite of this hive of political activities, we need to pause and focus on where we are coming from, where we are, and where we are heading as a nation.{{more}}

We cannot be men and women of the past. We must strive to be people of the future. We must be constructive, progressive and forward-thinking. Yesterday should be a reference and not our residence. If we ever need to look at the past, let us do so, for the lessons the past have taught us that our partisan political support should not motivate us to harass those who are of opposite political view. Our independence and democracy have not vested individuals and groups with the right to intimidate individuals to act against their conscience.

It would never be a correct justification that because you were victimised in the past you must return the same measure when you have the power to do so. If we must move ahead as a nation, the wrongs of the past must be forgiven and forgotten.

Our nation’s development requires every one of us to have a new vision that is adoptive to the times. King Solomon challenges us that: “Where there is no vision the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18 King James Version). Visionary leadership is key to promoting a national vision that can stir the creative capacity of personal vision. These times of global financial and economic crisis require visionary leadership that inspires confidence and trust among our people. These times demand leaders noted for transforming old mindsets and creating new paradigms and strategies that are outside the box. We need leaders who can capture a God-inspired vision of the nation that incorporates the aspirations of our people and their right to pursue their personal dreams and visions.

What kind of St. Vincent and the Grenadines do we envision in the future? Let us desire to move our nation forward to gain what we have never had. Let us pursue a vision of a new love that spurns hate and a new spirit that unite and not divide. Let us work towards increasing our national pride, improving our work ethic, and vigorously opposing the growing culture of corruption in our society.

As a nation, we need to recognise that God is our ultimate source and the provider for our visions. Proverbs 16:1 says, “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.” Our visions usually seem impossible. Our visions are often bigger than our treasury. The question is often asked: How are we going to accomplish our visions without the necessary finance, personnel or equipment? God said He will give the answer or “reply of the tongue.” This is why the Psalmist says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalms 33:12a).

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St Vincent and the Grenadines District salutes the nation on its 31st Anniversary of Independence and we pledge our continued prayer and support.