‘93’ honours Pastor Marvel Francis
Published:Thursday | May 5, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Last Sunday, the saints at the Church of God of Prophecy located at 93 Lyssons Road, celebrated the seventh anniversary of their dear Pastor, Marvel D. Francis.
The service, though maintaining a spiritual and Godly atmosphere, was laced with words and acts of love directed at the head of the congregation.
Various tributes which spoke of Francis' selflessness, trustworthiness and dependability marked him as not only a leader, but also a father and friend.
Biological parent of two, but host father of more than 200 saints, Francis served as associate pastor for approximately four years under the leadership of Bishop H. Taylor before being appointed as Pastor of '93', as the church is called, in 2009.
Public relations officer at the church, Angella Lalor, told Family and Religion that under their pastor's leadership and direction, the church has seized the day as inspired by him through his message and took on the drive to complete the extension of the church building, providing comfortable restroom facilities, the remodelling of the baptismal pool and the replacing of wooden benches with padded chairs.
In addition, Pastor Francis has been able to organise transportation services to take his members to and from church, and has also been instrumental in the establishment of various programmes such as an annual church social, the Lenten Season Chain of Prayer, Mother's and Father's Day Essay Competitions, annual back-to-school treat, health fair, Family and Counselling Life Ministry, annual Children's Christmas Pageant, The Women of Purpose and annual Youth Weekend.
LOVE AND APPRECIATION
Lalor was keen in expressing, on behalf of the '93' family, love and appreciation for not only their pastor, but his entire family.
According to Bishop Vincent Campbell, who was asked to share words of encouragement to his fellow brethren, "Ministry is hard work. Don't mind dying on the job once the job is done. Do the best you can and though it may not be enough to others, it is God who will say 'Well done'. Work as hard as you can, God will have your reward."
Admitting that his appointment as pastor came as a surprise to him, Francis says that his mantra lies within the scripture Zechariah 4:6, which was revealed to him by God.
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
Seven years later the man of God is pleased to say that he is happy to have been given the assignment and appointment for 'pastoring' the Church of God of Prophecy for a time such as this.
"This was the church where I got saved, grew up and I believe the Lord is an intentional God. He continues to fashion me to lead his people. I was humbled by Sunday's act of appreciation by the church and more so by the youths.
"I offer my sincerest gratitude to God for enabling me; to my family who have been of great support to the ministry; and also express my appreciation to the church family and especially the leaders who have supported and bought into the vision of making '93', the church of choice, by executing the plans and programmes which God has inspired us with," he said, adding that this marks the beginning of another season as they strive to achieve his future objectives.