A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department June 2014
Issue #18
Youth Federation Launch ‘Walk and Pray’ Programme
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mpressed by the gospel commission and inspired by the responsiveness of community members to the offer of prayer during MM14, the Portmore Federation of Adventist Youth has officially launched "Mission Walk and Pray". The initiative germinated during preparations for MM14 when Seventh Day Adventist Youth, mobilized by the Portmore Federation, took to the streets of the Portmore communities walking and praying for anyone with whom they came in contact. “The responses were overwhelming, and have testified that there is still much work for youth to do,” explained AY Leader Ceraphia Roper. The mission began officially on Sabbath June 28,2014 and continues the last Sabbath and Sunday of each month at 4:00 pm and 6:00 am respectively. “The times selected provide an opportunity for all youth to participate: if you were unable to make it on the Sabbath afternoon, you will not have missed your opportunity to answer the call. Come out on Sunday morning walk, pray and be blessed!” she added. . An advisory will be sent to the churches, through the AY leaders outlining the meeting point each month. Jesus has called us by name, will we not answer?
Pastor Johnson re-elected CJC President during Fourth Quadrennial Session The Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist, the conference to which the Gregory Park Church belongs and which includes churches in St. Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester—re-elected Pastor Levi Johnson as President during its Fourth Quadrennial Session. The session was held at the Conference’s Camp Verley site in Spring Village, St. Catherine, on Wednesday July 23 and Thursday July 24, 2014. The Session was called to: receive reports from officers and Departments; elect Administrators and Departmental Directors for the next quadrennium; consider revisions and changes to the Conference’s Constitution and Bylaws and conduct any other business of the Conference. Delegates were selected by the local churches consistent with the terms of the Conference’s Constitution – based on the size/ membership of the local church. The Gregory Park SDA Church selected First Elder Cavan Davis and Elder Janet Able-Simpson as delegates.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...Page 2
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The Pastor’s Desk Church Pastor Blondel Campbell brings greetings and reflects on the first quarter of 2014
Fathers’ Day In honour of Fathers’ Day, celebrated June 15, we look at three fathers in the Bible whom fathers today can learn from.
Publications
10
Youth Retreat 2014 Adventist Resources The Light
4 11 5
Metro Mission 2014 Metro Mission 2014 is a part of the Global Seventh-day Adventist Church’s campaign to evangelize the major cities of the world.
Health Emphasis Week
6 7 8
Congratulations The Church acknowledges and salutes its GSAT Achievers who have all done us proud
Fathers in Fellowship The Women’s Ministry, Family Life and Youth Department, treat the Fathers of Gregory Park Church
Health as a Lifestyle
12-13 14-15 16
News
Calendar of Events
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BLONDEL Campbell Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of Churches
with us.
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e have passed the half way marker for the year and are well into the third quarter of 2014 – and indeed God has been marvellous to us and He is deserving of all our praises, adoration and worship. As we reflect on the workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our members during the last quarter, we can say ‘truly our God is amazing’! This was seen in the various programs that the different departments hosted for the spiritual well-being of the church family. Thanks to all the department heads and their teams for the faithful work that was done to ensure that the family is kept alive in the spirit. Special mention must be made of the Adventurers’ Department and the work that is being done with our young children. Let us continue to pray for the directors and other leaders that they will not become weary and leave their post but will continue the work of our Lord until He comes again. The buzz words on the lips of every member were MM14 (Metro Mission 14) and what a Spirit-filled, inspiring, exciting four weeks it has been under the tent at Naggo Head. Family of Gregory Park SDA Church, I extend a big, hearty thank you for your faithful prayers, attendance and financial support of the MM14 Crusade. It would not have been the same without your ‘backing’ and I give all the praise and glory to God our Father for enabling, YOU, the members with the Spirit of evangelism and benevolence that has reaped the success we are rejoicing in – and I know that heaven is also rejoicing
