ST. CROIX COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH

 TRIBUTE TO SISTER NEVA EDWARDS

 Who is Mrs. Laundell Edwards (Sister Neva Edwards)? To many of you seated here today, you might already know the answer to that question. God sent us a gift in August several years ago and we have witnessed the Gift of the Spirit through Sister Edwards every time we are in her presence. She is a Christian, wife, mother, lay preacher, teacher, mentor, counselor, coordinator, trainer, manager, politician, and author.

 Neva's academic accomplishments after graduating from Leeward Islands Teachers Training College in 1959 expanded to the University of Cambridge Institute, Coady International Institute, Sydney International Training Institute, and the University of the West Indies.

 Mrs. Laundell Edwards' professional experiences are quite numerous and they range from teacher to presently Shelter Manager‑Crises Counselor for Women's Coalition. Her experience as Speaker in the Dominica House of Assembly from 1993‑1995 could probably be an asset to our VI Legislature.

She is a founding member of the Dominica Council on Ageing, National Development Foundation of Dominica, Dominica Association of Disabled People, and the co‑founder of the Dominica National Council of Women.

 Sister Edwards has received many awards. Among them are 199 1: National Meritorious Award for Public Service, 1997: Who's Who in the World, 2000: Award for Commitment to the Advancement of Caribbean Women, 1999: Business and Professional Women, and 2002: Methodist Agogie Centre‑ St. Maarten.

 Today the members of St. Croix Community United Methodist Church are proud to honor Sister Edwards. Many of us were introduced to her for the first time in April 2003. This gentle Christian was called to perform the duties of pastoral assistant at our church. She immediately planned the worship service for April 24, 2003. A congregational planning meeting was convened. Training workshops were conducted for Members of the Administrative Council. The church immediately became involved in planning to participate in the Aldergate Rally. Bible Study was held on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM and the youth were assigned the third Sunday monthly to conduct services. Open‑air services, leadership training, fundraising, participating in The World Day of Prayer Observance, and outreach activities were included in the additional planning for 2004.

 When we asked how we would get these tasks done with such a small congregation, Sister Neva would reply, I feel we can do more." Sister Neva, you have used your many gifts to lift the self‑esteem and confidence of our congregation. God continues to use you in so many, marvelous ways. Because of your guidance, your spirituality, and your teaching, our members have become stronger Christians. We accepted your challenge to us to do more and we are sure that you have noticed some growth between 2003 and 2004.

 When we think of your life accomplishments, we are reminded of the hymn, "Come, All Christians, Be Committed". Thank you for all your patience, compassion, and commitment. We love you and we appreciate your dedication to God and your community. God will continue to bless you and your family because you are truly a Soldier in God's Army.

 ST. Croix VI

October 17, 2004.