As the Superintendent Minister, I am expected to be the leader among the preachers of the Holland Circuit. Indeed, I chair the Circuit Preachers’ Meeting and have responsibility here as I have had for several years in other circuits, for the training of preachers in the circuit.

But how did I get here- as a Preacher, I mean? Those who know me from childhood, somewhat reserved, often ask me about that.

What can I say? It was certainly not in my plans! I had a thorough Roman Catholic upbringing, and of course, being a religious child, had hoped to become a nun! But that dream vanished when, as a teenager, I knew deep within me the strong desire to have a family of my own.

Fast forward past marriage and the birth of two children, and our return to settle in my husband’s home island of Montserrat. There I visited the Salem Methodist Church and its magnet grabbed me- magnetic worship and fellowship and inspiring preaching and teaching. I was in for a much longer stay than I ever dreamt!

Then the Circuit Preachers’ Meeting interfered, I would say – much to my strong disapproval. The Superintendent Minister, Rev’d Cecil O. A. Weekes of blessed memory, told me that I had been given a “Note to Preach”. I told him “no” and meant that “no” with every fibre of my being. But I gladly shared in leadership of worship meetings, continued to lead meetings of Christian Youth at school (my workplace) and in church, not knowing that this “note to preach” was still alive in some people’s minds.

Then came what I shall simply summarise and call “God’s call”. I was confronted by God for sure. I could no longer follow my accustomed way of saying “no” but then I dared not say “” yes “either. That was not me, I still thought.

I shall simply fast forward to this moment and say that through all my doubts and fears, insecurities and God’s acceptance  and people’s reassurances, as I look back, hindsight says that this was to be my life, The young Christian who wrestled with sharing her faith, not knowing how to tell others about the love of God, has come to accept that this is the central purpose of her life. I understand the message f Romans 10 “14

 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? So my answer was finally like Isaiah’s: “Here I am. Send me.