The atmosphere was vibrant with gratitude on August 30th, as members and friends of New Englerston Church gathered to celebrate its oldest member, 90th birthday. Thelma Hanna became a Seventh-day Adventist in 1977 and has been active in the church including serving as a deaconess and the welfare leader for many years at the New Englerston Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The service was filled with heartfelt tributes to Sis. Hanna from her family and friends. Sister Hannah’s legacy was described through her role as a mother to eleven children, her dedication to discipline and spiritual growth, and her generosity. The family shared stories of early morning worship, hard work, and Sis. Hanna’s lasting impact as a mother, her commitment to discipline and spiritual training, and her generous heart. 

In a video message to Sis. Hanna, Local Church Pastor Arthur Anguila offered words of encouragement and blessings. Anguila described Sis. Hanna’s life as a fulfilment of the Biblical promise that the righteous will flourish even in old age.

Pastor Leonard, now serving as a General Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, offered a special prayer for sis. Hanna and her family.

During the sermon, Pastor Peter Joseph emphasized that God’s main desire is to have a relationship with His people. According to Joseph, it is through her relationship with God that Sis. Hanna found her strength.

Joseph said, "God wants us to come to Him. He wants us to come to Him. Why? One, God wants us to know Him. And I believe this is the strength of Sister Thelma Hanna. I believe that, because her whole life shows that she has come to God. Her whole life shows that. Her whole life shows that she knows God." 

As the congregation celebrated Sister Thelma Hanna’s 90th birthday, they were reminded of the powerful influence one life can have on a family, a church, and a community. Her legacy will continue to inspire and bless those who come after her.