Leaders Bid Goodbye to the Pointons

by Alexander F. Ritua


The night of March 25, 2009 was cold and rainy, the scheduled last for the series of lectures about the Holy Spirit with Pastor Keith Pointon, an AoG Missionary from the United Kingdom. Some of the leaders came earlier just before the heavy rain came bringing some pinoy viand and delicacies. The women prepared the table for a surprise despedida dinner. While waiting, the group sang various songs of praise and worship to the Lord.

When Pastor Keith and his wife Anne arrived, immediately, Sister Bel led the group in prayer and Pastor Alex in worship. Pastor Keith took his final lecture on the Holy Spirit and challenged the leaders to go deeper in the Holy Spirit – increase in knowledge about the Holy Spirit and develop a more intimate relationship with the Third Person in the Godhead.

Pastor Alex announced the surprise impromptu despedida program for the couple right after the lecture. Leaders were given special time to express their feelings of thankfulness to Pastor Keith and Sister Anne. Each gave messages of encouragement and appreciation to the couple for what they have contributed to their spiritual growth. Some were teary-eyed as they hear the lovable messages spoken. Afterwards, Pastor Alex called Pastor Keith to accept a simple Plaque of Appreciation from the CSI Leaders for being their Cell Group Teacher on important topics about prayer and Pneumatology which was awarded by Pastor Adonis, Associate Pastors, Sister Bel and Sister Lina. The leaders also gave the couple a “photo remembrance” of some church activities with them which they can bring home in UK.


As a response, the couple then encouraged the CSI leaders to continue in the faith no matter what happens. Sister Anne revealed that Cornerstone San Isidro is one of their favourite places because they are most welcomed and loved by the congregation. After that, Pastor Adonis led the group for a special prayer for the couple. The activity ended with a simple dinner.


To you Pastor Keith and Sister Anne – you are an encouragement to all of us! We are very sure that you will be richly rewarded by the Lord for what you have done to us. From the whole Cornerstone Church San Isidro Family, we love you so much and we will always remember you in our prayers! Have a blessed trip!