SEC Sessions provide the opportunity for special occasions such as the ordination service. This session was no different, with four ministers presented for this landmark in ministerial service to a packed-out auditorium with many supporting church members in attendance. Held on Sabbath 7 September the scene was set for an afternoon of spiritual refreshment.
Candidates for ordination were Michael Salmon (Fulham and Stonebridge), Alex Mareniuc (Croydon), Otis Lewis (West Croydon and Pollards Hill) and Hezron Adingo (Dagenham and Chingford). Introduced by their senior pastoral mentors, each candidate was presented with their spouses. SEC President Pastor Osei gave an enriching and poignant message emphasising the high calling of ministry and to be stewards of God's gift by ensuring the urgent messages of the three angels in Revelation 14 are kept at the heart of their biblical preaching. Urging minsters to God's light in a darkened world Osei reminded the ordinands that all power to fulfil this divine calling comes, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."
The dedicatory prayer with the laying on of hands by fellow ordained ministers was led by BUC Ministerial Association director Pastor Eglan Brooks. The charge to the new ordained ministers was given by Pastor Ebenezer Jones-Lartey whilst ministerial spouse Michelle Moore encouraged the wives. Margaret Johns sang a musical item that was appreciated by all entitled, 'He is able to see you through', which was written and arranged by herself and her son Dwight. With the final response given on behalf of the newly ordained by Pastor Mike Salmon, the presentation of certificates ended this special occasion leading to the opportunity for all ministerial colleagues, family and church members to express their appreciation.