By Odette Loney Tuesday, January 27 2009

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NEWLY ORDAINED: Reverend Denyse Rattansingh stands proudly in her new robes after her ordination as a priestess of the Church of Scotland Trinidad (CO...

A call for people to live according to God’s will came from new Church of Scotland Trinidad (COST) Rev. Denyse Ella Rattansingh, as she was ordained yesterday as a Reverend at Susamachar Presbyterian Church, Coffee Street, San Fernando.

Rev Ratttansingh will now serve as a Minister of the Word, under the auspices of the Church of Scotland (COST) in Trinidad.

She will join the ranks of Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan who is also a female Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT). “Live according to God’s call on your life and make an impact that will glorify God Almighty,” said Rattansingh to the congregation.

Over 100 well wishers turned out to view the robing of PCTT’s new female priestess, who was a former deaconess of PCTT. The newly ordained Rev. Rattansingh expressed her appreciation for each person who prayed for her, or forged new relationships with her, over the years.

Rattansingh received a Licentiate in Theology from St Andrews Theological College, after which she interned at COST before her formal recognition as a minister yesterday.

Her ordination was approved as part of a covenant relationship between The Presbyterian church and the Church of Scotland, both of which opened a number of opportunities for new female ministers to serve.

Amid a solemn service filled with praise and worship to Christ, Reverend Garwell Bacchas told Rattansingh that her ministry was given to her by the Lord.

“ It is God Himself who has given us this wonderful work, while COST is here to confirm you we believe it is God who has called you into full time ministry,” said Bacchas.

He said that the only reason Rattansingh has a ministry is because the Lord gave it to her.

“From heavens perspective you fall short. From God’s perspective no minister deserves a ministry, but out of His mercy a ministry was given,” said Bacchus.

Bacchas told all those present that if Rattansingh holds these two foundational concepts in her heart, her ego will be kept in check.

He also said that ministry requires a high level of integrity, and encouraged Rattansingh to avoid secret immorality and hypocrisy by spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ.