Remarks by Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, M.P.
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Public Works & Urban Development
On the Occasion of
Service of Praise and Worship in Memory of Pastor Myles Munroe and the eight other victims of the crash…
Monday, 10th November 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Bahamas Faith Ministries International
Diplomat Centre Carmichael Road, New Providence
Salutations:
Good Evening
Tragedy often shakes faith, but we should not allow it to uproot its foundation – even amid this horrible loss of life. There is a time for all of us to pass from this world to the place that has been prepared for us. Nothing can delay us from that moment – no skill, no artistry, no knowledge, no competence, no experience – nothing. No one knows the time or place, as recorded in the Book of Life. Our faith is steadied by our grasp and adherence to “lean[ing] not on our own understanding.
As a member of the Christian community and as a Bahamian patriot, I join The Bahamas and the rest of the world in saluting the lives of Rev. Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth; Senior Pastor Dr. Richard Pinder; Youth Pastors Lavard ‘Manifest’ and Radel Parks, their son Johanen and their unborn child; and the pilots, Mr. Stanley Thurston; and Mr. Frahkan Cooper. I also extend condolences to the family of the yet-to-be-identified woman from the African state of Burundi, who travelled with them.
The Bahamas is saddened on their passing; and truly, no assembly of words is sufficient at this time. The magnitude of the tragedy that has visited the families of the dead and the members and followers of this great Church is immeasurable. However, in every tragedy, in every adversity, we should endeavour to seek out the seed of triumph.
Brothers and Sisters
Where is the triumph? In their lives, these men and women glorified God. In particular, Pastor Myles, with his wife, sought to develop people as leaders. Through his preaching and teaching, literally millions of lives around the world were changed by the powerful message that inspired, motivated, challenged and empowered individuals to discover their personal purpose, develop their true potential, and manifest their unique leadership abilities.
Where is the triumph? The triumph rests in that contagious message of inspiration, motivation, and truth that Pastor Myles spread from the front room of his home, where his Ministry began, to those who perished with him, to you who gather tonight, to the Caribbean, and to continents far away. That message did not die last night. It is as alive today as the souls that have passed from earth to eternity.
Where is the triumph? The triumph rests in the lesson that those who perished last night gave us all. Our nation has indeed been rocked to the core; but we learn again that we must always be ready. This readiness requires us to reconcile where reconciliation is indicated; show love where it is lacking; speak truth, particularly in matters of politics and human rights; and to reflect on what is truly important in life.
Pastor Myles has left a legacy of community spirit, a legacy that defines every human person as potential with an interdependence on each other. Each of you, while you grieve, know that that potential remains – ready for you to empty yourselves for the good of others, and, for the good of the Kingdom. The nation mourns. We mourn the loss of all the victims. Yes, we have lost much potential; but, we know that they all died “empty”. We thank this community for catching and spreading the fever of change – change for the better – emptying yourselves, again for the good of the Kingdom.
On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, on behalf of my wife Ann Marie and our family, I extend deepest condolences to the immediate families of the persons who perished, and to you, their extended family – the members of Bahamas Faith Ministries.
May God’s rest and peace find the souls of all of the departed.
