GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

For Leonie Thompson of the Glad Tidings Church of the First Born at Sanguinetti in Clarendon, loving her church is the best thing one could ever expect of her.

"I love the church because of the principles and standards that we uphold, and I believe that we are doing things that are acceptable in the sight of God, so I am a part of something that is progressive," said Thompson.

The church leader, who has served as a Sunday school teacher for a number of years, believes persons are not paying much attention to the principles of the Gospel today when compared to what she and other Christians, who grew up in former years, were accustomed to.

"Due to the fact that the Bible is fulfilling these days, and the Bible says that during the last days perilous times shall come. So as a result of that I think prophesy is fulfilling. So those things are coming to pass," said the veteran churchwoman.

Thompson, who has been saved for more than twenty years, said when she compares Jamaica back then with today she thinks it was much easier for individuals to get connected to the things of the Lord.

Making an impact on the youth

"It was easier because we were not so exposed to the things that are happening now. This coud be due to technology, knowledge has been expanded, and people have become more critical thinkers and all of that. So I guess we were more on the depending side and were more inclined to listen to our parents and other leaders," said the churchwoman.

Thompson is the mother of Tricia and Gary Jr and served as youth president at the New Bowens Glad Tidings of the First Born Church in Clarendon for more than 10 years before going to her current church at Sanguinetti. She said she likes to work with the young people in the church, and wants to make an impact on the youth. She is married to Pastor Gary Thompson. She adds that she currently serves at her church as secretary. She added that her life as a pastor's wife is not in any way difficult, because she loves the ministry and tries to make herself available for the work of the Lord.

"I do not have a problem. Those who are pastors' wives and who maybe have a problem are probably not enthused about the ministry; and they have a problem in living holy or living right, so they might have something to hide, but I do not have anything to hide. I do not have a problem," said the pastor's wife.

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