The Light Issue #1 by Damian Wilson

A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department March 2010

Issue #1

A Truly BONDING Experience

ith the conviction that the family, ‗a sacred circle‘ was under attack, Elder Anthony Gordon implored the congregation to ‗Fight back’! This was his nightly mantra as he raised his arm heavenward with his bible firmly gripped, symbolic of his belief that holding fast to the Word of God was the only way people would be able to counter the destruction of the family unit. . The Bonding the Heart for Home Family Seminar was an evangelistic effort like none the Gregory Park Circuit of Churches had ever experienced. Elder Gordon, Family Life Director of Central Jamaica Conference, for four weeks from March 28, presented messages of hope, recommitment, healing and righteousness to the receptive congregation that made its way to the tent site at Caymanas Gardens. It incorporated more than the usual nightly and Sabbath services. It included special events such as Hannah Re-enactment Ceremonies, Marriage Recommitment Ceremony and wedding reception, computer skills training programme, Sages on Stage, Singles Affirmation Ceremony, Bible Study graduation ceremonies, Gate-

way-to-Adulthood ceremony, social and a Health Fair. . Elder Gordon is an educator – serving as both a teacher and principal; and a trained family counsellor and evangelist for over 28 years. He would utilize these roles during his presentation in bringing across his messages with power and clarity. His potent messages included topics such as: Sexuality and the Family, Victory in Jesus, Dignity in Womanhood and The Gateway to Home. Every night before the main course, Elder Gordon offered ‗grace‘, reminding all that ―if the Bible says it, we respect it; since Jesus promised victory, we expect it and since God‘s Grace is sufficient, we accept it!‖ . This evangelistic effort was a family affair in every sense of the word. Elder Gordon‘s wife Deloris served as the Praying Evangelist - petitioning the throne room nightly; his daughter Delthonette served as the Singing Evangelist - belting out praises to heaven, while his son-in-law Andrew provided the technical support for his presentations. . Thirty-six precious souls were baptized during the seminar. At the end, most who attended would attest to the fact

that families and the Christian home would have been strengthen, the message of God‘s love and grace would have gone out, and hearts would truly have been bonded for home, both here and the home to come. -Damian Wilson Communication Director

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

►From the Pastor ►Adventist Resources

►Portal of Praise ►Health as a Lifestyle

►Scenes From the BTHFH Family Seminar

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►Special Feature: Disaster in Haiti

►Where are they Now? ►Poetic Expressions of Heaven

►Calendar of Events (CJC)

am delighted to bring you this message and trust that The Light will continue to shine, not just for the readers but in the church and community at large. I am hopeful that more members will show concern for one another‘s welfare. It is the Lord‘s desire that we develop a culture of caring and sharing in a real sense, while experiencing the fellowship of Christianity. Dr. Dudley Mullings Paul without mincing Senior Pastor, Gregory Park words suggested that we should Circuit of SDA Churches look after the other person‘s welfare as we do for ourselves (Phil 2:4). His argument is solid on the fact that if we have experienced any encouragement from being united with Christ, or if we have received any comfort from the love He gives to us freely, in addition to having fellowship with the Spirit then there is no escaping us demonstrating that we are like Christ. He makes that admonition in Verse 5, when he said, our minds should be like that of Christ. I know as well as you do, that the coming of the Lord is well enunciated, as such, we cannot afford to let this character development be delayed any longer. My brothers and sisters it is time to show we care about others as Christ cares for us. What a great church we will have when it is known by our love. Not just some being loved, but all in the family called Gregory Park Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The Light If you are interested in submitting material to THE LIGHT, you may contact Damian Wilson, Communication Department Director, and Wayne Harrison or members of the technical team. We invite your opinions and suggestions, and look forward to your financial contributions to this newsletter. Special thanks to those who have contributed to this issue of The Light, as we continue to lift up the true LIGHT of the world – Jesus Christ E-mail: communications.gpsda@gmail.com

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ellow pilgrim to heaven, you can read in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." Truly by beholding we become changed. Somehow, I have lived with an acceptance that I will be a part of the 144,000 righteous saints livWaren Muir ing upon earth when Jesus Associate Pastor, Gregory Park returns. It is my desire that that Circuit of SDA Churches will be your desire too. The great thing in all this is that Jesus has been leading in my life since 1996 fully in charge. God's love is so strong for me that it has awakened in me a love for Him. That is why I get very excited talking about Jesus or opening His word in the Holy Bible. You know, what we need to do is to look long enough upon the truth and we will believe it. So then, we have no time now to waste with erroneous views, doctrines, lifestyles etc. but to continuously behold the ideal way in our Lord Jesus Christ. By now you can be certain that our clearest revelation of Jesus Christ is in the sacred records of the Holy Bible -Genesis to Revelation. How prayerfully and meticulously we should study the Bible then? My call then to all my constituents, my parishioners, my colleagues is to personally make the effort to call upon God to lead us into the study of His Word.

Adventist Resources Below are links to some important sources where you can locate information related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. • • • •

Official SDA Church Website http://www.adventist.org/ Sabbath School Network http://ssnet.org/ Adventist Review http://www.adventistreview.org/ 3ABN: Three Angels Broadcasting Network http://www.3abn.org/ • Hope Channel http://www.hopetv.org/ • Adventist Development and Relief Agency http://www.adra.org/ • Amazing Facts – Christian Media Ministry http://www.amazingfacts.org/

T he L i g h t

Michca-Mae Bonner

Members of the Gregory Park SDA Visual Team

he Lord has called young men and women, especially in the final days of earth‘s history, to utilize their talents for Him in service and to build up His kingdom. The technical team has accepted the call to serve and to give of their best to the Master. . Born out of Youth Month 2009, the technical team is committed to the task of utilizing technology to enhance the cause of God. Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist worship services are now enhanced by on screen projections of hymns, scripture passages, spiritual presentations and vivid imagery to affix the worshippers‘ thoughts and meditations heavenward. Notices, birthdays and announcements are also projected, as well as visitors‘ names and the church or community to which they belong. . Members of the team are Tajeane Roseway, Lenroy Harriott Jr., Clintory Harriott, Micheal Farquharson and Michca-Mae Bonner. New to the team are – Khaleel Roy Harriott, Baldin Clarke, Kimone Ramsay and Reginald Evans Jnr. These young persons crave the support and prayers of the church as they continue to use technology as a Portal of Praise. - Wayne Harrison Elder, Communication Dept.

The Gregory Park SDA Church & The Communication Department

Would like to express special congratulations to those members, who celebrated a birthday, anniversary, baptism, welcomed the birth of a child or any other special event during this past quarter. We rejoice with you in your happiness and share with you in celebrating God’s abundant blessings.

Typically, when we think about healthy living, we think of trendy new diets or revolutionary weightloss supplements. The truth is that these only give temporary results—you may lose weight with the diet but before long, you'll be back at square one. So what is the real key to healthy living? We first need to have the mindset to make health a part of our routine, a part of our daily activities. We need to make health a lifestyle. The SDA Health Ministry has formulated the acronym NEWSTART; which means Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in God. This gives a basic idea of what we need to do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition includes, but is not limited to, eating the correct portions at the right times of the day. Binge eating and eating between meals is a surefire way of gaining unwanted fat or weight. While eating right or healthy, we need to monitor two main items in our diet - sugar and salt . These properties in excess lead to two of the most life-threatening, life changing ‗lifestyle diseases‘; diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is important to note for persons who are trying to ‗watch their weight‘; to be aware of foods labelled ‗light‘ or ‗low-fat‘. These labels can be deceptive, so read the fine print. Eating right, is not all there is to healthy living. Exercise is vital to this lifestyle. When we exercise, we help the body burn calories and fats that our bodies do not need. It also reduces stress, reduces depression, lowers cholesterol, supports weight loss and also helps in weight maintenance. This means even thin or slim persons who do not consider themselves fat should exercise. Exercise also helps in lowering blood pressure and it usually lowers blood sugar. Exercise also keeps us physically fit. Contrary to the popular belief that exercise only makes us tired, regular exercise keeps the blood flowing and keeps our energy level up. When our metabolism is flowing as it ought to and our energy level high, we will not feel lethargic. We will be energized and ready to take on the world. Health as a lifestyle isn't complicated but it gives astounding results. Simply following the Bible's principle in doing all things temperately and this will be the start of a lifestyle built on health.

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Elder Gordon and his wife, Deloris—the praying evangelist (left) and daughter - singing evangelist Delthonette (right) make this a family affair

Pastors Muir and Mullings stand over the symbolic altar

Andrew rounds out the BTHFH Team

Pastor Kent (centre) and Elder Gordon (right) address the seniors (left) in a special “Sages on Stage” Ceremony on Sabbath March 20

These candidates were among those who gave their lives to Christ and entered the watery grave of baptism

T he L i g h t

This tent Cathedral in Caymanas Gardens was the site of many spirit filled evangelist efforts as a part of the BTHFH Family Seminar

Members of the Technical Team take participants through the basics of computer use at the skills training programme

These parents bring their children to be rededicated to God in the Hannah Re-enactment Ceremony on March 6, 2010

The McLaughlin’s, Brown’s, Chambers’, and Davis’ were among those recommitting their marriage to each other and to the Lord

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Special Feature: Disaster in HAITI...

