The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter For 25 consecutive years he served as member of parliament. He was elected in 1972 to sit in the House of Assembly for Central Eleuthera. Despite his many years in politics, Philip Michael Bethel said his real calling was never the political pulpit. And since his retirement from the political stage, Pastor Bethel has worked to fulfill his true mandate, to carry out God's ministry. He is currently the senior pastor at the People's Restoration Baptist Church, known by locals as the Bethel's church. From his days as a young man, Pastor Bethel discovered his love for the church. He became active in Sunday School and found joy working with people and the community at large. Raised and nurtured in a Christian home, he worked hard to further his knowledge and education at an all age public school in the family Island community of South Palmetto Point, Eleuthera Bahamas. With the unfortunate passing of his father at the age of 15, he looked to his mother to play both roles. From her Christian example, he gained a lot of knowledge and understanding, and made up his mind to live a life as a hardworking man. Pastor Bethel said his ultimate calling in life came at the age of 17 when he became a Christian in the fellowship of the brethren. Over the years, Pastor Bethel worked a number of different jobs, from farming in the fields, to building on construction sites. He worked in the insurance industry and found many other business ventures to occupy his time. After his stint in politics and relocation back to Eleuthera, Pastor Bethel's family became active members of Revival Baptist Church North Palmetto Point Eleuthera. Journeying with his wife Hilda, along with their six children, Pastor Bethel eventually started his own church, after much prayer and consideration. He said the holy spirit connected him with Eleuthera natives, Evangelist LeCarl Sands, Rev Elvis Cooper and their families. Along with Rev Charlotte Davis and her husband Deacon Benjamin Davis, the fellowship of the People's Restoration Baptist Church was born. The group worked to carry out the command of Matthew 28:16-20 : "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded of you, and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Pastor Bethel said since his encounter with the holy spirit, God has done many miraculous things in his life, his family, his church ministry and otherwise. "If it were not for the love and the grace of God, it could not have been possible." Seen as a former member of parliament, community activist, businessman and humanitarian in his community, Pastor Bethel also stands as a senior pastor of his ministry.