The Good News Company tent was aglow with smiles as this was a glorious day for the members of the Good News and Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) congregations. On Sabbath January 13, 2018, the tent was filled with members and visitors for the installation of Pastor Kumal Smith as the district pastor of the recently aligned District #5. For the past several years, the constituency of St. Maarten worshipped as four districts. District #5 was aligned as of December, 2017, and is now comprised of Ephesus SDA Church and the Good News SDA Group.
The service began with Praise and Worship led by the Good News Praise Team. Then, the pastor of District #1 (Philipsburg SDA Church), Pastor Vashni Cuvalay, made the appropriate introductions. The President of the North Caribbean Conference, Pastor Desmond James, and his wife were in attendance to conduct the installation service. The installation charge and prayers for God to form a hedge around the pastor, his wife, Daislyn, and the congregation added solemnity to the service.
Words of welcome and encouragement were shared by the First Elder of the Company, Elder Kern Saunders, and the First Elder of the Ephesus SDA Church, Elder Otis Honore. Pastor Smith presented the message for the day and an inspiring rendition of Faithful by the Good News Choir provided a fitting close to a spiritually fulfilling worship experience.