Bishop Alleyne: Nation paying price for neglecting foundation principles

“Our nation was forged in the fires of hope and prayer.”  Those were the words of founder, president and chief executive officer of Praise City International, Bishop Dave Alleyne during the ministry’s Day of Atonement ceremony last week. This year’s theme was titled Entering into a New Season. Alleyne lamented the fact that the nation had reached an all-time low. “The decadence continued as we drifted away from spirituality. Our nation was forged in the fires of hope and prayer and as we neglect these foundational principles, today we are paying a ghastly price,” he told the congregation.

As the ministry celebrated its seventh Day of Atonement, members committed themselves to a time of fasting as they afflicted their souls and did introspections to rid themselves of negativity and non-working ways. The build-up to the ceremony saw young and old people spending all night in prayer at the church sanctuary to regain their standing before God to try to make amends for wrongs they have done by commission and omission.

The day concluded with Bishop Alleyne blessing the various elements: water, fire, air, light, forestry and representatives of the various ethnic groups that comprise our twin-island republic. After the holy ceremony members were in a jubilant mood as they hugged and greeted each other as Praise City International entered its new spiritual year 2012.