On Sabbath, 8 April 2023 saw worshippers at Tottenham Lighthouse experiencing God’s object lessons in prayer, humility and unity. How many of us attend Churches where you not only say, ‘Welcome’ but also ‘Salaam alaikum’ (Peace be upon you) because you have Muslim brothers and sisters sitting in the congregation? At Tottenham Lighthouse this happens quite often, however, this Sabbath it went one step further, when a Turkish Muslim lady who has been in constant contact with Pastor Jeanville requested prayer. She had lost many relatives in the earthquake in Turkey. There was a glimmer of hope that her missing nephew would be found alive. She even travelled to Turkey, but her search was unsuccessful. Pastor Jeanville offered a special prayer at the altar for her, two other visitors, and people of all faiths directlty affected by the disaster. The congregation were reminded of the words of Isaiah: ‘...for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.’ (Isaiah 56:7 KJV)
The Church was full to capacity as we had two important events happening - Communion Service and the dedication of two of our younger members; Micaiah Josiah George Kwesi Akrasi (age 3) and Teagan-Reice Williams (age 5). The Communion Table with its emblems were on the platform, but this had to be removed before the Baby Dedication Service began. This was because of the large number of family and friends who would later join Pastor Jeanville on the platform; including Violet McCalla, the great-grandmother of Micaiah. Then out stepped our deacons – teachers, transport workers, care workers and a barrister; all committed to the service of God and all equal at Jesus’ feet. They moved the table without any fuss and in an orderly manner. Later one of the deacons mentioned that the Communion Table was heavy, but when they came together as one to lower it off the platform, ‘it was as light as a feather.’ An object lesson in humility and unity was discreetly taught in the moving of the Communion Table. ‘Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.’ (Philippians 2:3 KJV)
During the Announcements, an appeal was made for a pair of size 11 shoes and a warm jacket/coat for a homeless man who visits our newly opened ‘Sharing the Love’ Outreach Centre at the former Lighthouse building. In less than an hour, a husband and his wife who were watching the Service at home online heard the appeal and drove to the church with a nearly new jacket and shoes for the homeless man. This was a reminder of the awesomeness of God, our Jehovah Jireh. – ‘And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear.’ (Isaiah 65:24 KJV)
Pastor Jeanville preached a thought-provoking sermon on the Easter Story – 'From Tragedy to Triumph'. Elder Lou Sampson, Bro. Kelly Hunter, TLI and the Praise Team sang beautifully. The Communion Service and the Baby Dedication were wonderful to see and experience. However, the ‘icing on the cake’ were the object lessons, probably unnoticed by some, that our Loving Father shared with His children at Tottenham Lighthouse on His Holy Sabbath day.
