The Trinidad Presbyterian | September 2020 - Magazine - Page 1
THANKFULNESS
ORDINAND SANYA BEHARRY
S
eptember brings us to a
very conventional part of an
unconventional year as we
mark Stewardship Month
within the Presbyterian Church of
Trinidad and Tobago. It’s a time
when the spotlight is placed on
the way in which human beings
are called into account for the way
in which we have managed God’s
resources in creation. It’s also a
time when we think about finances!
However, this year’s theme
from the Board of Theological
Education (BOTE) calls for quite a
different perspective: “Overflow:
Thankfulness in the Valley”.
“You prepare a table before me in
the presence of my enemies, you
anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.” ~ Psalm 23:5
Without a doubt, September
12
IN THE VALLEY
2020 truly represents a valley
in society. Covid-19 has thrown
the entire world into disarray,
disproportionately affecting the
most vulnerable populations. Job
security, food security, physical
safety, economic health and, of
course, physical health are all
now on the line. September marks
the beginning of a new normal
in education as well as teachers,
parents and students aim for a
hybrid model to impart knowledge
in the safest way. However,
approximately 65,000 children
will be without the necessary
technological and online resources
to fully participate in school life this
semester.
In the midst of this darkness - this
Valley - we are being called to shift
focus away from our scarcity and
fears in a highly transactional world,
toward the provision and security
found in God, the Shepherd.
“Rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NRSV) ~
1st Thessalonians 1:16-18
This year’s stewardship month
requires us to commit to the
“always”, “without ceasing” and “all
circumstances” pattern of giving
thanks. It is no longer about the
great abundance of material things
we may possess that we can now
lavishly and easily give to others
and towards the building of God’s
Kingdom because we are on the
mountaintops of achievement
and happiness. Our thankfulness
has to maintained, expressed and
celebrated in the darkest and
deepest of valleys.
THE TRINIDAD PRESBYTERIAN | SEPTEMBER 2020 | www.pctt.org.tt
