I am honoured to be in the nation of Barbados in this year of ‘Gathering’ as the pastor of the Hoggard AME Zion Church. One hundred and thirty years ago, Martha Small, my great, great, grandmother migrated from Barbados to Trinidad to look for better life opportunities. I am privilege to return to this beautiful island to work with the people of Barbados and the Caribbean region in the pursuit of a better quality of life, one with hope, equality and equity for all our people.
The message of the Palestinian Jew, Jesus the Christ, was ‘I come that you might have life and have it to the full’ is as relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago. There are many challenges before us including the COVID-19 pandemic and the its possible impact on our future way of life. Together we are stronger and by faith in God this too shall pass. The question we must ask ourselves, will we be better prepared for the next crisis?
This task will require the State, the Church, the Business sector and other Civil Society organizations to each evaluate its’ state of preparedness. At the Hoggard African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church we are entering a new phase of our ministry in Barbados. Our denomination has a historic legacy for coming alongside the poor, the disadvantaged, the marginalised and the vulnerable.
Let us join together in making the legacy of the ‘Freedom Church’ a reality in the island of Barbados. “Who the Son of Man sets free they are truly free.”
See you in ministry
Rev. Ronald A. Nathan
Pastor
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