Members of St Anthony’s Church, Point Fortin celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s 45th Anniversary of Independence with an “Ethnic Celebration”.

Display of Chinese wear

Dancers in Africa dress

We shared in a cultural experience, which included a kaleidoscope of ethnic dancing - a representation of all the different races that make up our society. The garments worn for the dances were reflections of our people.

The scripture readings chosen for this special occasion reminded us of God’s protection of His people.

We recalled that in another age, when in crisis, Mordecai with all his political power and influence turned to God in prayer because he knew that the fate of the people rested and will always rest in God’s hand.

Queen Esther heard of the situation of the Jewish people and joined their cause. With God’s protection, Queen Esther approached King Ahasuerus in his court. God heard the cries of His people and changed the king’s heart, inducing a milder spirit (Esther 4).

We must remember that it is God who has richly blessed our nation with all its natural resources, spared us thus far from hurricane disasters, and allowed us to survive as an independent nation for 45 years. In the present time of peril, bitterness and cries for vengeance, our faith leads us to depend on God.

As citizens of this country it is our responsibility to lift our hearts and minds to God so that His hand will intervene to save our nation. Like Mordecai, our mission should be one of fasting and intercession on behalf of the country so that there would be some improvement in our present state of affairs.

The strength of the nation depends on the strength of its citizens. United we stand divided we fall, with God’s help we’ll stand tall and soon the enemy will fall.