Approximately 180 people gathered to honor Revs. David and Donnamie Ali for 11 years of service as the pastors of the Dow Village Nazarene Victory Chapel, Dow Village, Trinidad, at a farewell service on March 24.

Some of those who attended the service included District Superintendent Rev. Victor George and his wife; President of Caribbean Nazarene College, Rev. Dr. Orlando Seale and former District Superintendent of the Windward Islands, Rev. George Leonce, as well as a number of pastors and district leaders.

Rev. Rian Williams shared a message focused on how good leaders know when to hand over their ministry and how to finish well.  He encouraged the congregation to remember the Alis’ humility, selflessness, faith, commitment to the cause, teaching, generosity and prayers.

Rev. George led the congregation in prayer for the Ali family.

Members of the DVNVC church shared glowing tributes to their pastors in speeches, videos and songs. The District Advisory Board also formally recognized their 31 years of service to the local church at San Fernando and highlighted their many years of service to the Trinidad and Tobago District.

Rev. David Ali served for decades in various leadership roles for the district as well as for Caribbean Nazarene College. Rev. Donnami Ali served in a variety of district leadership roles, as an adjunct lecturer for CNC, as a regionally representative to the Global NMI Council. She currently serves as the Caribbean Field NMI Coordinator in the Mesoamerica Region.

“You have both lived everything that you have preached and taught,” the DVNVC members told the Revs. Ali. “You have consistently pointed us to Christ. You have always brought the right Word at the right time and encouraged us to fix our hope on Jesus.”

Source: Leigh Hope, Trinidad and Tobago District NMI President