CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LIFE OF
“LET US SEE MICHAEL GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN” SUNRISE: April 19th, 1959 SUNSET: August 24th, 2021 AGE: 62 YEARS SERVICE HELD AT: Hope House Int’l Ministry Grounds, Queen Highway, Rock Sound, Eleuthera DATE: Saturday, 25th September 2021 TIME: 11:00 AM OFFICIATING: Rev. Lavette McFall ORGANIST: Bishop Ernest Sweeting INTERMENT: Hope House Int’l Ministry Grounds, Queen Highway, Rock Sound, Eleuthera
MICHAEL ELVIN
SAUNDERS A TIME TO BE BORN Michael Elvin Saunders was born in the settlement of Mars Bay, Andros.
Physical Plant department at The College of the Bahamas. While at COB in his private time he was taught electrical work by Mr. Samuel Brennen.
A TIME TO BE EDUCATED He began his early education at Mars Bay all age school in South Andros. He later attended A. F. Adderley high school. Because of his love for electrical work, he decided to attend the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI). It was there that he obtained a license in 1st Phase Electrical.
On leaving the College of the Bahamas Michael moved to Eleuthera where he worked at Symonette Enterprises Ltd, as a truck driver, an electrician and general maintenance worker.
His commitment and dedication to the work of the Lord pushed him to complete a Diploma course in Theology from Eleuthera Bible Training College. A TIME TO LOVE In 1979 Michael met Gertrude nee Symonette at the College of the Bahamas where they fell in love. Their relationship grew deeper, and they later decided to get married on Gertrude’s birthday, November 1st, 1986. They lived in Nassau until 1989, after this they moved to Gertrude’s birthplace, Rock Sound, Eleuthera where they both worked in the family business. After 34 years of marriage they have been blessed with a daughter, two sons, one adopted son, three granddaughters and a son in law. A TIME TO WORK AND TO LIVE Michael was gifted with multiple gifts and talents from the Lord. He was always willing to use these gifts in the church, community and his work place. He began his career in Nassau as a packing boy at one of the major food stores. From there he went to work in the
He later went into his own business, Saunders M & G Enterprise specializing in electrical, landscape and property management until his passing on August 24th, 2021. Michael love for God, people and country moved him to offer himself for Local Government; leader of the Bahamian Way Forward Movement (BWFM); Kiwanis; Soaring Eagles; Toastmasters; Neighborhood Police Watch and so much more. A TIME TO WORSHIP God was Michael’s first love and he did not hide that. His life speaks for him. After he gave his life to Jesus Christ he immediately went into teaching Sunday school at the Rock Sound Methodist Church. His hunger to work for the Lord lead him to be a youth leader and a Lay Preacher. He was later ordained as a Pastor and an Apostle by his spiritual Father, Apostle Ernest Cobbs of Theos Ministries International Inc. Miami Gardens. In obedience to God he started a Ministry called, Hope House International Ministries in the former home of his father-in-law and mother-in-law. At the time of his passing he was building a sanctuary and a distribution center for the Lord which will be completed by Pastor Gertrude and the followers and friends of the Ministry.
A TIME TO DIE Michael was always in good health and therefore it was a shock when he died suddenly of diabetes at the age of sixty-two. He was flown out of Rock Sound, unresponsive on August 22nd, 2021 to Nassau. On August 24th, 2021 he was flown to Fort Lauderdale where he passed away. LEAVING BEHIND TO CHERISH AND GIVE THANKS FOR HIS LIFE AND PRECIOUS MEMORIES ARE: Wife: Gertrude Saunders; Children: Yasmine Saunders Michel, Alex Saunders (Alvia), Richard Armbrister and Deangelo Jean; Father: District Elder Linford Williams; Son-in-Law: Eder Michel; Grand children: Alysha Michel, Rainaan and River Armbrister; Sisters: Florence Miller, Vernitha Storr, Ruthnell Strachan, Inell Rosario and Monique Saunders, Nora Cooper, Wendy Pinder, Deidre Rowe; Brothers: Livingston (Lory) Saunders, Ivan Forbes, Dean (Christabell) Forbes, Wayne (Rose) Gibbs; Adopted Brothers: Jerry Sands, Bishop Clifford (Fay) McIntosh, Demetrius (Deshaun) Johnson Uncle: Jeffrey (Eulean) Ferguson; Sisters-In-Laws: Antoinette Sands (Richard Sr.), Margarita Hill (Jerome), Marcia Seymour (Dwayne), Therese Nairn (Barry), Barbara Forbes; Brothers-in-Law: Lambert Miller, Elvin Storr, Lewis Rosario, Edrin Symonette Jr. (Christine), Archie Symonette, Sean Symonette Sr. (Monique), Elton Symonette Sr. (Florina), Juan Symonette Sr. (Marilyn), Ricardo Pinder, Richard Rowe; Father-in-Law: Edrin Symonette Sr.; Mother-in-Law: Ida Symonette; Aunts: Eulamae Symonette, Felicia Archer; Nieces: Margo Miller, Nicole (Charles) Coleman, Bernice Ferguson, Thomasine (Glendy) Fredrick, Lettia Strachan, Alexandria Forbes, Tristica (Demeko) Williams, Kendra (Carlos) Rosario-Remigio, Kierra Moncur, Meredith Demerritte, Alana McGregor, Anyamacara Bain, Colleen Sands, Nakeshia (Bert)
