FORTY IS considered a significant number, especially in the Bible.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. The great flood in Noah’s days lasted for 40 days. The raven was sent forth 40 days after the flood to determine if the land was fit for rehabitation. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Forty stripes were used in biblical times to punish criminals.
According to Acts 1:3, Jesus stayed on the earth for 40 days after his resurrection, and Egypt was desolate for 40 years.
The number 40 in the Bible is also symbolic of a period of testing, as was the case with the children of Israel in the wilderness and Jesus’ fasting.
Forty also now has special significance to the congregation of The Berean Bible Church, which opened its doors at Passage Road, St Michael, on October 14, 1956.
Two Sundays ago the congregation, together with visiting ministers from Canada, Jamaica, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States gathered to honour Pastor Ronald Trotman and his wife Cynthia for their 40 unbroken years of ministry and service to the church.
In addition to special ministry in song, tributes were heaped on Trotman, who was described as a faithful, reliable servant of God, a man of prayer, a man of humility, a trustworthy and loyal individual, and a true shepherd.
The 10:30 a.m. service was doubly special as Trotman also marked his 70th birthday in May, and is this year celebrating his 44th wedding anniversary.
Among those who lauded the pastor for his work was board member Brother Colin, who said that Trotman’s faithfulness was not to be measured by the prestige of the church, the number of members it has or the church’s financial status.
Rather, he said, Trotman had proven himself over the years as a confidante, a source of solace, and a leader “who knows well how to delegate”.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, Member of Parliament for The City, said Trotman’s true measure as a spiritual leader was better seen in the great community, where he first met Trotman at the age of 16. He described the church leader as friendly, honest and gentle, and shared memories of his “tennis days” with Trotman.
Pastor Gerry and Vivienne Roberts of the United States were also among those paying tribute. Roberts acknowledged that the special church service must have been “highly uncomfortable” for Trotman, since he was a humble man who never drew attention to himself.
In his sermon, Jamaican preacher Dr Lloyd Cooke said that like Elijah who came out of obscurity and was used mightily by God, Trotman “has also been called to transform the nation”.
He reminded those present that church leaders were just mere men who needed rest and time to recharge their bodies and minds, as was the case with Elijah in 2 Kings.
He also stressed that those who follow God “will always pay a price” for their commitment to Him.
“Pastors are just humble servants who work hard, and we have moments like Elijah when we feel like giving up and running away. Elijah even begged to die, yet he never saw death as he was transported to Heaven in a chariot of fire.
He told Trotman that God was not finished with him and to continue being a witness to God. He advised him not to be afraid to make his stand as a Christian leader and speak out even against the ills of society, even things Government might say that did not line up with the Word of God.
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