Praise God! for the man of God Pastor Alton Williams for allowing the Spirit to use him in such a magnificent manner. After four weeks of soul searching, heart rending, Holy Ghost filled messages – the Lord has added to the church family 27 new members whose names are written in the Kingdom of God. We welcome our new family members and pray that they will continue on to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord’. I implore our long standing family members and especially those who have been assigned a new convert; to take care of the flock that the Lord has entrusted to our care so that on that grand homecoming day none will be lost. I know our regular members have experienced a renewal of their first love and have recommitted themselves to our Lord and His mission of making disciples for the Kingdom. I encourage you to continue in the Lord and faint not because your reward is just a step away. Our children have once again demonstrated that with God all things are possible and so congratulations to all those who have been successful in the recent GSAT Examinations. The journey has just started and we encourage you to continue to make the Lord the number one priority in your life and everything else will be added according to His will and for His glory. I extend a hearty ‘thank you’ to the women of our church family for the wonderful way in which they have demonstrated their love and appreciation to our fathers. Indeed, in a world in which fathers are often overlooked – it gave us much pleasure to know that the ‘women of God’ appreciate us and we truly enjoyed the brunch that was prepared in our behalf. Thanks to the women and all those who supported this wonderful Father’s Day Brunch. The church that prays together and play together will stay together. Yes, let us come out in our numbers for another spirit
filled, fun packed Youth Retreat at the Jamaica Crest Resort in Portland from August 1 to 3, 2014. We are inviting all our youths – little youths, small youths and big youths to attend – be rejuvenated in your body, mind and soul. You can’t afford to just hear about it – be there and talk about it! As the third quarter progresses, and the year is winding down, I encourage our church family to come out and support the upcoming programs for the church. Look out for Teach Weekend – it promises to be power packed and unforgettable. As a church we know the importance of catering to the ‘whole man’ and CENCONYOUCA SUMMER CAMP 2014 is just the place to rejuvenate – spiritually, physically and mentally. This is the place to socialize and make new friendships that will endure for time and eternity. Our God represents order and decency and He has put in place a system to enable His church to function in a way that will characterize who He is. As such every four years the different conferences elect the men and women who are chosen by God to govern His church according to His will and for His glory. To facilitate this process the Fourth Quadrennial Session will be held on July 23 and 24. The church will be sending two delegates to represent the church family. Let us pray that the will of God will prevail and the men and women He has chosen will be elected to lead His church to victory. In closing I implore us – the family of God to be faithful, obedient and loyal to God and His cause. Fortify your mind with the word of God so that you will be able to give a reason for your hope; and share the love of God by ministering to others not only by words but also by deeds. May our Lord continue to lead His church onto victory.
Editorial Committee
Melissa Brown
Marjorie Stone
Fiona Dyer Wilson
Damian Wilson
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n what is the major evangelistic thrust of the local Adventist church for this year, MM14 made a major impact in Portmore as it made its stop in the Community between April 4 – May 25. Through the combined efforts of the districts in the Portmore area, as hundreds visited the tent site nightly Sunday to Thursdays and Sabbaths, 204 persons were so moved to accept the call to salvation. The speaker for the series was Pastor Alton Williams, an experienced evangelist and Pastor of the Spanish Town District of Churches. The Portmore leg of the Mission was held under the theme: Operation Rescue, and rescue it did, sending out the call for men and women to turn from the old life and accept Jesus into their lives. The massive tents which were home of the crusade, were located at the intersection of Braeton Parkway and Newlands Road. Not even the heavy winds which pulled down the tents midway during the programme was enough to halt its momentum. Instead Sabbath celebration was moved to the Portmore SDA Church for one Sabbath after which the tents were re-erected and the busi-
Pastor Alton Williams preaching at MM14 Portmore on May 4, 2014. (photo courtesy of Kemar Douglas)
