After the newly appointed prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles was sworn into office with her cabinet, a religious ceremony followed where a Seventh-day Adventist leader was invited to pray and present a special message. The March 27 event took place at the Fortkerk Church, situated across form the Governer’s Mansion, and included government officials and special guests.
Pastor Daniel Duffis, president for the church in the Netherlands Antilles, was among several religious leaders invited to pray for Prime Minister Mrs. Emily Jongh-Elhage, government officials and guests, and was also asked to deliver the sermon.
This the first time that a Seventh-day Adventist pastor had ever delivered a sermon for the full cabinet, an honor usually bestowed on the bishop, says Pastor Duffis.
Pastor Duffis spoke on the experience of Solomon as a governor and his relationship with God, emphasizing that government officials must seek God's wisdom and guidance to perform their responsibilities.
After the sermon, a group of ministers from different religious denominations placed their hand on the prime minister and later prayed for the rest of the government officials. The event was broadcast on the national television station and covered by the media.
At the request of Prime Minister Mrs. Emily de Jongh-Elhage, the council of churches of Curacao organized the event which called on leaders from religious organizations to pray for government officials. Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not a part of the council, Pastor Duffis was still invited to be the featured religious speaker.
“The Adventist church enjoys a good relationship with the clergy and with the government officials and this was one of the primary reasons why this opportunity was given to the church,” says Pastor Duffis. He says he is often invited to visit and pray with government officials.
Since the event, Pastor Duffis says his being involved in the ceremony was very significant for the church there.
“This has placed the [Adventist] church in a very positive light in the community,” he says. “In fact, many people were saying they did appreciate the touch of grace with which it was done.”
Netherlands Antilles, which includes Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, has more than 5,000 Seventh-day Adventists worshipping in 32 congregations. The church also operates the Antillean Adventist Hospital and two primary schools.
