THE Ocho Rios Church of God of Prophesy recently honoured 25 long-serving members who have given more than 30 years of dedicated service to the St Ann-based place of worship.

The 25 — six men and 19 women — who were recognised recently at a special service dubbed ‘Honouring the Faithful’ received glowing tributes from fellow congregants.

The church’s zone coordinator Pastor Derron Smith described the honorees as “dedicated men and women who have withstood the test of time”.

“You have done well,” he said, as he lauded them for their years of dedicated service in the Christian faith and in providing unwavering service to the church.

“You have set an example for people like myself and others to follow,” Pastor Smith added, as he encouraged the long-standing members to continue being faithful.

“It takes obedience and faith to have served all this time,” he emphasised.

Among the honorees were host Pastor Bishop Hudston Taylor and his wife Donnette.

Bishop Taylor in addressing the congregation said he intended for the ceremony of recognition to be a regular one where the faithful of the church can be recognised and praised for their efforts.

“I feel that we should have this documented to be part of the regular routine of this local church,” he said.

The service, he said, was to recognise the worth and work of these persons.

“Some of them may never have preached a sermon but they have done their part and it is also noteworthy that among them today are people who have and are in pastoral ministry,” he added.

While the church sought to ‘scatter the roses before they are gone’, guest speaker Reverend Crafton Cheverria urged the congregation to ensure that the elderly members are cared for and not allowed to suffer during their senior years.

Referring to them as eagles who have soared and performed extraordinarily, he urged the younger members of the church to protect the “molting eagles”.

“I call on this generation, don’t let the molting eagle die,” he said.

“We need to have a passion for those who have served and given their time to God and the church,” he continued.

Reverend Cheverria said it is the responsibility of the church to honour the older members but stressed that honour should not only be shown in church.

He encouraged persons to visit those who are unable to leave their homes and to ensure that the elderly are fed and clothed.

“Let us care for them,” he added.

“We recognise what you have done in the past and carry into the future,” he told the awardees.