Having just been ordained as Bishop of the First Church of God in Bermuda last night, Rev. Dr. Vernon Lambe Sr. M.B.E., J.P., D.D., took time to reflect on his service to the ministry and to the people of Bermuda.

Last night's ceremony before Bishop Lambe's North Shore First Church of God congregation and many visiting dignitaries saw him receive the honour from The College of Bishops of the First Church of God.

While speaking to The Royal Gazette days before the event, he said the honour had been one of his most crowning and humble achievements in his 26 years of serving in the ministry.

And he credited his many supporters Island-wide in all of his achievements.

"Ministries don't just develop just because of one man," he said. "The interesting thing about all of this is that this has been developing for 26 years. It's a challenge, but it gives me a sense of fulfilment helping people."

Bishop Lambe has had a history that has taken him to great heights and through many challenges, having been an activist, a philanthropist, a mentor and a messenger of God for so many.

But he added that his love of serving the community and youth of Bermuda was the driving goal in anything that he does.

"I love pastoring," Rev. Lambe said. "And part of that process is giving oversight to ministries and young pastors. Through our ministry we try to lift the standard of people, with college aid programmes, providing free lunches to our schools and coming to the aid of families in need.

"That's why the consecration is being done here in Bermuda. This is the place to let it happen."

Bishop Lambe has travelled extensively throughout the world, having secured ties in several cities in the United States, the Caribbean and many African nations, serving as an overseer in churches in those countries.

And he said his responsibilities as a bishop will definitely increase, saying that he will be travelling away from Bermuda more.

"We have people flying in here from as far away as Los Angeles, the West Indies and Africa to take part in the ceremony," he said. "From Nigeria, we have mentored 16 pastors, so it's going to expand, but even though I will be doing more travelling, I will still be here. Bermuda is my first love and it is my home."

More closer to home though, Bishop Lambe said that the host of the programmes that have been such a success over the last decade will still be at the forefront of his ministry.

And one of his church's initiatives that is near and dear to his heart is the sponsoring of youngsters to study abroad.

"It's been gratifying to have been able to assist several pastors of different churches," he said. "Our college aid programme has assisted many talented Bermudians to go to college. These are people returning with a degree in business, education, biology and other areas. We try to do it with the kids of our churches that come up through the ministry. This is an extension of the ministry."

Throughout the years Bishop Lambe said that he has dealt with his share of nay sayers, but he believes that his duty is to the people of Bermuda.

And he said he is thankful to them, because of their devotion and perseverance with him through adversity.