By George Henry, Freelance Writer
Thomas
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
RETIRED PASTOR of the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God in Clarendon, Reverend Samuel H. Thomas was recently feted at an appreciation service held in his honour at the church where he had spent almost 22 years in Christian ministry.
Many tributes were paid by colleague pastors, church family and community representatives.
In delivering the sermon, pastor of the Mandeville New Testament Church of God and lecturer at the Bethel Bible College in the Manchester capital, the Rev. Clement Clarke, called on those in leadership positions, particularly in the church, not only to be leaders but also servants.
He said there were many in leadership positions in the church who were not willing to take second place - they always want to be first.
Earl Rose who now pastors the Santa Hill New Testament Church and who is a former director of youth programmes, said Rev. Thomas was instrumental in motivating him to answer the call of God to Christian ministry. Pastor Rose noted that Rev. Thomas started the church with a small membership of 45 persons and led it to an increase of just under 300 by the time of his retirement in 1996. The increase in membership over the years he said came out of Rev. Thomas's vision to establish a children's church under the supervision of his daughter, Sharon. From that arm of his ministry several young Christians graduated to become members of the local church said Rev. Rose.
Retired pastor, Reverend Samuel Alexander who was instrumental in having the County Office of the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica and Grand Cayman assigning Rev. Thomas to the Sanguinetti church, in his tribute explained that the potential he saw in Reverend Thomas while he was Pastor at Desire New Testament Church led him to approach the then County Overseer to send him (Thomas) to Sanguinetti.
In her tribute on behalf of the community Mrs. C. Johnson a former Social Worker who worked closely with the women of the Sanguinetti Church over the years said Pastor Thomas was a man to whom many persons in the community would go for advice.
"They saw him as one who they could share their problems with and who would listen and help them to solve them. He was a family man who not only preached family life but lived it as well," said Mrs. Johnson.
In his reply Rev. Thomas said he was appreciative of the love shown by members of the seven churches in the Sanguinetti District of Churches.
He thanked the many "prayer warriors" who have been praying for him since his retirement adding that he was sorry that the appreciation service was not held before the passing of his wife, Olive, who died just over a year ago.
Reflecting on the early years spent at the Sanguinetti Church, Rev. Thomas noted that it was very challenging. But according to him he was able to survive with God by his side. Rev. Thomas said a good pastor should also be accessible to the members of the wider community.