Rolle, Rian Sands, Dr. Juanteria (Kyle) SymonetteThompson, Paulette and Raquel Sands, Ashley Seymour, Aysha and Aliyah Symonette, Angel Pinder, Sharon Forbes, Sonia (Ricky) Hicks; Nephews: Ellsworth (Clara) Storr, Terrance Miller, Dr. Santano (Alyssa) Rosario, Richard Sands Jr. (Raquel), Christopher Symonette, Sean Symonette Jr., Denzel Seymour, Savio Symonette, Elton Symonette Jr., Ashton Symonette, Mikhail Symonette, Juan Symonette Jr., Brian Rowe, Omar Saunders, Stephen McPhee, Antonio Livingston, Sergio and Malinquent Bain, Cousins: Fearlease (Alvin) Wallace, Wellington (Cheryl) Ferguson, Ulease Ferguson, Levaughen and Javis Ferguson, Kevita (Joseph & Jakeem) Green, Rachel (Arreo) Ferguson, Glen Ferguson and family; God children: Clemie Thompson, Kadijah Sands, Hadassah Thompson, Dr. Juanteria SymonetteThompson, Jared Knowles, Lawrencia Rolle, Lorraine Rolle, Valentio Gibbs, Demi Johnson, Peter Williams, Savannah Knowles; His Spiritual parents: Apostle Ernest Cobbs, Apostle Colamae Collymore, Evangelist Shirley Burrows; Numerous Other relatives and friends Including: Family and friends in Andros, Family and friends in Nassau, Family and friends in Eleuthera, Family and friends in Fort Lauderdale, Family friends in Jacksonville, Family and friends in Tampa, Family and friends in Canada, Family and friends in Minnesota, Rock Sound Properties management and staff, Buywise management and staff, Bert’s For The Best, Hayward Bowe and family, Barry Ward and family, Bahamian Way Forward Movement Executive Council, Rock Sound Township, South Eleuthera District Council, Bahamas Christian Council, Hope House International Ministries, Women of Purpose International Movement, Rock Sound Methodist Church, Theos Ministry International, Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries, Faith Deliverance Centre, Phillip and Michelle Kemp, Sister Rosalie Gibson, Gibbs family in Nassau, Kermit Cates and family, Apostle Claudette and Micah Mcalpine, Bernsteins of New York and so many more. If we did not include you please forgive us. He loved you all!
CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LIFE OF
APOSTLE MICHAEL ELVIN SAUNDERS
“LET US SEE MICHAEL GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN”
Order of Service Entrance of Family
Blowing Of The Shofar Call To Worship | Prophet Craig Carey Opening Song | “How Great Is Our God” Invocation | Bishop Desmond Hall Old Testament Reading: Psalms 91 | Dr. Inell Rosario (Sister) As I Knew Him The Saunders Family The Symonette Family Minister Urill Usher (Deputy Chairman - Bahamian Way Forward Movement) Apostle Ernest Cobbs Selection | Apostle Ernest Sweeting Condolences | Rev Carl Sands, Bahamas Christian Council Brother Phillip Kemp, Rock Sound Township Greetings | Rev Trajean Jadorette Senior Pastor – New Covenant Baptist Church New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthian 13:1-10 | Deaconess Antoinette Sands (Sister-In-Law)
Song | “Father Along We’ll Know All About It”
Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long, While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong.
Faithful til death, said our loving Master A few more days to labor and wait, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
(Chorus) Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When we see Jesus, coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper Living so wicked year after year. Solo | Sister Lateka Cooper-Culmer Eulogy | Rev Lavette Mcfall Prayer For Family | Pastor Gerod Allen Thank You | The Saunders Family Recessional Song | “It’s Alright Now” There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road; Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are different, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know. (Chorus) It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care It’s alright now; my Saviour hears and answers prayer He’ll walk with me, (He’ll walk beside me) Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now) A’ down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side; It’s alright now, for I’m His own. No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground; Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.
