The prophet Isaiah (Chapter 58 verse 1) wrote: "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Based on God's divine promise, Orisha reverend Anthony Clarke and the Tacarigua-based New Horizons Fraternity will be giving thanks at La Joya Auditorium, St Joseph, from 2 – 9 pm on Good Friday in celebration of the ninth annual Spiritual Baptist thanksgiving and in celebration of Baptist Liberation Day.
"We want to give God thanks for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. We want to worship him and give thanks like Isaiah and the Psalmist David," Clarke said. He said the day was significant since it marked a turnaround in the fortunes and respect meted out to Baptists. "You will remember the indignities you suffered. You are the ones to make the correction and difference. The event would would bring about a different understanding. People would look at you and feel proud," he said.The auspicious day was also intended to assist people struggling with personal issues-via preaching and counselling. "People may have a problem and need prayers. We are here to bring a difference," said Clarke. Meanwhile, he urged religious celebrants to attire themselves decently and avoid "blinging." "You can't say I'm a Baptist and you have nine rings on the fingers. We have a different concept."
Special speakers
Among those expected to join the fraternity in celebration are Archbishop Cosmos Damien Woodroffe, head of the Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Ministry Diocese, and Bishop Addelon Braveboy from King of Kings Spiritual Baptist Faith Ministry. Pastor Dennis Collins, head of Bethlehem Spiritual Baptist Church in Point Fortin and a practising member for 38 years, is also expected to attend the religious celebration. Teacher Cathyann Joseph of Mt Horeb Spiritual Baptist Church in Chaguanas and a practising member for the past 40 years, will also be there to offer words of advice and counsel.
Spiritual Shouter Baptist booklet
Clarke said another highlight would be the publication-A Spiritual Shouter Baptist. Clarke is keenly aware of the misconceptions abounded about the faith. "The book gives you an idea of its tenets. Everything is defined and explained there," said Clarke, who researched, compiled and wrote the paperback. The cover features Jacob's Sacred Ladder with a steelpan at the top. Its contents include the faith's history, a history of the steelpan, a spiritual key, Astrology, information for economic investment, the energy industry and monthly tables.
"It is defined as 12 tables giving in tabulated forms the days, weeks and months of the year, sometimes with certain astronomical information. They either use the sun or moon as a point of reference. "This means a lot to the faith, since the prohibition ordinance which prevented them from worshipping Almighty God was repealed on Friday March 30, 1951. "Hence, enlightened Spiritual Baptists see this date as a new dawn to their divine growth and success," said an excerpt from the solar calender.
Anyone interested in the collector's item can call 640-4844/733-4335.
Sacred symbols
Among the glossary are:
Shepherd rod-It signifies divine authority and virtues of the good shepherd Jesus. The staff is used to measure the depth of the water certifying its safety to perform Baptism.
Brass/silver bell-It is used to call to worship, for the enchanting of the Holy Spirit.
Lothar-Symbolises the Holy State of man before God in worship.
Taria-It is the circle of divinity which places man in himself in worship. The lothar is used inside of the taria surrounded by grain which symbolises God's grace.
Calabash-It is the divine vessel made by Almighty God's hands and is used for holding water and flowers.
Candle-It symbolises the spirit of the church and represents Jesus Christ "the light of the world."