Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Bishop the Honourable Dr.
Carmen Lois Stewart O.J, O.D, J.D.
How do I pick a memory with my Bishop? I have so many beautiful ones. Spending time at her feet was one of my favorite things as a young Christian, being new to this kind of church and only eleven years old, my Bishop made room for me in her life which was already full. She allowed me to hang around her, and wow, what a learning experience that was. At fourteen Bishop paid and sent me to a summer program at the University of the West Indies, to study counseling. Talk about vision, who knew that today this would be one of the areas in which I am used by God the most. Thank you, Bishop.
Sister Marlene
Sister Marlene
I'm reminded of the first time I saw Bishop Carmen L. Stewart. At the time, she was Pastor Stewart and I had not yet been converted. I wasn't raised in the church and certainly not Apostolic/Pentecostal circles, so I wasn't familiar with who she was. But I remember when I saw her there was something about her that caught my attention. I was so fascinated with her that my eyes stayed fixed on her as she went around greeting the saints. The Pastor of that first church must have noticed something on my face or disposition, because he said to me, "You want to be like us, don't you?" I said, "No, I want to be like her." Pointing at Bishop Carmen Stewart.
I wondered what made me make such a declaration about someone I didn't know. But after years of association I discovered, it was the Glory of God shining mightily through her. So powerful it was, that a little unsaved young lady saw it clearly. My declaration remains true today, "I want to be like her." Cheryl Burton |
Trying to pen a single paragraph that encapsulates the way in which Bishop Carmen impacted my life, is truly like asking to look for the proverbial needle in the haystack. However, out of necessity, I would be forced to say it was in the area of publication. Our weekly church bulletin, The Light which was the brainchild of Bishop Carmen, was ultimately passed down to the Church Secretariat. I was honored to have worked on that committee and gained an appreciation of putting together from scratch a weekly publication. This helped me realize a passion for print editorial which allowed me to become the editor of my High School magazine, and several other ventures that involved writing and editing articles for subsequent publications. The numerous Saturdays at the church office are still always fresh in my memory of Bishop Carmen. I thank her for that! May her memory live on!
Douglas Smith |
My remembrance of Bishop Carmen Stewart.
At the age of 24, Bishop Stewart approached me and assigned me to the task of coordinating weekly Friday night Bible Study. We were going through the Bible in one year and it was my responsibility to identify and approach leaders and assign a book(s) of the Bible for them to teach. This was the biggest responsibility I believe that I was given as a young person. Bishop Stewart somehow saw leadership qualities in me that I did not recognize, or believe was in me. I am happy that I did not say no or run away from the challenge. Today, I can say to God be the glory, great things He has done. Colleen Bailey |
Bishop the Honorable Dr. Carmen L. Stewart was my spiritual mother and my confidant. She was my teacher, my go to person, my example of Love, Faith, Humility and the Principal figure of WISDOM.
Bishop Stewart was my Chief Executive Officer (CEO), when I worked as an Executive Officer in the church office for 13 years. That experience was unmatched - what a Mentor! Words would fail me to say all that she has been to me, and so I honor her memory for being such a valuable part of my life. Bishop Stewart is the individual, I would say, who catapulted me into ministry and community service, because I just loved the Lord and wanted to work for Him. Bishop Stewart guided me along the way and thanks be to God for such Leadership. To the Glory of God. Wilton A. McKenzie |
My Bishop was such a very SPECIAL person in my life. She did not just preach to my spirit from the pulpit but she was able to pick up my pain and hurt from afar and counseled me through everyone. I could have felt that I am a spoiled child, but what she did for me, she did it for all God's children who needed her intervention. I remember that since I migrated, whenever she is in Florida things that stood still in my life suddenly moved. I could sit at her feet and cry my heart out with my secrets and know for sure, that she would pray and my secrets remained with her. She guided me, she taught me, she gave me of herself. I am who I am today because I had one of the Best Mentor in this life. She can never be forgotten because of her love and care to me, my family, and to all. God Bless her memory!
Laverne Ewen |
As I sit and reflect on the impact Bishop Carmen Stewart has had on my life I am taken back in time to a High school classroom where our Bishop was the invited guest. You see, she had taken time out of her busy schedule as the director of the Bureau of Health Education to be with a group of High School students. Here she shared with us her experience with one of her first bosses, a woman with a granite like personality. An individual revered but despised by her staff, she was a good example of the 1Peter 2:18 boss, “forward”
1 Peter 2:18 instructed, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.” I learned from Bishop that respecting such individuals is possible. I have made it my life long quest to respect authority. Whenever I am tempted to do otherwise I remember how my Bishop respected and honored her “forward” boss and was rewarded not just man but also God. She will always live in not just my heart but my everyday way of life. Sister Jennifer |