By Nelson A. King
As Vincentians celebrate
their 42nd anniversary of political
independence from Great
Britain, a Vincentian pastor in
Brooklyn is urging nationals to
unite for nation-building.
Dr. Roxie Morris, a pastor
at Miracle Temple Ministries,
an evangelical church in the
Brownsville section of Brooklyn,
said that “when individuals
work together, they double
their strength and get more
done as a team, also creating
harmony and not disorder.
“We are one, and we are
strongest working together in
unity,” said Dr. Morris in her
homily during the virtual Independence
Anniversary Church
Service on Sunday, organized
by the Brooklyn-based Vincentian
umbrella group in the
United States, Council of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines
Organizations, U.S.A., Inc.
(COSAGO).
“Teamwork is the key to living
life in harmony, so that we
can do God’s will,” she added,
stating that she, particularly,
likes the acronym for Team
– “Together Each Achieves
More.”
“It is said teamwork makes
the dream work,” said Dr.
Morris, alluding to Dr. Ruth
Senyonyi of Uganda, in her
public symposium address for
the International Day of the
Family, “Strengthen the family,
Build a Nation.”
“If the work needs to be done
anywhere, it needs to be done
first in our homes,” Pastor
Morris continued. “The state
must also be cognizant of the
impact that weak and fragile
family structures have on current
and future generations.
“I ask, what is a nation? The
nation is the people not the
land – just like the church is the
body of believers not the building,”
she added. “When everyone
works together, according
to their individual gifts, experience
Caribbean L 28 ife, OCT. 29-NOV. 4, 2021
and skills, the building
process is much faster, stronger
and more stable, because the
work does not rest on one or
two particular persons.
“So, as a people, it is imperative
that we work hard,” Pastor
Morris urged. “Maintain a
heart for the work. Do not
stop building. Be persistent and
know that it is a process. It
takes time.”
She also urged nationals to
be alert and watch for dangers.
“Be a watchman, because
the enemy goes about like a
roaring lion looking for someone
to devour,” said Dr. Morris,
referring to 1 Peter 5:8. “Serve
one another. Do nothing from
selfishness or empty conceit.
We have to learn to touch people
effectively.”
Referencing Philippians
2:4, she said: “Do not merely
look out for your own personal
interest but also for the interests
of others.”
Dr. Morris also mentioned
Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one
another’s burden, and, thereby,
fulfill the law of Christ”; and
Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to
one another in brotherly love;
give preference to one another
in honor.”
“Focus on the goal, avoid
distractions in order to keep a
clear focus,” she said. “No clear
direction and a lack of commitment
to a specific goal will
cause distractions.
Dr. Morris said Nehemiah’s
focus, in the Bible, was rebuilding
the wall in ensuring that
the city was protected.
Pastor Dr. Roxie Morris.
Vincentian pastor wants nationals
to unite for nation-building
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