ness of the Church went on. “The Church is under siege. The ‘Sunshine City’ of Portmore suffers from the same maladies of any modern city. This is why we must declare that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Operation Rescue is here”, Pastor Williams declared. We are on a mission for Jesus, We have seen the wonder working power of the Holy Spirit so far in our MM14 campaigns and there is no doubt that God will do amazing things under this tent, pronounced Pastor Levi Johnson, President of Central Jamaica Conference during the launch. Gregory Park SDA Church received 24 new members from the crusade. The new converts were given a grand welcome into the Church family on Sabbath, June 26, 2014 by Pastor Blondel Campbell, the board and the wider church body. Members were promptly assigned to families within the church and a special bible class set-up to see to their retention and spiritual growth. Additional information from the CJC Website
Pastor Blondel Campbell officially welcomes the newly baptized members coming out of the MM14 Campaign, Sabbath June 6, 2014
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Scenes from Health Fair 2014
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?......for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3: 16-17 The Gregory Park SDA Health Department hosted a week of Health Emphasis for the period July 13-20, 2014 under the caption “Preserving God’s Sanctuary” (My Body). The week started with a Community Outreach Meeting held at the Nolan’s residence in Gregory Park. This was a joint effort with the Personal Ministries Department. The meeting also included a health presentation on asthma. Several members from the church and the community were present and they were truly blessed. The message was delivered by Elder C. Davis and many responded to the altar call. We say thanks be to God for working in such a marvellous way. On Monday through Thursday, health presentations were done at the GPSDAC commencing at 7:30pm nightly. There were selected topics to meet the needs of the members of the church and also the community at large. Topics included Anaemia, Erectile Dysfunction, Nutrition: Eating as the Lord Requires and The Real Harm in High Heels. The nights were well supported and prizes were given to those who answered questions and in particular on Tuesday which was labelled “Men’s Night”, a token was given for the 1st man to arrive at the meeting. We can say that the Lord certainly used each presenter to inform and educate. On Sabbath, the morning’s programme was done by the members of the Health team and our keynote speaker for the Divine Service was Dr. B. Gombele, Medical Doctor who charged us to take care of God’s temple. He further reminded us that we will have to give an account to God for our bodies, what we eat, what we wear and how we take care of it. The afternoon’s programme was no less as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. S. Little was in the house sharing with us on Cardiac Disease. Oh how we magnified the name of the Lord as we reflected on how wonderfully and marvellously we were created. The week culminated on July 20th with a Health Fair and fun day for the very 1st time at the Christian Gardens Basic School under the theme: “Making healthy choices, safeguarding our future”. We were privileged to have 2 Medical Doctors from the community (Dr. Baird-Chin & Dr. Sutherland), nurses and other health professionals who offered care and service to the community members. Back to school medical, blood sugar testing and other screening were provided. Also sharing in our event was VMBS who reminded us of ways to invest/save for the future. We had bounce-a bout, free back to school give-a-ways for the children. Talks from the Fire Department reminded the children about safety in the home and the Dental Nurse also gave a talk with a demonstration of how to brush and care for teeth. Free dental kits were given to the children present. The team can truly proclaim that it was a fantastic week and to God be the glory for His leading in our lives. It was a pleasure serving the community and to all who contributed cash, kind or even gave of their time, many thanks. For those who prayed and who worked behind the scenes, we appreciate your service. May we continue to serve the Lord with gladness and remember “ we are not our own, - Michelle Roper-Carty
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...to our GSAT Achievers Richard Ferguson St Catherine High School
Jaleesa Turner Wolmer’s Girls’ School
Jewel Brown St. Jago High School
Jo-Ellen Green Wolmer’s Girls’ School Leighton Nolan Calabar High School
Kaheem Stephenson Cedar Groove Academy
Abigail Anderson Ardenne High School Anika Treasure Bridgeport High School Shasnicole McIntosh Ascot High School
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‘Fathers in Fellowship’ Fathers treated at Father’s Day Brunch
A section of the attendees, enjoying a good laugh
