REPORT ON MICHAEL SIMMONDS' ORDINATION March 3, 2007 From left:  Sister Maureen, Mike Simmonds, Jr., Father Mike Simmonds, Sr., Daughter Monique, and Son Mike Simmonds, III Elders Sedra, Meyer, Vacca, Simmonds, Garner & Jenkins Newly Ordained Elder Mike Simmonds, Jr. - Praise Yahweh!   Submitted by:  Elder Jacob C. Meyer      Two years ago I was privileged to make a journey through the Caribbean, visiting brethren and assemblies throughout the region.  As I had spent much time there in the past, it was good to renew old acquaintances and make many new ones. (Click here to see report of that trip).      The first stop I made on that journey was the island of St. Thomas, where I was hosted by the leader of the St. Thomas congregation, Brother Mike Simmonds.  His reputation had preceded him, and we learned that reputation was well deserved.  In him I found a kindred spirit, one whose primary motivation for active involvement with Yahweh’s people is his sincere desire to see the brethren more united.  To this end he tirelessly works, and the fruit of that zeal is borne out in the congregation he leads.      My next stop on that trip took me to St. Kitts, where the elder in charge works closely throughout the islands with Brother Mike in working toward greater unity among the brethren.  This man happens to be an old and dear friend, Elder Calvin R. Jenkins.  One of the first questions I had for him upon my arrival was to ask why Brother Mike was not ordained to the position he was already obviously fulfilling according to 1 Timothy 3 and Ephesians  4.      The perspective given in Scripture is that ordination is performed to impart a greater measure of the Holy Spirit so the Body of Yahshua be not hindered in its growth. While we are cautioned to not lay hands suddenly on any man, there is also a necessary concern that we do not hold back the continuing development of an individual doing the work of Yahweh among men.      Fast forward 18 months.  As this circumstance concerning Mike Simmonds’ ordination had not changed over the intervening span of time, a phone call from the West Indies was received asking me to participate in the event, I thought it an honor.  Upon further discussion with Brother Mike when coordinating schedules and logistics, Mike suggested that he come t o Frystown rather than my coming to St. Thomas.  This made more sense, as his children and other family members are here in the States, and this would further enable us to have several elders from Rocheport, Missouri, also come and participate.  Consequently, everything came together for the weekend of March 3, 2007 being the optimum date.       The previous evening, March 2, 2007 the sisters of the Frystown assembly hosted a wonderful welcome meal at the Bethel Community Center, followed by a time of fellowship.      The next morning, we had an abbreviated (by Frystown standards!) Sabbath service of 1½ hours, followed by our customary fellowship meal.  Then, at 2:30 p.m. the ordination service commenced.  Elder Pete Vacca, Rocheport, Missouri, was master of ceremonies for the service.  Following the personal and written recommendations, Elder George Garner gave a short talk on the purpose and responsibilities of ordination.  He brought a good perspective in reminding others who may wish to be ordained in the future to “just get in and do the work they see needs to be done.”  In this way ordination would only enhance and  intensify  the good already being done by  that person as a tool in Yahweh’s hand.      Following this message, the elders came forward, laying hands upon Brother Mike and anointing him with oil into the office of Elder.  It was gratifying to those in attendance to witness, after all these years, the ordination of such a well-qualified man.  After so many years of untiring service and devotion to the furtherance of Yahshua’s ministry of reconciliation, he was now being called to even greater service.      Elder Mike Simmonds has now returned to his congregation in St. Thomas, and we certainly wish him well in his ministry!   As Yahshua states in Luke 10:2, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Master of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers in His harvest field.”   We are blessed to see such prayer being visibly answered in our time!  May Yahweh’s blessings be upon Elder Mike as he labors in the end time harvest field. HalleluYAH!