With God, all things are possible

George Henry - Bishop Dr Austin Wright (centre) listens attentively to Bishop Bradley Dyer at his consecration service, while Bishop Canute McKenzie meditates.

Bishop Wright addresses those present at his consecration service.

One of the proudest moments in the life of a minister of religion is when the leadership of his denomination and the members of his congregation and sister churches come together as a family to participate in his consecration service.

Well, on Sunday, November 6, 2011, Bishop Dr Austin George Alphonso Wright, bishop of the One Way Apostolic Faith Mission Christian Fellowship Centre in St Andrew, could not have had a more blessed and wonderful moment.

It was at that church at approximately 5:30 p.m. that the church leader had his consecration, and started serving God and humanity from the office as bishop. Bishop Wright was consecrated by Bishop Bradley S.E. Dyer of the Rehoboth Apostolic Church, Bishop Princess Webber of Oneness Pentecostal, along with Bishop Canute McKenzie of Mount Zion Apostolic Church in Clarendon.

Bishop Wright, who is the first bishop to be consecrated for the newly formed One Way Apostolic Faith Mission Christian Fellowship Centre, a registered, non-profit organisation with the Companies Office of Jamaica, has been a pastor for the past 14 years; and his elevation to the office of bishop is said to be no surprise to members of the Apostolic movement.

spiritual guidance

The bishop who has a wide knowledge of the work of the Lord and who knows how best to lead his flock, is fully aware that the work he has been called on to perform will not be without challenges. But, that aside, he knows that with God, all things are possible; and that the Lord will give him the necessary spiritual guidance needed.

"I do see this appointment as a new challenge, but with God's grace and prayers, I know that I will be able to stand tall, hold the faith, so that when the roll is called up yonder I will be there. I am a firm believer in my motto, taken from Philippians 4:13, which says; 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'," said the newly appointed Bishop.

Wright noted that, with the elevation to the post of bishop, he deems it a pleasure and privilege to be appointed to the office, having passed through the ranks of an evangelist, minister and elder. He added that he sees himself as an exemplary leader; one who has been empowered to set an example for other clergy members to emulate.

The church leader stated that, as a newly appointed bishop, he is cognisant of the fact that there are requirements and expectations that he will have to meet.

"Some of my expectations or requirements include supervising leaders and other ministers and clergy members; to provide community and church service through performing wedding and funeral services; counselling services (marriage and general); to ordain others in the near future, as well as to assist where ministries are concerned, to preach the word instant, in and out of season, to rebuke and reprove so that the ministry will be blameless," noted Bishop Wright.

Bishop Wright, who is a trained teacher and principal at the José Martí Technical High School, gave his life to the Lord at the tender age of eight and started ministering at age 13. He told THE STAR that he was officially called and sent into ministry a few days before his 14th birthday.

This church leader is said to be well known for his genuine love for people, and interacts with persons of all ages, race, and religious belief, educational or financial status.

He is the recipient of an award for outstanding performance in education, the Prime Minister's Award in 2009. Passionate about teaching and building the kingdom of God; a man of tremendous faith, wisdom, humility, ability and belief in people; and many share the view that Bishop Wright is an invaluable gift from God to the body of Christ.