Dec 22, 2016
by Theo Wilson
Miami SDB Church, FL
The evening of September 22, 2016, was one to remember, as brethren worldwide traveled to South Florida to celebrate Miami Seventh Day Baptist’s thirty-five years of ministry. This event truly marked a special milestone for the church and its existence, as it truly has made an impact on many lives and the surrounding community. The church’s theme for this year is “Fired Up! And Ready,” and the program for the evening truly showed a church that is fired up and ready for anything! The service was led by our Pastor, Andrew Samuels, who has been with us for 28 of the 35 years of the church’s life. The church was blessed to have the General Conference’s Executive Director, Rob Appel, to extend greetings, and also the keynote speaker, Pastor Garfield Miller, who delivered a soul-stirring message.
To show how much of an impact the church has had, the South Florida SDB sister churches, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, gave warm and sincere reflections about how the Miami church helped with their launch, and continues to be a beacon of support today. A highlight of the evening was getting the chance to hear the history of the church. Many were intrigued to hear about the sacrifices made, especially at the beginning stages with the charter members. The church has endured so many changes and challenges, but by the grace of God, the doors remain open and the membership is still strong. There were testimonies given from several members, present and past, including one of the charter members, Lorna Sukie, and one of the newest members, Cleopatra LaTouche. Each person emphasized in their testimony that they made the Miami SDB Church their home because of the huge sense of family and the warm fellowship that everyone feels when attending.
The music ministry featured prominently in the celebration, offering several renditions throughout the evening, which blessed the hearts of everyone in attendance. There was also a dance rendition from the children’s ministry and a mime ministry from Tsafiq Samuels. The program closed out with the entire congregation reciting the “Anniversary Resolution and Commitment,” wherein members pledged their on-going commitment to the church and its ministries. This service was definitely one to remember. Continue to lift up the Miami Seventh Day Baptist Church in prayer as we look towards 35 more years of service to our Lord.
