Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The Peace of the Lord be with you!
I join with the “citizens, residents and strangers within the gates” of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in celebrating the 37th Anniversary of Independence. This year we celebrate under the theme, “Resilience, Innovation and Security for Independence 2020”. We congratulate young Destinee Morris of the Tabernacle Congregation (former student of the Epworth/Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School) who emerged the winner of the slogan competition for the Independence Anniversary Theme.
Given the realities of our geographical, cultural, and political contexts, coupled with the spread of the coronavirus, I can see how resilience is key. However, resilience must not only be seen through these lenses but must be grounded in our faith. The resiliency of our faith should not be mere survival, but a vision, born out of the Divine, that engages in the task of community building. The resiliency of our faith in building a better nation/community requires a shift in mindset that accentuates God-given innovation, continuity between the past, present, and the future, and justice for all. The result of which should not be to be secure now but to build a secure future for generations yet unborn. However, since I am not writing a dissertation, let me hasten to encourage us to celebrate the heritage that have been left us and remind us that ‘our faith must be able to sing through days of sorrow, that all will be well’.
My colleagues and our families join me in praying for you a “Blessed Independence!”
Your pastor and friend
Mark S. Christmas