Bro. Denworth Finnikin from the Greater Portmore SDA Church addressing the fathers
“Father of the Flock,” Pastor Blondel Campbell
While the role and value of the father is often undervalued and underappreciated in the wider society, that has never been the case at the Gregory Park SDA Church. On June 15, 2014 the fathers of Gregory Park were treated to a celebration of fatherhood under the theme: Ordinary Fathers, doing Extraordinary things. The Father’s Day brunch, organized by the Women’s Ministry Department, Family Life Department and the Youth Department, was hosted at the Lewis’ residence, in Westchester, with approximately 50 attendees, including members and visitors. After the brief worship service to begin, the men engaged in a ‘paper roll game.’ This is where a roll of tissue was passed around and men instructed to take as much as they wanted, but not too much. The aim of this activity was to get fathers sharing about themselves and fatherhood – the more tissue one took, the more he would be required to say. Added to the morning’s activities were riddles, jokes, and other fun games and activities throughout the day. The women and youth waited on the men - ensuring that both body and mind were fed. Guest speaker for the day was Bro. Denworth Finnikin from the Greater Portmore SDA Church. His presentation focused on the entire ‘man’ – encouraging the brothers to be good Christians, good husbands and good fathers. His presentation was followed by a rousing discussion segment which had the men talking animatedly amongst themselves. Bro Finnikin encouraged the men to start having sessions, whereby men (and boys) can meet together to have meaningful dialogue. The day ended with a special word from the ‘father of the flock’, Pastor Blondel Campbell and the handing out of tokens. This event was proof that our fathers are special treasures, as the Women’s Ministry, Family Life Department and Youth Department of the Church celebrated them and all that they continue to do.
The Light
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cripture is filled with people we can learn much from. When it comes to the challenging vocation of fatherhood, several fathers in the Bible show what is wise to do.
In honour of Fathers’ Day, celebrated June 15, here are three fathers who fathers today can learn from.
Abraham - Father Jewish Nation
of
the Noah - A Righteous Man
What could be more frightening than being the father of an entire nation? That was the mission God gave Abraham. He was a leader with tremendous faith, passing one of the most difficult tests God ever gave a man. Abraham made mistakes when he relied on himself instead of God. Still, he embodied qualities that any father would be wise to develop.
Noah stands out among fathers in the Bible as a man who clung to God in spite of the wickedness all around him. What could be more relevant today? Noah was far from perfect, but he was humble and protective of his family. He bravely carried out the task God assigned to him. Modern fathers may often feel they are in a thankless role, but God is always pleased by their devotion.
Joseph - Earthly father of Jesus Surely one of the most underrated fathers in the Bible was Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. He went to great pains to protect his wife Mary and their baby, then saw to Jesus' education and needs as he was growing up. Joseph taught Jesus the carpentry trade. The Bible calls Joseph a righteous man, and Jesus must have loved his guardian for his quiet strength, honesty, and kindness.
Of course, God the Father is the ultimate role model for all human dads. His love, kindness, patience, wisdom, and protectiveness are impossible standards to live up to. Fortunately he is also forgiving and understanding, answering fathers' prayers and giving them expert guidance so they can be the man their family wants them to be.
Barrington Carter and son Myles
Terence and Royston McLaughlin
Kerlew with children Kamali & Kaliyah
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To get copies of these and other SDA Christian Literature:
PUBLICATIONS of the Quarter
If God’s heaven and new earth will be a friendly place for children, then God’s church today must also be the friendliest place on earth for children. The objective of this book is to help the adults of the church to realize the importance God places on children. . This is not only the work and opinions of a loving mother, a dedicated teacher, and an assiduous church worker, but of someone who embodies all of the above and is backing it up with scientific research and discovery. The wish of our church is to become a little heaven on earth for all children. To help the children feel wanted, loved, appreciated, and not just tolerated, is the wish of church leadership. May our churches be eminently friendly places for children, because someone has read and practiced the principles as espoused in this book.