Committal | Bishop Clifford Mcintosh Acknowledgements | Mr. Leonardo Knowles Song | “Glad Reunion Day” There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day. (Chorus) Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day. There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day. When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace. That will be glad reunion day. Benediction | Rev Lavette Mcfall Last Dance | “I Believe” (Jonathan Nelson)
SALUTE TO A GIANT OF A SERVANT – MICHAEL E. SAUNDERS Michael Saunders words can’t express our gratitude for the contributions you made to the success of our company! From your first day of employment in 1989 up to the time of your transition from time to eternity, you served selflessly and with distinction. We will forever miss your presence, encouragement and service to the success of the business! May your legacy live on in your family and their future success! Symonette Enterprises Ltd. Shareholders, Board of Directors & Executive Management
A Tribute to the BEST DAD, HUSBAND and GRANDFATHER
As I sit here with tears running down my face wishing that I did not have to say good bye so soon. Everyone who know me knew that everything that came out of my mouth was “MY DADDY”. All I had to do was pick up the phone and you came to my rescue. Just to see my phone ring one more time “Hey Mrs Michel how can I help you”. Daddy the one thing you did not teach us, especially me, was how to live without you? You were My MR. FIX IT, MY ADVICE GIVER, MY MOTIVATOR and MY BIGGEST CHEERLEADER. I would tag along with you wherever you went. When you found out that I was pregnant you were upset as any parent would be. That nose spread from ear to ear. But being the GREAT FATHER you were you told me babygirl daddy got you. When Alysha was born that was the happiest day of your life. She became your pride and joy and the rest was history. You were very protective of your family . Your famous words were “MESS WITH ME BUT LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE”. Daddy you protected us until the very end. When I said that I wanted My wedding to be on my birthday and COVID19 spoiled the plans and I came to you and told you what I wanted to
do, without hesitation you made that happen. At my wedding you were the proudest father ever. Your words to Eder was, “All I want for you to do is take care of my two daughters.” If I had known that would have been our last family event I would have laughed and enjoyed longer. Our last conversation was when I got to give you the GOOD NEWS that you were going to be a granfather again. You looked at me and gave me that signature smile and said, “baby all I want is a healthy grandchild and I will be happy.” You fought a good fight daddy and your legacy will live on. We will continue the work that you started. The Final Word I got was that there was a Royal Celebration when you entered Heaven so that puts me at peace. I will make sure raise your grandbabies just like how you raised me and Alex. I will ensure that they never forget you. Our Family Chain is Weakended But Not Broken Rest in Peace to my GUARDIAN ANGEL P.S. We are going to make sure that mommy is well taken care of just like you always did . Your Loving Daugher Yasmine and Eder
A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD I hope you’re dancing in the sky, and I hope you’re singing in the angels’ choir! Thank you for everything that you did for me, with me, and most of all the life lessons you taught me. The life lessons will be what I carry with me every day as I go forward with the work that you left for me to complete. The fight you fought during your time with us was a great one. You were truly a man of
God. The shoes you filled were great, and the legacy you left was even greater. I love you ALWAYS and FOREVER!!! Continue to watch over us all, big guy! “He that dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Love, Al
THE BEST GRANDFATHER ANYONE CAN EVER ASK FOR. My grandfather, Michael Elvin Saunders was extraordinary. He was truly one in a million. If you have ever encountered him and talked with him you would know that he was truly a giant of a person. He was outspoken, passionate, God fearing and loving, hard working, ambitious, compassionate and the list goes on and on. From a toddler me and my grandfather had an unbreakable bond. When I was younger I would sit close to the front door and listen out for my grandfather’s truck. Upon hearing his truck pull up I ran outside so happy to greet him. I’m going to miss him a lot. I’m going to miss hearing his truck pull up and seeing him exit it. I’m going to miss watching and talking with him about basketball . I’m going to miss laughing with him. Most of all I’m going to miss visiting him. Everytime I would stop by my grandparents to visit he would always check up on me. “Did you eat? Do you want some of my food?” or “Anything that is mine in the fridge you can have” are phrases he usually said. My grandfather would give his last to anyone, especially his family. He loved us all so much. I wish I had more time with him, I had so much to learn from him. If I could just grow up to be half of the person he was I would be great. My grandfather was so passionate about wanting a change in the country that he stepped up to be the person to make the change. Although I didn’t say it very often, I was proud of him, so proud that despite knowing how hard it is to make a change he still was determined to do it.
When I think back to my grandfather there are so many memories that come flooding back. From riding on the jet skies to swimming in the pool with him. Although most of the memories I have with my grandfather were funny, the funniest memory I can think of was when I was traveling with him and when it was time for bed he snored so loud that I wasn’t able to sleep much. I never told him but I’m sure he wouldn’t believe me, he always thought that it was only my grandmother that snored the loudest but no they were running a tight competition haha. 14 years was not enough, to be honest I don’t even think 100 years would have been enough time for me. I will never forget him. I promise to always keep you in my heart, grandpa. I will never forget you. May we meet again someday in heaven. I love you!
A TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE Apostle, you were the light that shined bright in the dark in every place in the community; in homes, schools, government, and in the lives of so many people who called on you for advice when they needed encouragement in the many challenging situations they found themselves in! To the government you were their voice when they were unable to speak; you spoke loudly for the good
of all. And you did it all for the glory of your ‘kind Father’ here on earth. Memories of you will always live on because of your life living, love and your truthfulness. Your words will forever be with me “Prophetess you cause this” with a smile. Julia Storr
DEAREST UNCLE MIKEY, To say writing this tribute to you so soon breaks me, is an understatement; BUT! God knows what He’s doing and He does it well. You were the platinum standard when it came down to what an uncle should be. Your heart, your kindness, your ability to always be there for so many at the drop of a hat was bar none. Whether it was me as a child up under Yas (my self-appointed big sister) on my trips to Eleluthera, or graduating from University, you never missed a chance to let me know how proud you were of me. Your Godliness and faith in Christ is what really solidified who you were to me. These last couple of years you truly reminded me every chance you got to trust God. I look at it now and can’t believe I won’t have you to encourage me and call my name in your prayers EVERY morning; it hurts! You ensured to let me know you did this because I asked for your prayers. I wasn’t expecting you to do this consistently but there you were, going above and beyond; I didn’t and don’t take this lightly. This was a different kind of love Uncle Mikey; it was selfless and that is who your were as a person. SELFLESS! You uplifted, you never judged and you always saw the best in people. The seeds you have sown in me are invaluable. I thank you for your life and legacy; a legacy that needs no narration as the life you lived truly speaks for itself. I love you now and forever. You’ve arrived! You’ve finished; God has called you home and it is with pride I got to be your niece for 29 years. Bask in God’s glory Uncle Mike, until we meet again! Forever one of your girls RiRi
A TRIBUTE TO OUR APOSTLE AND PASTOR In May 2011, Pastor Michael Saunders as he is foundly known to us along with his wife, Pastor Gertrude Saunders, in obedience to the Spirit of God, moved from Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministry into Hope House International Ministries a Ministry given to them both to oversee. This new church that they believe God wanted them to start in the home of Pastor Gertrude parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edrin Symonette Sr. was in the heart of Rock Sound. Now Pastor Mike as he was foundly called was a very kind and generous man, he always had a smile for everyone. He always started his prayer by saying, “kind Father”. He like to quote Jesus words, “where two or three are gathered in my name there I am in the midst”. He also often used Luke 10:2 where Jesus told his disciples that the “Harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” and that we should pray for labourers. He also pointed out that Jesus said he was sending us out as lambs along wolves. Pastor mike always encouraged us to go out and do the work of the Lord. He was always grateful for those who allowed us to use their property for Ministry. So we say bye, bye for now Pastor Mike, you have directed many people to salvation and we give God all the praise and all the glory for bringing you in our lives at a time such as this. Hallelujah, Elder Eula Symonette HOPE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
A Tribute To
MY BELOVED MICHAEL As I sit down to write this tribute about you my Beloved Michael, I give Yahweh thanks. I thank Him for allowing you to be in my life for more than forty years. I remember when He told me to thank you for marrying me because you could have married many other women. Yahweh was the one who brought us together and was the one who kept us together and is the one who will bring us back together. Now that we are physically apart, I pause to reflect on our life together. We grew together. We made mistakes together. We got to know Yahweh together. We raised a family together. We built a business together. We lead a Ministry together. I cherish our relationship and our togetherness. I honored you in life and I honor you after your transition to heaven. Enjoy your rest, receive your rewards and crown and pick your mansion, you deserve them all! Thank you for being such a loving, caring, kind and humble person. You truly loved Yahweh, people and country. I look forward to being together with you once again Love always Your beloved Trudy
MESSAGE OF
Gratitude
We, the family of the late Michael Elvin Saunders, would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of those who provided our family with support, prayers, comfort, or assistance in many other ways in our time of sorrow. Today, the prayers and the presence of those who travelled from near or far, are greatly appreciated and has helped to strengthen us during this challenging period. Such sincere deeds during this time has encouraged us and through God’s help, our sorrow is easier to bear. May the Lord richly bless all of you.
PALLBEARERES Alex Saunders Elkin Ferguson Eder Michel Andrew Sands Denzel Seymour Ashton Symonette HONORARY PALLBEARERS Ernest Cobbs Wayne Gibbs Edrin Symonette Jr. Craig Carey Sr. Ernest Sweeting Phillip Kemp Sr.
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 Email: info@siddagroup.com Nassau, N.P. Bahamas