GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Proud father Sylvester Roberts holds son Owen as the child's mother Donna Hayles looks on. - George Henry

From time to time when pastors ask for the fathers of babies who are brought to them for christening, they are told that they (fathers) are either unable to attend because they are overseas or they are at work.

This often times annoys the pastors; some of whom have threatened not to dedicate babies whose fathers are absent from the religious act. Well, that was not the case when young mother Donna Hayles turned up at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God to dedicate her baby son Owen Dominic Roberts to the Lord.

proud

The father of her son, Sylvester Roberts, was very much present; and he exhibited the actions of a father who was most proud to identify with the mother of his son, in front of Bishop Dr Roy Owens, the pastor at the Sanguinetti Church.

It was a packed congregation on February 6, and that day will always be etched in the minds of the parents, as well as those who gave support in the form of god-parents, and the entire congregation on the sunny Sunday morning.

"Parents who bring their babies to be dedicated to the glory of the Lord should allow the babies to praise God," said Bishop Owens during his opening sentences prior to him praying for little Owen Dominic Roberts.

The pastor is convinced that children love to praise when they are taught to pray; and when that is done, they will be appreciative.

In addition to those words, Bishop Owens called on God to bless the parents of the child, so that they will be able to properly address the needs of their son; and that they will bring him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, starting from early in the child's life.

Proud father Sylvester Roberts who spoke to THE STAR after the religious ceremony, pledged to do all that is possible to ensure that his boy is well taken care of, and that his mother is given the best support possible in ensuring that he is brought up in the will and way of the Lord.

attends church regularly

Like many fathers of old, Roberts believes that every child should grow up knowing the way of the Lord. His view is that one means of doing this is by ensuring that little Owen attends church regularly and participates in the activities of the church from an early age.

Little Owen was the second baby to be dedicated at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church since the start of this year. He was born on August 27, 2010, at the Mandeville Public Hospital, and weighing six pounds at birth. In 2010, four babies were dedicated at the church.

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