Speak with your local Publishing Director
Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre Kingston, 74 Constant Spring Road. Spanish Town, 58 Brunswick Ave Mandeville, 5 1/2 Annex Drive, Ocho Rios, Native Plaza, 58 Main Street Montego Bay, 30 Church Street Savana-la-mar, 6 Rose Street Visit the Inter-American Division Book Store Website at http://store.iadpa.org/ Or any other online book store such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Confused about the seemingly endless new and often contradictory health information in circulation today? How about a common-sense reality check on living well? Tim Arnott, MD of the Lifestyle Center of America has produced this helpful book of 24 short, practical health tips based on scientific research and the Bible that will help you live longer, happier, and healthier. For example, did you know that women who drink more water lower their risk of heart attack? Or that seven to eight hours of sleep a night can minimize your risk of ever developing diabetes? Want to keep Alzheimer’s at bay? Take 100 micrograms of Vitamin B12 supplement every day—especially if you’re a vegetarian! Want to lower your risk of Prostate cancer? Find out this and more in Dr. Arnott’s 24 Realistic Ways to Improve Your Health.
Features: • The physical and social needs of children. • What leaders can do. • Ways in which the church can act and organize itself.
Features: . • Practical suggestions from an experienced family physician. • Trustworthy information, in understandable language. Easy application to daily life
Dimensions: 13 x19 cm • Binding: hardcover • 158 pages • Full-color illustrations
Dimensions: 17.5 x 25 cm • Binding: hardcover • 126 Pages • Full-color illustrations
T he Li ght
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Health as a Lifestyle Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighbourhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services such as water, electricity or telephones were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away . Families can, and do, cope with disasters by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed below to create your family’s disaster plan. Knowing what to do in any eventuality is your best protection and your responsibility . Step 1: ► Meet with your family and discuss the importance of preparing for any type of disaster that affects your family unit such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. Take especial care to explain the dangers of these disaster events to children. ► Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. ► Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address, how to get there, and the phone number. ► Ask a friend or family member to be your “family contact.” Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Every member of the family must know your contact's phone number. ► Discuss what to do and where to go if you have to evacuate. ► Plan how to take care of your pets. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations so make advance plans for relocating pets outside the home.
utilities—water, gas, and electricity—at the main. ► Check if you have adequate insurance coverage for each hazard. ► Install a fire extinguisher in your home and get training from the fire department or a safety team for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type). Make sure each family member knows where the fire extinguisher is kept. ► Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. ► Conduct a home hazard hunt. ► Stock emergency supplies and assemble an emergency kit. ► Take a first aid and CPR class. ► Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find at least two ways out of each room. Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1–Nov 30 Are you prepared for
STORMY WEATHER?: Important things to do before a storm
Step 2: Complete this checklist: ► Post emergency telephone numbers—fire, police, ambulance, etc.—by phones. ► Teach children how and when to call 119 or 110 for emergency help. ► Show each family member how and when to turn off the
Step 3: ► Practice and maintain your plan. ► Quiz your kids every six months or so. ► Conduct fire and emergency evacuations. ► Replace stored water and stored food every six months. ► Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to the manufacturer's instructions. ► Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the bat teries at least once a year. Step 4: ► Conduct a home hazard hunt. In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard. Here are a few things to check for: ► Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. ► Fasten shelves securely. ► Place large, heavy objects on
lower shelves. ► Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. ► Brace overhead light fixtures. ► Secure water heaters by strapping them to the wall. ► Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations. ► Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources. Source: Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
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Health as a Lifestyle
What to Know About the Mosquito-Borne Virus
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hikungunya is a crippling mosquito-borne virus that has spread to the Caribbean. Here's what you should know about this virus and how to lower your risk of infection.
What is Chikungunya virus? The virus is, pronounced "chik-en-gunye." is spread from person to person through mosquitoes. It is an African word, and it translates to 'that which bends up,' because people bend up with joint pain, one of the most common symptoms.