The Church Responses to

A NATIONAL CRISIS

by Elder Donovan Smiley Scenes from the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 12, 2010

On January 12, 2010 Haiti had a catastrophic 7.0 Mw earthquake, near the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated three million people were affected by the quake. The Haitian Government reported that between 217,000 and 230,000 people had died, an estimated 300,000 injured, and an estimated 1,000,000 homeless. They also estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged. This was just the latest in a long history of a country marred by political upheaval, misrule, poverty and natural disasters. From the Spanish discovery of Hispanola to present day politics of Haiti, its history speaks to a country of wealth and prosperity, transitioned to the poorest in Western Hemisphere, a result of man‘s manipulative power and neglect over its people and environment. In a population of approximately 10,000,000, 80% are Roman Catholic with Protestants of various denominations accounting for the other 20%. ‗Voodoo‘ is also heavily practiced by a number of Haitians and very much considered a dominant religion. The SDA Church in Haiti currently has 473 Churches and 335,751 members. There are three universities, one hospital and one media field – radio/TV station. The world literally responded to Haiti calamity with copious gifts and humanitarian visits. Jamaica was high on the list of donor countries. The Seventhday Adventist Church through its relief agency, ADRA, was one of the first aid organizations to offer its support. West

Indies Union donated US$10,000.00 and rallied its members in the more than 735 congregations in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands, to support a collection drive to assist the thousands affected by the devastating earthquake which rocked the country. The disaster has deeply affected our Church in Haiti. Reports reaching the office of the Inter-American Division during the period paint a picture of pain, and yet a picture of thankfulness. Three hundred and four (304) Adventists were reportedly killed. Among them were 14 who were in choir practice when the roof and walls of an Adventist Temple near the Presidential Palace collapsed on them. Homeless are tens of thousands who now occupy the grounds of the 50 habitable churches in the Central Haiti Conference; while 20,000 people are taking refuge on the campus of the Adventist University. The Adventist Hospital, which is within minutes from the university, did not receive major damage to its building. However, one hundred and fifteen church buildings were destroyed as well as school buildings. The Union office also received some damage. Food and other supplies have been reaching people. ADRA International and ADRA Inter-America, along with ADRA Haiti, began coordinating relief efforts just hours after the earthquake struck. Medical teams from Loma Linda University Hospital and Florida Hospital coordinated doctors and

channeled medical supplies into the Adventist Hospital. Relief funds were collected from churches in several parts of the world. Caribbean Union Relief Effort show that, at January 21, 2010 the churches and institutions in our Union had contributed US$282, 664 for Haitian relief with a goal of US$500,000. Pastor Israel Leito, President of the Church in the Inter-American Division summed up the pictures of both pain and gratitude by saying: "We are saddened for the members we lost in this tragedy and yet are so thankful that the Lord spared . . . and the number of the deaths were not greater." Seventh-day Adventists have taken to heart the gospel commission found in Matthew 28 to go and teach all nations and baptize them. As a result, the Seventh-day Adventist church has grown into a worldwide organization with a presence in more than 200 countries. This desire to share the gospel is born out of genuine Christian love for our fellow human beings and the desire to share the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. This involves large international welfare and disaster relief. Members of the Gregory Park SDA Church, along with many other churches have overwhelmingly supported Central Jamaica Conference‘s collection drive in cash and kind. We believe God is testing our brotherly kindness in these difficult circumstances and testing our degree of readiness for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven and the earth made new will be a place of peace and safety.

T he L i g h t

Poetic Expressions Of Heaven Lost Souls Tashawna Anderson I shed not tears for myself when adversity knocks itself on my door, The pain I feel is not the whip smashing against my back, The sadness overwhelming my heart is not from the burdens that I do not bear. I was confused in the old days but the new day is here; and evil raises its head slowly but surely with impending force, taking whomever it can capture in its snares Why didn‘t you listen when your Saviour called? But you hardened your heart and distrust took over for your faith Is the world so meaningful to you that you will throw away a chance for eternal life? I tried to warn you—I thought you changed, but I guess reality hits you and you‘ve decided to stay Albeit in vain, for this chance you might not have again! So I stand here with wires painfully cutting into my skin, and yet my tears are not for myself. I looked as you watched with pitiful expressions, but pity for what? You‘d prefer to watch me whipped and stoned and scorned so that you can inherit a world—a world that never belonged to you? I struggle with my pain; Yet the tears I cried are not for myself But for you Lost Souls who had your chance.

