Well done, Pastor tells Government

Former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Senator David Durant is giving the Mia Mottley administration a thumbs up for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Durant praised the Government on Sunday, as he welcomed his Restoration Ministries congregation back to their Brittons Hill, St Michael sanctuary after an eight-week Government shutdown. He said that things could have got out of hand but God has been faithful in shielding the island from the crippling effects of the coronavirus which has killed over 400 000 worldwide.

“Thank God for the Government and the initiatives and healthcare meted out to the victims and their recovery plan. Of the 92 who tested positive, 81 recovered and [there were] seven deaths. We will continue lifting the Government in our prayers. No Government has been through a pandemic of this nature so they have done well with an 89 per cent recovery to date,” Durant said.

He said the service was also dedicated to helping members in exiting the pandemic with its associated fears, worry, anxiety, hopelessness and panic. Durant noted that the pandemic has resulted in a high unemployment rate and a spike in the cost of living.

Through his sermon titled The Corporate Gathering, Durant said the congregation must encourage each other through worship, the Word of God, and agreement in prayer. He noted that there is a difference between gathering in the physical church and a streaming online audience.

“There is a powerful release of a corporate anointing and breakthrough when we come together as one, in one place, in one accord and with one voice in unity, lifting up the Lord and engaging him with our intercession and supplications,” he said.

The pastor also pointed out that “God has shifted the church into a total reset” in all aspects including emotionally and spiritually. He suggested that the crisis created by the national shutdown and pandemic has forced the church to pull on its creativity, adaptability, innovation, ingenuity, trusting in God in every aspect of life.

“The church would never be the same because Jesus is building his church according to God’s pattern and the shaking and shifting was a means to an end. God has purpose in everything.

“From this lockdown and pandemic experience, the church is bouncing back stronger, bolder, more resilient, radical and committed and with a greater love and passion for God. All may not make it through this period, but those who are willing, God will enable and strengthen for the journey ahead,” he said. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb