Preachers J. Delsol Meade

As Superintendent Pastor, I am expected to be the leader among the preachers of the Holland Circuit. In fact, I am the chairman of the Circuit Preachers’ Meeting and, as in other circuits, am responsible for the training of preachers within the circuit.

But how did I get here – as a preacher, I mean? Those who have known me from a young age, somewhat reservedly, often ask me about that.

What can I say? It certainly wasn’t in my plans! I had a solid Roman Catholic upbringing and of course, as a religious child, I had hoped to become a nun! But that dream was dashed when, as a teenager, I felt deep within myself a strong desire to start a family of my own.

Fast forward to marriage and the birth of two children, and our return to Montserrat, my husband’s home island. There I attended Salem Methodist Church and its allure gripped me – fascinating worship and fellowship and inspiring preaching and teaching. I was to remain there much longer than I ever dreamed!

Then the circuit preachers’ meeting got involved, I should say – much to my dismay. The superintendent preacher, the Rev. Cecil O. A. Weekes, of blessed memory, told me that I had been given a “Preaching Note.” I said “no” to him and meant that “no” with all my being. But I gladly shared the leadership of the services and continued to conduct Christian youth meetings at school (my work) and in church, not knowing that this “preaching note” was still alive in the minds of some.

Then came what I will simply call “God’s calling.” I was certainly confronted by God. I could no longer follow my usual “no” pattern, but then I also couldn’t dare to say “yes.” That wasn’t who I was, I still thought.

I’ll fast forward to this moment and say that despite all my doubts and fears, uncertainties and God’s acceptance and the reassurances of people, when I look back, the hindsight says that this was meant to be my life. The young Christian who struggled to share her faith, not knowing how to tell others about God’s love, has come to accept that this is the central purpose of her life. I understand the message of Romans 10:14.

But how can they call on someone they haven’t believed in? And how can they believe in someone they’ve never heard of? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? So my answer was ultimately like Isaiah’s: “Here am I. Send me.”