PAWI’s birthday wish for the nation

Forty years is an important milestone in the life of any organization. We are proud of the rich Pentecostal heritage that we enjoy. The awesome responsibility is ours to chart the direction of the organization for the next generation. As we celebrate this important moment, these are our wishes for our beloved nation.

We wish that there be a greater sense of unity among the churches in this nation. This unity is not oneness at the expense of the truth. It is not an ecumenical endeavour to find the lowest common denominator among people even if it means denying cardinal doctrines. This unity is being in relationship with one another. This is the prayer and heartbeat of Jesus (John 17: 20-21). When churches are united in the faith and present a common front on important issues to the nation, we exert power and influence. Aren’t there causes that, irrespective of our differences, we can rally around as one. Remember that “None of us is as smart as all of us” Blanchard).{{more}}

We wish that there be a sense of National Unity among our people. We at times are far too politically divided. We have a tendency to politicize the simplest issue. It is amazing how much we can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets blame or who gets credit. In a culture of partisan politics we tend to lose sight of the big picture. If you think your party is the entire picture, you will never see the big picture. The big picture is that we, Vincentians at home and in the Diaspora have a country to build. Let’s call for a cease fire from political tribalism and a unity in fighting our real enemies; ignorance, illiteracy, poverty, crime and violence, drugs, unemployment, injustice, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS among others.

We wish that we can arrest the escalation of crime and violence in the land. We fully support the Prime Minister’s stance of being “Tough on crime and the causes of crime” and embrace the Leader of the Opposition’s vision of a “Kinder Gentler Society”. We wish to see a bipartisan, intersectorial and community based approach in fighting crime. The fight should begin with the home and school as we teach our youngsters by precept and practice how to settle differences through peaceful alternatives; that no room be left for criminals and that justice be done swiftly. We wish to see the modernization of our law enforcement and justice system. We tend to be quick in enacting law but tardy in enforcing these laws.

We wish the nation increased opportunities for the development of our people and especially our young people. We applaud the government for its relentless drive in implementing universal secondary education, the adult education crusade and for sourcing and increasing scholarships to universities in the region and around the world. We wish therefore equal opportunity for all to access these scholarships. We wish to see an urgent increase in employment both through private sector and governmental initiatives.

We wish that the nation wins the fierce battle against HIV/AIDS; that discrimination and victimization against those infected or affected by the disease be a thing of the past; that abstinence and faithfulness to one partner be presented as the most effective choices in HIV/AIDS prevention.

We wish that our nation returns to biblical family values; that we give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities and endeavour to preserve the sanctity of marriage.

Our wish and burning desire is that our nation returns to God. The Psalmist exclaimed, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”(Ps. 33:12) When God is at the centre of the nation, then “Justice will run down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5: 24).