By SOMAN BABY for Gulf Daily

Bahrain, Jun 16: A YEAR-LONG centennial celebration of the National Evangelical Church (NEC), Manama, ended with a moving thanksgiving service.

During the service, the NEC English Language Congregation honoured its pastor the Reverend Richard Westra.

The keynote speaker during the service was former NEC pastor the Rev Graydon Colville of Australia.

He challenged Christians to do more meaningful service to the community here in the days to come.

"Christian hope must make us to work hard to be the salt of the earth and light to the lost ones," said Rev Colville.

H Paul and G Ashish presented the Historical Records and Pictures to Rev Westra to be made available for the public in the church library, which is being set up in the premises.

One of the senior most members of NEC, H M Gorde presented Rev Westra with a Crystal Chalice in appreciation of the pastor's inspiring leadership during the past year of various events.

"The reconstruction of the three-storey educational building, the writing and publishing of the history book Abusa'a, exhibition of the historic pictures and articles, the enchanting souvenirs that were produced, the public and spiritual meetings, the eminent speakers and their messages, the great songs of praise and worship that were presented and to top it all the dedicated service of the various committees - all these evoked fond memories which will remain in the hearts of many for years to come," said Mr Gorde .

American Mission Hospital chaplain Rev Appu Varghese, who led the final service, said the entire congregation was grateful to His Majesty King Hamad, under whose patronage the year-long celebrations were held.

"The congregation rededicated themselves to pray and work with renewed vigour for Bahrain's further development and prosperity," he added.