Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller prays at the Portmore Holiness Christian Church during a service on Sunday, January 10, entitled 'Transforming Lives Through the Power and Ministry of Jesus Christ'. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer

OPPOSITION LEADER Portia Simpson Miller reminded worshippers at a church service on January 3 to prepare themselves for the challenges to be faced this year.

Simpson Miller attended the Sunday service at the Portmore Holiness Christian Church, where the Rev Dr Alvin Bailey gave his sermon.

"We need to be strengthened to brace ourselves for what is to come this year," Simpson Miller said.

Simpson Miller charged the congregation to keep its faith strong.

"We need prayer, but we need it more than ever," she said.

'Special anointing'

PNP members and supporters also attended the service. They remained seated for most of the time. However, at one point, they gathered at the front with their heads bowed, and church minister Nse Ubom prayed for a "special anointing" for them.

Fitz Jackson, member of Parliament and chairman of the PNP's South St Catherine organisation, had invited Simpson Miller to the Portmore church.

Simpson Miller commended Jackson and other councillors for "seeking God's guidance".

Rev Dr Bailey, in his sermon, said, "We do not come to church to condemn, we come to confess."

At the end of a service filled with singing and prayers for blessings, Simpson Miller stayed back to greet members of the congregation.

"I appreciate her coming," Lancelot Stewart, one of the worshippers, said.

Simpson Miller had a word of advice for the prime minister: "When leaders look to the Master, they can't go wrong."