Where did it come from, and how does it spread? Scientists believe the virus originated in 1952 in southern Tanzania. Chimpanzees or other animals were probably first infected, says Amesh Adalja, MD, an infectious disease specialist in Pittsburgh. Mosquitoes that bit these animals became infected, then bit and infected people . The virus can stay in a person's system for about a week, according to the World Health Organization. When a mosquito feeds on an infected person, the mosquito can become infected and can bite and infect others. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes transmit Chikungunya. They also transmit dengue fever, another disease caused by a virus.
Where has Chikungunya been found?
occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The virus was found for the first time in the Americas on Caribbean islands in late 2013. Nineteen Caribbean and South American countries and territories have reported outbreaks as of June 13, 2014, according to the CDC . As of June 17, 80 cases have been reported in 13 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the CDC says. Puerto Rico has 23 locally transmitted cases; all of the others are travel-associated, in people returning from the Caribbean or Asia. No transmission between people in the U.S. has been found.
to the World Health Organization, although in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. As of June 13, 4,576 cases have been confirmed in the Caribbean, with 14 deaths, according to the Pan Am erican Health Organization. Most people will recover in about a week, although some will need to be hospitalized. A small number of people will have joint pain that lasts for months. Newborns exposed during delivery, people 65 and older, and people with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are particularly vulnerable to infection, the CDC says.
How do you minimize risk? Travelers to areas where the virus is circulating can take precautions against mosquito bites. The mosquitoes carrying the virus can bite day or night, indoors or out. The CDC advises:
Cover up exposed skin by wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hats. Use insect repellent that contains as an active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, What are the symptoms? PMD, or IR3535. Usually fever, rash, muscle aches, and joint pain. Headache and joint swelling can take place. When a person first Consider treating clothing and gear such as boots and tents with the becomes sick, they will think they have repellent permethrin. a flu-like illness . Symptoms first appear about 4 to 7 days after the bite, according to Stay and sleep in rooms with the World Health Organization. A high screens or air conditioning. percentage of those infected become sick. She estimates that 90% of those Use bed nets if you are sleeping bitten will develop symptoms. outdoors.
What is the treatment?
SOURCES:
No specific treatment is available. Typically, fever-reducing medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are given.
World Health Organization: "Chikungunya."
How severe is it?
In the past decades, outbreaks have The disease is rarely fatal, according
CDC: "Chikungunya in the Caribbean." CDC: "Chikungunya virus." Amesh Adalja, MD, infectious disease specialist, University of Pittsburgh; member, Infectious Diseases Society of America. Kristy Murray, DVM, PhD, infectious disease specialist, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. Houston.
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The Light shares the following news stories on religion from across the world, for the information of readers. Opinions expressed in these reports/stories do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Light, the Gregory Park SDA Church or the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Over 200 Persons Baptized at MM14, Spanish Town
coming.” A major part of the MM14 Spanish Town was the outreach activities. In preparation and execution of the programme the following outreach activities were accomplished:
Painting of the police station Health fair and march Feeding of firefighters and police officers in Spanish Town Job Fair and Expo Day of Kindness
