Philipsburg:--- Government officials including the Governor of St. Maarten drs. Eugene Holiday his wife first lady Marie Louise along with Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams were among those that attended the National Day of Prayer at the Clem Labega Square Sunday evening.The ecumenical service commenced at 4:30pm with praise and worship by the Love and Grace Ministry. The call to worship was conducted by the Pastor of the New Testament Baptist Church Pastor Wycliffe Smith, with the welcome given by Wally Havertong. A prayer for Thanksgiving and for Government was done by Pastor Jerome Thomas, while Pastor Emmanuel Carbon prayed the family unit, the youths and against crime and violence. A special rendition was done by Landry Piper who sang against the crime and violence on St. Maarten. Piper who is no stranger to the community called the Prime Minister by her first name on a number of occasions which did not sit well with the gathering. He was asked by the organizing committee to apologize to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams for addressing her by her first name in public gathering.
The sermonette was delivered by Pastor Aster Allen, a known cancer survivor on St. Maarten. Pastor Allen called on the Government and people of St. Maarten to place their faith and trust in God if they are to move the nation forward. She said when ones expectations and confidence are connected to God then that expectation and confidence is heightened. She asked upon what the Government and people are basing their confidence. The theme of her message was "Thank You Lord for Watching over Us as we go Forward." Pastor Aster Allen, a teacher by profession broke down the meaning of the theme of her message making sure that the persons that attended the ceremony fully understood the purpose of the ceremony. She also urged the St. Maarten nation to turn to God as Ezekiel did while they pray for the Government of St. Maarten so that everyone can live a peaceful life. "Keep your focus on God for he that is in you is greater than those that are against you. Therefore, no one should lose focus despite the odds." She asked Government where is there strategy and military forces to go up against a greater nation.Click here to view more photos of the National Day of Prayer.