PHILIPSBURG–The thirteenth annual National Day of Prayer was held in front of the Government Administration Building on Sunday under the theme “Repentance will result in the glory of God on the land.” Rain did not stop members of the public and church leaders from attending the ecumenical service.
“A praying people are a people of faith, a people of Love for God, who is love, and His mercy endures forever! He doesn’t take us through it without a purpose – each diamond must go through much stress in order to shine – and God has allowed us to go through the experiences of 2017 for a reason, and I pray that we take stock of ourselves – each and every one of us – to reflect, repent, ask for forgiveness and turn away from any thoughts and acts that are not acceptable to Him.
“Let all we do glorify Him here in St. Maarten and in all the earth,” said Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs in her address.
Prime Minister Rafael Boasman and members of the Council of Ministers were present at their last public appearance, as new Ministers will be sworn in today, Monday. Governor Eugene Holiday was also present for the prayer service. Church leaders delivered messages of hope and strength to the nation, as the country is in an election cycle.
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the second Sunday in January, with an invitation to people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It is a way of bringing together the entire population in prayer to start the New Year on the right footing.
“Thanks to the Ministry I have led for the past two years. Thank God for the plans both pre- and post-Irma which I trust, with God’s help and guidance, will come to pass to the benefit of the people of St. Maarten. I also take this time to thank my colleagues in the council of Ministers who have worked shoulder to shoulder for St. Maarten.
“I especially take time to thank former Prime Minister William Marlin for his guidance and wisdom during my life, and his successor Minister Boasman for his timely advice and encouragement. I feel blessed to have served this nation and will reflect, take stock, and pledge to continue to do so according to His mighty will,” said Minister Jacobs.
“Thanks to the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education Culture Youth and Sport Jorien Wuite for the advice and support during my term, and I will wish you God’s speed in continuing the fight for the recovery process. In that same vein I would like to take time to give thanks to all who made this National Day of Prayer possible.
“May we continue to pray unceasingly for St. Maarten and her people for a full recovery!
“God bless you and all the people of St. Maarten,” Jacobs said in her address.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/72735-message-of-hope-focused-on-at-national-day-of-prayer
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