There has been a ripple effect of this MM14 programme, not only in Jamaica but also from overseas with who watched online,” stated Pastor Levi Johnson, President of Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “Many have stated that they were blessed by the ministry of Pastor Peter Joseph. In planning for this event I didn’t want MM14 to come and go, but that it would create a lasting impression, and indeed it has by reaching out to others.” A sizable portion of the congregation and persons baptized were young people. According to Jacqueline Bennett, coordinator for Adventist Youth segment of MM14 Spanish Town, “the Pastor Peter Joseph preaching at the opening night of MM14, Spanish Town young people expressed that the words preached were straight (Photo courtesy of Kemar Douglas) from the bible and they learnt a lot. It was a different experience and whether it rained or shined it was great to be there.” he Spanish Town leg of Metro Mission 2014 was a treMM14 programme then moved to Old Harbour, April 27 mendous success with over 220 persons being baptized – May 25, with Pastor Robert Williams From UK, Portmore, May 4 in the three weeks evangelistic event held March 20 – – May 30, with Pastor Alton Williams, and finally to May Pen, May April 23, 2014. The two mega tents pitched at 56 Bruns25 – June 22, with Pastor Michael Harvey. wick Avenue saw some 3,000 persons attending the event and with countless others watching online and on the road (via the big screen). This leg of the MM14 initiative - Hope for the City, was done under the theme, ‘The Experience’. The speaker for the series was Pastor Peter Joseph, Executive Secretary for the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “No matter how bad things get down here, and it will get bad, we don’t have to worry because we are people of hope,” Pastor Joseph encouraged in his last sermon of the series. “Those of us who know Jesus, know very well that when trouble comes all we have to do is hide in Jesus. All through the centuries what kept believers going was their hope Jesus and His second
T
Source: Central Jamaica Conference. Article by Kemar Douglas
Continued on next page
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Seventh-day Adventists are #UnitedinPrayer for freedom for the #NigeriaGirls
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arely do we witness a story emerging in news reports that is so universally abhorrent as the world has witnessed in the mass kidnapping of over 270 girls from a school in northern Nigeria. When armed militants from a terrorist group rounded up the girls it was first under the pretense of moving them to safety. But according to accounts of some of the 53 girls who escaped, they were threatened with both forced marriage as well as being sold into slavery. . While millions around the world have been moved to march and to protest and to join in a social media campaign calling for the safe return of the girls there are several key reasons for Seventh-day Adventists to lend their prayerful efforts to their plight. . This kidnapping is a single event that infringes on several highly held values of Seventh-day Adventists including religious liberty, violence against women, education and human rights. . Since the establishment of the International Religious Liberty Association in 1893 Seventh-day Adventists have fought for religious liberty, believing that every human being has the right to practice their religious belief or even to choose not to believe. It has never been a matter of whether the belief aligns with our own it has simply been the assertion that people must be free to practice and to choose their own faith. The apparent forced conversion of these kidnapped girls from Christianity to Islam not only violates our principles of religious liberty, but also that of Muslims around the world. In 2009 the Seventh-day Adventist Church launched the enditnow campaign to end violence against women and girls. The idea was to raise awareness of the fact that violence against women is an issue not only in the community, but also in the church. All were called to see this as unacceptable. The campaign raised nearly five hundred thousand signatures around the world in the process. . Every signature registered in the enditnow campaign can now become a voice calling for the freedom of the stolen girls. . Education is a value that the Seventh-day Adventist Church lives and demonstrates every day. With more than 1.5
million students in its 7,600 schools in over 100 countries around the world the Adventist church has demonstrated that the education of boys and girls alike is a matter of utmost importance. . For the Seventh-day Adventist the view on human rights flows from a belief that men and women alike were created in the image of God and because of this every human being must be treated with the dignity and respect that God’s image deserves. God created humanity with the freedom to choose. God takes this freedom so seriously that it extends to the ability to reject God himself, if we so choose. Whenever human freedom is treated with so little regard and human life with so much disdain we should all be moved. . As a church that has come to value religious liberty, education, human rights and that has encouraged awareness of the problem of violence against women, and has demonstrated these values in tangible ways we, we now issue a call to prayer. Although none of the girls are a member of our faith community, they are still our sisters and our daughters. Whether we live near the West African country of Nigeria or on the other side of the planet, their families are our neighbors. You are invited to join in a campaign of prayer for the freedom of the kidnapped girls of Nigeria. Source: SDA Official Website—adventist.org
