A historic moment occurred on September 09, 2023, when Ministerial Intern Pastor Roshé Riley was introduced to the Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church. Riley is the first female Pastor to be received by the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and makes her the first Caymanian female Pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Riley was introduced by her mentor and the current church spiritual leader, Pastor Dr. Shion O’Connor. In a heartfelt ceremony on Sabbath afternoon, the congregation gathered to warmly welcome Pastor Riley, with members expressing their enthusiasm with a rousing round of applause.
Pastor Riley shared her deep gratitude for the opportunity to intern under Pastor O’Connor’s guidance. She revealed their special bond, recounting how he blessed her at just three months old and was later baptised at his crusade when she was seven. Their connection has spanned her entire life, and it was evident that this was a significant moment for both Pastor and Intern.
To mark this momentous occasion, Pastor O’Connor invited his wife, Donnette O’Connor, to present a special gift to Pastor Riley on behalf of the congregation. It symbolised the church’s support and a tangible representation of their willingness to walk alongside Pastor Riley in her ministerial journey.
Not only did Pastor O’Connor and his wife extend their warm welcome, but the First Elder of the Ebenezer Church, Wrendon Timothy, also joined the celebration. He presented Pastor Riley with a beautifully arranged gift basket filled with tokens of encouragement and blessings. Elder Timothy said, “The gift basket represents the love and support of the entire church community as we embrace our new Ministerial Intern. We are also eager to work with her.”
The atmosphere in the church was one of joy and unity as the congregation embraced Pastor Riley with open hearts and open arms. The introduction of Pastor Riley to Ebenezer Church marks a significant milestone in her spiritual journey, as well as a new chapter for the congregation.
As Pastor Riley begins her internship, she brings a genuine passion for serving the community. Her connection to Pastor O’Connor and the church from such a young age adds an extra layer of significance to her presence at Ebenezer. The congregation awaits the wisdom and guidance she will impart as an intern, and they are excited to witness the growth and transformation that will undoubtedly occur under her leadership.
With the warm welcome Pastor Riley has received from Pastor O’Connor, his wife, and the entire Ebenezer Church community, it is clear that she has found a loving and supportive spiritual home. As she embarks on this new chapter, the congregation stands ready to walk alongside her, offering their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Also present was Elder Rohan Riley, President of Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi), Inter-American Division and his wife, Sheree Riley, proud parents of Cayman Adventist’s first female Pastor.
Written by: Cayman Islands Conference Communication Department.
