#Nassau, April 30, 2019 – Bahamas – Addressing Voice of Deliverance Ministries’ 37th Annual General Assembly, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis expressed condolences to the family of slain Petty Officer Philip Perpall of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force who was killed Sunday while on duty at Government House.
And, he
called on the church to pray for the soul of the marine, who served for more
than 30 years, and his loved ones.
“I offer
my condolences also to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. I also ask
you to pray for the other members of the Force who witnessed the killing of a
fellow officer.
“This is
a terrible tragedy. Let us continue to pray for peace in our land and for all
of those who are victims of crime and for their families,” said the prime minster
on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the church, located on Deliverance Way, Malcolm
Allotment East.
The
matter is being investigated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the
Minister of National Security has announced a review of security at government
institutions.
The
Prime Minister went on to thank the men and women of all uniformed branches who
protect the country daily. He further called on all to never forget their
sacrifice and their devotion.
Directly
addressing the congregation, the Prime Minister said: “It is always a great joy
to be in fellowship and worship with those who love the Lord, especially in the
Easter Season.”
He
regards Easter as a time of new life and rebirth: “It is a season of hope and
of new beginnings as we remember and celebrate the salvation and redemption
that is God’s eternal outpouring of love.”
The
Prime Minister said he was especially happy to be at Voice of Deliverance as it
celebrates its 37th Annual General Assembly under the theme:
“Catch the Vision, Know that God Shall Prevail & He Will Complete the
Process.”
The
Prime Minister wished favour and grace upon the church and God’s blessings on
its leader Chief Apostle Leon Wallace.
“Let
these be days of love and fellowship as you meet in the spirit of: 1 John 4:16
– “And so we know
and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever
lives in love lives in God, and God in them,” the Prime Minister quoted.
He then reflected upon recent events which marred the “most sacred day”
of the Christian calendar. On Easter Sunday an estimated 253 people in Sri
Lanka were brutally killed and several hundred others wounded during
worship, in claimed terrorists attacks.
As a
fellow member of the Commonwealth, the Prime Minister said the Government of
The Bahamas sent condolences to the Government of Sri Lanka.
In response
to this attack, part of the Prime Minister’s Easter message reminded The
Bahamas that: “We are blessed to live in a generally peaceful land devoid of
ethnic strife and war, though we must continue to confront the violence in our
land.
“We are
blessed to live in a country where there is religious freedom and freedom of
association and worship. …Bahamians and residents are able to
worship freely and in safety.”
The
Prime Minister also noted other incidents around the world, namely in New
Zealand during attacks on mosques which left a number of Muslims dead or
wounded. Similarly, in the United States reports of “terrible news” of the
killings of Jews worshiping in synagogues.
“Such
hatred and violence against Christians, Muslims, Jews and others is attack an
attack on the dignity of us all, who are made in the image and likeness of our
God, who is a God of love and mercy,” the Prime Minister said.
He then
shared words from Pope Francis, which he said, touched his heart: “The thing the church needs most today is the
ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs
nearness, proximity.” As a medical doctor, the Prime Minister said
he understood exactly what he was saying. “I believe that the same thing is
true for the Church. You have to meet people where they are
at. They first need your compassion and love and mercy. “Only
then can they hear the Good News of salvation and redemption.”
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis addresses the 37th Annual General Assembly of Voice of Deliverance Ministries, April 29, 2019.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)