Special Send-Off Gathering for Ephraim

On Friday, July 31, the community of St. Moses the Black Orthodox Church gathered in Falmouth to pray for and encourage our brother Ephraim (Garth West) before his departure for work-related training in Mexico. Ephraim has served the Jamaican Orthodox Mission faithfully, using his God-given talents to strengthen our fellowship. We are proud of his accomplishments and pray that God will bless, protect, and guide him throughout this important new chapter of his life.

Here's the prayer that was prayed for him:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our merciful God, we gather in Your presence this evening with hearts full of gratitude. We thank You for the gift of our brother, Ephraim, whom You have placed within our Jamaican Orthodox Mission. We praise You for the talents You have bestowed upon him and for the faithful service he has rendered to this community.

As he prepares to journey to Mexico for this new work opportunity, we humbly ask for Your divine protection. Guide his flight this Sunday morning; grant him safe passage and smooth travels. As he undergoes his training, bless him with clarity of mind, keen understanding, and the endurance to succeed.

Lord, as You have placed him in a position of influence, we pray that he may be a shining light in his workplace—displaying integrity, humility, and the love of Christ to all he encounters. Keep his heart steadfast in the Orthodox faith, and if it be Your will, provide him with a spiritual home while he is away.

We also ask You to bless this gathering tonight. Fill us with the joy of the Holy Spirit, deepen our bonds of brotherly love, and let Ephraim leave knowing he is deeply cherished.

Through the intercession of our Holy Father Moses the Black, and by the grace of Your Holy Spirit, hear our prayer. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.