Church’s General Conference Session Starts in a Year
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early 2,600 delegates will join thousands of Adventists in descending on San Antonio, Texas, for the opening of Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference Session exactly a year from today, July 2, 2015. The 10-day meeting will be held at the 65,000-seat Alamodome and the adjacent Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center under the theme, “Arise! Shine! Jesus Is Coming!” “We are looking forward to welcoming delegates, members and the public to experience the sights, sounds and colors of GC Session,” said Session manager George Egwakhe, an associate treasurer at the Adventist church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. . GC Session, held every five years since 1970, is the highest governing body of the church, which has more than 18 million members worldwide. The nearly 2,600 delegates will vote on policy items, authorize changes to the General Conference Constitution, and appoint church officers for five-year terms. The meeting also is a revival event, a reunion for members and families, and a trade show of ministries. Worship services are held throughout the day and feature musical performances representative of the worldwide denomination. In the evenings, regional leaders present reports about the church’s mission in their territories. . “It’s like a giant camp meeting,” said Sheri Clemmer, associate Session manager and the church’s meeting planner. GC Session also will see Adventists carry out community service projects, stage cultural and musical events for the public, and conduct healthcare programs in San Antonio. The site for the 2015 Session was chosen in 2006 by the church’s Executive Committee, which is comprised of more than 330 delegates from around the world. . Source: Adventist News Network
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Central Jamaica Conference, Third Quarter July Sab 5 Sab 5 Sab 5 Sab 5 Sab 5-Sun 6 Mon 7
Day of Fasting & Prayer (Conference Session) Elementary/Academy Promotion Day Personal Ministries Day Parish Bible Boom Finals – Manchester Willowdene High School Graduation Pastors & Bible Workers’ Meeting – CJC Board Room Tues 8-Sab 12 Health Ministries Convention Wed 9 Executive Committee Meeting Thur 10 2nd Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due at CJC Office Sab 12+ World Mission Budget Sab 12 Communication Day Sab 12* Tell the World: Media Ministry Sab 12 Parish Bible Boom Finals – Clarendon Mon 14-Mon 21 Teen & Junior Camp Wed 16 Prayer Conventions – St. Catherine (Districts) Thur 17 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Sab 19-Sab 26* Consolidation Emphasis: Church History Week Wed 23-Thur 24 Conference Session Sab 26 Spiritual Revival Emphasis Tue 29Sab Aug 2 Inter-American Division Youth Congress – Guatemala City
August Thur 1-Sab 31 Thur 1-Sab31 Thur 1-Sab31 Sab 2* Sab 2 Mon 4-Mon 11 Sab 9*+ Sab 9* Mon 11
Vacation Bible School Federation Bible Boom Eliminations – Confer ence-wide Abuse Prevention Month Children’s Ministries Emphasis Day Global Mission Evangelism Senior Camp Adventist Youth Day University Education Promotion Day 2nd Quarter Statistical Report due at CJC
Mon 11-Sab 16 Wed 13 Sab 16 Sab 16 Thur 21 Sun 24 Sab 30 Sab 30
Office Pathfinder Camporee Executive Committee Meeting enditnow Day Youth Day Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Sports/Fun Day JAMU Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Certifi cation Ceremony Book and Nutrition Centre Promotion – BNC Connect
September Mon 1-Tue 30 Mon 1-Tue 30 Mon 1-Tue30 Sab 6 Sab 6 Sab 6 Sab 6-Sab 13 Sun 7 Sun 7-Sab 13* Sab 6*+ Wed 10 Sab 13 Thur 18 Sab 20 Sab 20-Sab 27 Sab 27 Sab 27 Sab 27
*Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division **One week before each “Mission To The Big City/Town Outreach” all night prayer meeting on the Saturday night at the main church +Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division # Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter
Pathfinder Month – Conference-wide JAMU Youth in Leadership Month Lay Recruitment, Subscription & Miss. Maga zine Promo month Lay Evangelism Day of Prayer for Rebuilding the Family Altar Bible Boom Finals – St. Catherine Adventist Review (Annual Subscription Pro motion) Leaders’ Council – Camp Verley Family Togetherness Week Adventist Mission Emphasis (offering) Executive Committee Meeting Youth Spiritual Commitment Celebration (Southern Hemisphere) Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Pathfinder Day Health and Healthcare Emphasis Week Vision One Million Baptismal Day 13th Sabbath Offering (Euro-Asia Division) Conference Bible Boom Finals – Clarendon (May Pen Church)