The Christ-centered focus was evident at Paradise Island, Bahamas, and indeed welcomed by all, said coordinator Robert McKinney. Pastor General Joseph Tkach's moving message was "just what the doctor ordered" for the church, he said.
In Barbados, brethren celebrated salvation in Jesus Christ as they met in the church's regular meeting hall, The Vista Auditorium.
It was a Feast with a difference, said coordinator Clifton Charles, as the spirit of the new covenant perspective added a new complexion and feel to the Festival of Tabernacles.
On opening night the atmosphere was warm and exhilarating as brethren from overseas met with local brethren, and old friends greeted and embraced each other. Throughout the Festival, song services were accompanied by a steel orchestra from Trinidad.
"This Feast of Tabernacles was the most spiritually rewarding Feast ever!" So said many of those attending at Grotto Bay Resort Hotel in Bermuda. The theme of faith and Christ-centered messages, along with warm fellowship, enabled brethren to experience a most inspiring festival, said coordinator Cecil Pulley.
In Dominica, as a community service project, 10 brethren helped clean up and reorganize the store room at the Grotto Home for the Homeless in Roseau.
At Dominica Night the focus was on local cuisine, for which Mary Vidal gave an informative introduction for visitors.
Overseas brethren joined St. Lucian brethren for services at the Caribbees Hotel in Castries. Two community service projects were organized: painting rooms in the School for the Deaf and binding large-print books at the School for the Blind. Some brethren visited and took food to groups of elderly brethren unable to attend the Feast.
Fifty brethren kept the Feast at the picturesque Richmond Vale Academy. On youth day, 18 hardy souls climbed 4,048 feet to Soufriere volcano. Later in the Feast brethren visited Trinity Falls and attended a family dance.
In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, brethren rejoiced as they received the live satellite transmission. Singing jubilantly with headquarters Feastgoers, the stage was set for an outpouring of blessings from above. The pastor general's message was not only moving and sobering, it was also instructing and uplifting. Brethren were left with a clearcut vision of our mission.
It was evident that a lot of prayers and hard work had gone into the lectionaries. With his wealth of experience and personal insight, guest speaker Bob Smith injected a special perspective for those experiencing serious trials.
Mr. Smith said: "This Feast was a spiritual experience such as we had not hitherto witnessed. I reminded those in attendance that if Mr. Tkach would have lived a few weeks longer he would have been thrilled at the result of what Jesus Christ has accomplished in his church."
In Trinidad a varied repertoire of musical performances at services and activities was a major highlight of the Feast. It was the 22nd year of the Feast here, and the venue was the church's own facilities at Arima. Among the more memorable messages was a moving delivery by Wayne Rajaram, "A Call to Prayer."
Paradise Island, Bahamas ------------ 347
Christ Church,
Barbados -------------- 518
Hamilton, Bermuda ---------------------
96
Roseau, Dominica ---------------------- 73
Castries,
St. Lucia -------------------- 180
St. Vincent
----------------------------- 50
Ocho Rios, Jamaica -------------------
642
Port of Spain, Trinidad ---------------- 535
Grand
Anse Beach, Grenada ----------- 96
Georgetown, Guyana
------------------ 85
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