Normally, the return of power after an electricity interruption is no big deal, but I would sincerely like to take this opportunity to say a hearty “thank you” to the linesmen of ANGLEC who worked hard, beyond their call of duty, on Sunday morning to restore electricity in order to facilitate our church’s worship session. The night before a transformer had blown, which necessitated the replacement of two pole transformers to feed the church and surrounding areas.

"Marvin and Shandol installing new transformers"

At about 7:40 that Saturday night, our worship team had gathered and was engaged in the regular exercise of worship rehearsal for Sunday morning. Suddenly, we heard a loud explosive noise and immediately experienced very low voltage. Next door, an excited group was getting ready for a Saturday night party at Next Level. Within eight minutes of the first explosion, we were stunned by a second frightening boom outside our window, accompanied by a massive blinding blast on the pole. Immediately, all power was completely lost and the area was plunged into partial darkness. Of course, we scrambled to make sure all of our equipment was shut down, and we praised God that all was safe.

As pastor of the church, I called ANGLEC later through the night to find out whether power could be restored in time for our Sunday morning service. I was comforted by Dwayne, at the plant, who assured me that the men would do all they can in the morning to have electricity restored. He told me to let my parishioners know that current would return as early as possible. Well behold, when I arrived at the church for regular Sunday morning preparations, at about 7:30, two of ANGLEC’s men were on the scene assessing the problem.

Later, a few more men joined the team and, with the engines of their “cherry- picker” trucks humming away, they were working tirelessly in the morning’s heat to bring back the power. By the time our 10 o’clock Sunday School had ended, around 11:10, the team was in full gear and hard at work. I couldn’t resist asking my son to take a Blackberry snapshot of their dedicated efforts. I felt extremely grateful and proud of them, and I went to the window specially to tell them thanks.

Soon, the sun was edging toward the center of the sky and the building was becoming unbearably hot. In an almost packed sanctuary, through the sweltering noontime heat, even with all windows and doors wide open, we were really making a sacrifice to “remain put” under the radiating concrete roof. Though many of us were “sweating” and working paper-fans in hand, yet we were relatively comfortable. We had come to worship our God, and worship Him we would.

Contrary to regular routine, I was inspired to deliver the sermon before the worship, so that by the time the men outside completed their task, we would have electricity for the worship segment of the service. Now this does not mean that we can’t worship God without electric power. O yes we can! And at times we’d be required so to do. See, we have enough of the power of God’s Spirit within us to attract His divine presence without the power of ANGLEC. But naturally, we are cognizant of the fact that, as far as worship is concerned, God savors singing accompanied by music just as much as we humans do. The sound of music, mingled with the sound of our voices, is pleasant to His ears when we worship Him together.

Well, by 11:55, we had enjoyed the ministry of a fruitful sermon with rewarding results. The Spirit of the Lord moved in such a way as to draw many people closer to Him. But by the time the sermon was ended, and our visitors were welcomed, and even by the time the announcements were made, power was still not restored, though by now the new transformers were installed and the workmen had left.

Anyway, we cranked up the worship, passionately engaging our voices in adoration unto the Lord. With the drummer doing his rhythms on the drums, we all lifted our voices, using our tambourines and “instruments of ten strings” to the glory of the Lord. Yes, God’s glory had descended and His presence had filled the house.

Finally, current returned! It was somewhere around 12:35 and our hearts were filled with joy for music could now richly accompany our songs. What a glorious experience the day brought us. Though it was our longest service ever, ending minutes past 2:00, it was well worth it. It turned out to be one of our most anointed meetings, and we give the Lord thanks.

On behalf of the congregation, therefore, I extend hearty thanks to the ANGLEC boys – to Shandol, Marvin, Ivor, Shem and Bryan – a dedicated team of energetic young men. Oh! Thanks to Dwayne as well. I realize it was their duty to work on call, but I am convinced that they knew our church was dependent on them, and so they worked beyond their call of duty, aware of the urgency. Thanks as well on behalf of our neighbor Jed and the English Rose Restaurant. May the favor and providence of God continue to rest upon ANGLEC.

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