The family of Rev. Dr. Colton announced on the 8th of November 2018 that “Pastor Colton went home to be with his Maker at 8.40 am”. The funeral service will be held on the 12th of November at the People’s Church Assembly of God, Narahenpita at 2.30 pm. The cortège leaves church for burial at 4 pm at the General Cemetery, Borella. Assemblies of God of Ceylon extends condolences to the family of the late Rev. Dr. Colton Wickramaratne at this time of sorrow and great loss. It is our prayer that the presence of the Holy Spirit would comfort and console the immediate family.
The late Rev. Colton Wickramaratne, who was the longest standing General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Ceylon, led the movement for 26 years. He was also the Principal of the Assemblies of God Bible College in Sri Lanka for 25 years, influencing and motivating young men and woman to reach the utmost parts of the world with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His strong emphasis on the need for the church to evangelize and preach the gospel in the indigenous languages and his dynamic leadership transitioned the movement to a state of national influence. His famous slogan “God’s method is a man and you can be that man” defined his character and leadership.
The late Rev. Colton was a man of God who spoke boldly, and challenged the church to determine the destiny of the church and the nation. He was also the founder of the People’s Church Assembly of God that at present has a membership of over 10,000 people. The late Rev. Colton was also known in the international Christian arena and was used by God mightily to touch and transform many lives in different denominations of the church. He has traveled to many countries, ministered in many conferences, churches, and touched many lives. Many years ago, he passed the baton of leadership to the next generation and committed himself to minister to building up a new crop of ministers to take the Gospel to unreached people and took time to minister in many small churches and stand with ministers until his very last days.
Today we celebrate his life and legacy giving thanks to God for all what was accomplished through this simple man of God. May God be glorified!
Rev. Dr. Senaka De Silva
General Secretary
Assemblies of God of Ceylon
NCCSL STATEMENT ON THE ‘CALLING TO GLORY” OF PASTOR COLTON WICKRAMARATNE
It is with a sense of sorrow and joy, the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) receives the news of the ‘calling to glory’ of Rev. Dr. Colton Samuel Wickramaratne on 8th November.
Pastor Colton, as he was affectionately known, has been a pioneer evangelist who heeded God’s call to share and spread the Good News of Love and Salvation in Jesus Christ. As an affable and inspiring religious leader, Pastor Colton has been a committed and faithful disciple of Christ and a friend of the NCCSL, who consciously contributed towards the strengthening and unity within the Church-fold, offering valuable advice and guidance in our common pilgrimage of faith.
His conviction and zeal for the ‘faith’ has been his forte as a disciple of Christ and his leadership in sharing his vision is well manifested in the ‘Peoples Church Assembly of God’ drawing many to the faith. As an out-spoken personality, his strong and balanced views on matters of the ‘faith’ has created a great impact in our forward march as a People of God.
The ‘calling to glory’ of Pastor Colton is a great loss to the Church and it is our hope that his inspired leadership, guiding principles and vision will prevail and hold firm as disciples of Christ.
Rev. W. P. Ebenezer Joseph
General Secretary
National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
09.11.2018