Trying to put to paper, the man that is Pastor Gumbs is no easy feat. Personally, I can’t remember a time in my life when he wasn’t there; shepherding, guiding, encouraging, praying. Always praying… even the most mundane, everyday conversation, got wrapped up with a prayer.

And of all the things I will miss about him, that tops the list. His prayers were never ordinary. They always seem to come from a place deep within his soul, as he petitioned God for those under his care; those he loved. I have had many of those prayers over the years, even when it became difficult to decipher his words he prayed, and I realised in that moment it was less about the words and more about his heart.

His heart for the kingdom of God meant that generations of Montserratians have been reached for Christ. Whether through school ministry, vacation bible school, community outreach, youth ministry, church services, dentistry, optical care; he used every resource available to him to minister Christ to all. He was a global pastor before that was even a coined phrase. That man had some serious connections that he used to benefit Montserrat in a way that has been unrepeatable and to this day his name rolls off the tongue of Montserratians, whether they were part of Calvary Baptist Church or not.

He led Calvary Baptist Church as a place of safety and refuge. That might sound pretty standard to some, but for a child growing up in a tumultuous home, that place was everything. Pastor Gumbs knew everything about my home life and background but never, ever made me feel less than, not worthy or unwelcome. In a small island where everyone knows everyone’s business, it is very easy to feel judged, be ridiculed or made to feel like you don’t belong. Instead, he fathered me, seeing my potential and gave me opportunities to grow and realise potential I didn’t even know I had. I am grateful to God for allowing him in my life for that season. He was far from perfect; who is? But he was our own imperfect Pastor Gumbs allowing God to use him and fill in the gaps. God’s strength was certainly made perfect in his weaknesses.

And now he is safe in the arms of Jesus. That’s the song that was on my heart on the days leading to his death. I couldn’t get him or that song off my mind, and I knew within me that the end was near. And so, I prayed. I did for him what he’s always done for me; intercede before the Father. That his transition from earth to glory would be peaceful. And I didn’t stop praying that prayer until I got the news of his death.

Amongst the sadness, there is great comfort, because we know death is not the end. It’s the beautiful beginning of an eternity with his God. For those of us left behind, we can only but imagine what that is like. But Pastor Gumbs no longer has to imagine; he gets to live in the presence of his Saviour. How awesome is that?

Let us grab the baton he’s passed on to us who remain on this earthly sojourn and run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and in so doing, reflecting Christ to all we meet.

We will meet again, Pastor Gumbs.

Philipsia Feona Greenway