IN John 4:34, Jesus told his disciples, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.” In Verse 35, Jesus said, “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”
This was the central message of Rev. Raymond Kinsella’s remarks to the congregation of the Grace Christian Ministries during its 40th anniversary celebration on Navy Hill on Sunday.
Reflecting on their anniversary’s theme, “Passing the Torch,” Kinsella said the Lord brought him to Saipan in November 1984 during which he completed a four-day outreach on the island.
He said the Lord answered his prayer for a sign that He wanted Kinsella to be on Saipan. He said he asked the Lord for scripture to confirm His call, and the Lord gave him John 4:34.
In 2018, after over three decades of conducting a Christian ministry on Saipan, Kinsella passed the torch to Pastor Michael Rodgers Jr. and a new generation of pastors, and moved to Guam.
“God deserves all the honor and glory,” Kinsella said on Sunday. “Whatever the Master calls you to do something, [the answer] is ‘yes’ and ‘amen.’ It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of what God is doing,” he added.
Kinsella at the same time acknowledged the other Christian ministries that have also faithfully sowed the seeds of Gospel. These included the Catholic church, the Baptist churches and the Youth With A Mission. “They were laying the foundation, planting the seeds and watering them,” he said. “And who’s the one that does the harvest? The Lord,” he added.
Kinsella quoted John 4:38, in which Jesus said, “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
After delivering his remarks, Kinsella led the ceremonial passing of the torch to Pastors Rodgers, Alain and Beth Nunez, Daniel Dilse, and Fred and Beatrice Fatialofa.
Pastor Rodgers told the congregation that he just wanted to celebrate Jesus, and to say, “Jesus, thank you for what you have done.”
“Because it is really not about what we could do with our hands, our minds. It’s not about our talents, abilities, and it has nothing to do with wisdom — it’s all about Him, Jesus,” he said.
He urged everyone to give their loudest applause, shout, and praise to the Lord.
Gala night
Pastors from other Christian churches on Saipan were among the special guests of Grace Christian Ministries’ gala night at Kensington Hotel on Monday: Jesus Is Lord Ministry, Cornerstone Christian Church, Saipan Community Church, Upper Room International Ministries, Life in the Son Christian Fellowship, Korean Presbyterian Church, Palauan Evangelical Church and Church of Nazarene.
The guest speaker, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, commended the achievements of the Grace Christian Ministries.
He said, “The word of God brings people together, close together, filling them with unselfish motivations to turn ideas and dreams into reality, into tangible objects that reinforces His words.”
Apatang said today, the foundation of the Christian church that began 40 years ago “is the strength of our community.”
“I and the people of the Commonwealth join you in recognizing the Grace Christian Ministries’ 40th year milestone,” Apatang said.
“You have committed to bringing the words of our Lord to those who seek to follow the path of goodness, who seek comfort from their trials and tribulations, and recovery from their pains. Please continue to deliver the Lord’s message to those who are lost and in need of spiritual guidance so they safely navigate towards the path of righteousness,” Apatang said.
The members of the Grace Christian Ministries congregation pose for a group photo during their gala night at Kensington Hotel on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
Reverend Raymond Kinsella lights the torch of Senior Pastor Michael D. Rodgers Jr. as his wife, Sister Geri Rodgers, looks on during the Grace Christian Ministries’ 40th anniversary celebration on Feb. 16, 2025 at the GCM Church on Navy Hill.
Reverend Raymond Kinsella gestures as he delivers his inspirational message to the congregation of Grace Christian Ministries on Navy Hill on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
Grace Christian Ministries’ young members perform a song number.
