December 1, 2023 || St. Croix, US Virgin Islands | NCC Staff || Rosabel Blake
The Revolution Gospel Series, with Pastor Timothy Leito, was held downstairs the St Eustatius Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Pasture, St. Eustatius on Friday October 6th and culminated on October 28th, 2023. The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement as the congregation engaged in the Revolution Gospel Series with our young and dynamic district Pastor, Timothy Leito.
This Revolution Gospel Series was a three-week power packed program with the melodious singing of traditional songs as well as contemporary choruses. At 6:45 every evening the online viewers via Facebook and YouTube were greeted by youthful vibrant hosts and hostesses. This series had an average nightly viewership of 100 in the first week and this increased in the last two weeks, with over 200 viewers.
The Commissioner of Education, Culture and Sports, the Honorable Mr. Reuben Merkman, declared the series open with words of commendation to the church for having seen the need to bring God’s word to the community.
During the second week of the crusade, the island of St. Eustatius experienced the threat of tropical storm Tammy, which resulted in the cancellation of services on the Friday evening and Saturday morning. Nevertheless, that never discouraged Pastor Leito and the church membership. They waited in great anticipation for Sunday night to resume the proclamation of the good news of salvation.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Leito delivered powerful, postmodern, bible-based sermonic presentations with clarity. He revolutionized the thinking of the audience with topics such as “YOLO”, ” Are you ready for the jam?” and “Too many goats on Statia”. The crusade had an innovative technological twist, with weekly health tips as well as quiz time on Kahoot, where the online viewers were also able to participate. Furthermore, this evangelistic series was the first of its kind, to allow online financial contributions.
The Personal Ministries Director and Assistant to the President for Evangelism of the North Caribbean Conference, Pastor Hesketh Matthew, stated, “I was truly captivated by the freshness that Pastor Leito brought in this evangelistic series on the island of St. Eustatius, and I truly appreciate what the Lord has done in that part of the vineyard. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet energetic. The intentionality of involving the youth population was very obvious. It was a great community impact that saw much appreciation by the Adventist and Non-Adventist populations. Pastor Leito and his team have truly prayed, prepared and proclaimed, thus resulting in an increase in the kingdom of God.”
As the final weekend approached, the congregants were mesmerized by the melodious music of an invited group of young people from St Maarten along with guest artiste, Brother George Gordon who further lifted their hearts with singing. At the unforgettable climax of the Revolution Gospel Series, four members recommitted their lives to God and nine new members joined the church of the living God!
Pastor Leito expressed, utmost gratitude to God for the souls that were won during the campaign and for the unwavering support from the church and the community. The Seventh-day Adventist Church St. Eustatius were able to see their youth and young adults actively involved in sharing the word of God, be it in communication, singing, and hosting. This was definitely revolutionary and the beginning of greater things to come!
Pastor Timothy Leito, currently serves as the Minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Saba and St. Eustatius.