We are often blessed to welcome new members into the fellowship of worship at Gregory Park SDA Church. Conversely there are times we must bid goodbye to members who will no longer be worshipShameka Burgess ing with us. A number of our former members now worship in congregations elsewhere, locally and abroad . . Shameka Burgess left Gregory Park SDA Church in January 2006, when she migrated to Worcester, Massachusetts. She now worships at the Pleasant Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she is a member of the praise team and the Women‘s Ministry. Since leaving Jamaica, she attended American Intercontinental University for two years and Quinsigamond College, also for 2 years, where she graduated with highest honors in General Allied Health. She had the opportunity to work in the Alzheimer and Dementia Unit at Autumn Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. ―I love what I do. I love elderly people; they are sweethearts‖ she says. Shameka is currently a full time student in the higher level nursing program. She remains in contact with many of her friends at Gregory Park Church and keeps abreast of the congregation she joined in May 1997. ―I miss the fellowship and worship at Gregory Park. God has blessed me immensely and I must give Him praise for all He has done. He is a GREAT GOD! I‘m at a new place in Jesus now, and I love it. He has become my friend.‖ ―I leave with you this: Only what you do for Christ will last. Please keep me in your prayers as I do the same. I hope to see you after my studies. Love you always.‖

The Adventist Youth Department Untitled Samantha Jarrett Love is said in many ways A word, a smile, a loving phrase Love is said in just a touch A look that says ‗I care so much‘ Love is said in all you do To make Jesus happy all year through And that‘s why this comes so lovingly To say that he is love to me!

presents

Annual Youth Retreat 2010 May 22-24, 2010 Lover’s Leap Guest House, St. Elizabeth For all youth 15 years and older Includes hike, beach trip, banquet and special presentations For further information, see any member of the AY Council

Contribution:

$5000

Calendar of Events and Special Days (2nd Quarter) (Central Jamaica Conference)

m ay 2 0 1 0

MAY Sab-Mon 1-31 Drug Awareness Month Sab 1 Community Services Evangelism Sab 1 Discipleship Convention (Clarendon-May Pen Church) Sab 8 Disaster and Famine Relief Emphasis Sab 8 Sabbath School, Personal Ministries and Community Services Workshop (Sab Afternoon, May Pen Church) Sab 15 Tell the World: Big Cities Sab 15 Sab. Sch, Personal Min. & Community Services Work shop (Sab Afternoon, Spanish Town Church) Sab 22 Sabbath of Hope Sun 23 Labour Day Thur 27 Conference Session Secretariat Consultation Sab 29 Book & Nutrition Centre& Publishing Promotion (conference-wide) Sab 29 Discipleship Convention (Manchester—Maranatha Church) Sun 30 Central Jamaica Conference Sports Day

Wed 2

Sun Mo Tue We Thu Fri

1 2

Sun Mo Tue We Thu Fri

Sat

June 2010

JUNE Church Prayer Leader’s Network Service (Mandeville Church)

Fri-Sun 4-6 Sab 5

Women’s Ministries Retreat (Inland) Bible Correspondence School Emphasis/Day of the Bible Fri 11 Stewardship Rally (St. Catherine) Sab 12 Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day (Conference-wide) Sun 13 Pathfinder/Adventurer Rally Sun 13 Youth Mission Outreach Sab 19 Adventist Laypersons Services and Industries DayWed 23-Sab July3 General Conference Session; Atlanta, Georgia Sab 26 13th Sabbath Offering (Euro-Africa Division) Sab 26 CJC Membership Count (Conference-wide)

Sat

2010 Theme: People of Hope

The Gregory Park SDA Church

This Quarter’s Featured Publications

Conservation Committee and Health Department presents

‘Operation Reclamation’ May 28-30, 2010 Gregory Park Seventh Day Adventist Church Reclaiming all members baptized from 2007 – 2010 FEATURING:

Vesper Service, May 28 Special Sabbath Service, May 29 Guest Speaker: GLEN O. SAMUELS

Everyone is invited to remain at church for lunch

Sunday May 30: GRAND HEALTH FAIR on the church grounds Followed by Sunday night Evangelistic Meeting

The prophetic writings of Ellen G. White are a source of inspiration, instruction and guide for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church today. The Great Controversy, an historical and biblical look at the battle between Christ and Satan from creation to the millennium and Last Day Events, critical instructions for the church of the end time. For more information on how you can obtain a copy of these books, please see our Publishing Director, Sis. Carmen Johnson or visit your nearest Adventist Book Centre.