THE JAMAICA
Ready! Set! Go!
Established 1874
January 2017
5th Believers Convention; 167th General Assembly Dorrett R.Campbell
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The Ministry of the word The preachers’ bureau is a seeker’s delight. On Wednesday, President of the International University of the Caribbean and former General Secretary of the United Church, the Rev Dr Maitland Evans addresses the Ministers’ conference on the topic, The Minister as a Scapegoat; and the Convention lecture on The Christian faith and human flourishing: Reflection on the Church’s agenda.
o it’s that time of year again, when Baptists ready themselves for the pilgrimage to the second city, for a time of “reflection, renewal, fellowship, discernment and decisionmaking,” on the platform of the Fifth Believers’ Convention and 167th General Assembly. Cast in stone (except for last year) the date of the General Assembly - the highest decision making body of the Jamaica Baptist Union, - is the last week of February, commencing on Wednesday. This year, the Assembly takes place under a new thematic banner, Being God’s People in God’s World - Living the sacrificial life. Under the leadership of Rev Dr Devon Dick, there will be the daily sessions at the Holiday Inn Resort; the nightly worship services at the Calvary Baptist Church, mission outreach opportunities in Hanover and the climax on Sunday, for the second time, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Sounds like the same old routine, doesn’t it? But this Assembly promises to be anything but the ‘same ole, same ole.’ JBU General Secretary Karl B Johnson, the linchpin of the preparations, tells the JBR that there are four new features in this year’s gathering: a fellowship meal on Saturday, in the guise of an appreciation banquet; the launch of a national blood drive to support the national blood bank; the use of the performing arts to execute the worship service on Thursday – Mission night - and public recognition of sanitation workers, during the closing services on Sunday. The Drama on Thursday, he adds, is being scripted by former playwright and Principal, Melita Samuels, a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.
Of course, there is the usual music ministry that never fails to bless at General Assemblies; the presentation of two reports; the election of a president-elect; mission outreach activities; early morning Waking with God sessions and sectional meetings of Auxiliaries.
As is the practice, the JBU has identified a facilitator external to the Union for the daily Bible studies. He is the pastor of Philadelphia based Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Rev Dr Alyn E Waller, a theologian, community leader, musician and singer extraordinaire. At the formal opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, eager ears will anticipate the presidential address on the topic, Giving freely.
One of the activities that Rev Johnson always anticipates, he says, is the Thursday Blitz, when the Assembly divides itself into teams to visit and dialogue with community leaders. “This year we go to Hanover to rap with civic leaders, speak with area dons if we must and initiate dialogue toward community development” Johnson adds.
Rev Dick also delivers the sermon on Witnessing fervently, because of..., at the first of two closing services on Sunday. cont’d on page 8
President’s Message
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am happy to report to you that from all indications, there continues to be increasing interest shown in our denominational subtheme of Living the Sacrificial Life. We are sincerely hoping that the interest reported will translate into increased individual and collective practical expressions, such as donating a pint of blood; recognizing those who do menial tasks at great risk and giving gifts so that others might simply live. I reflect on what makes an act of giving a real gift. I call to mind the gift we may make of ourselves, as well as, of what we possess. The reality is that unless what we give is truly a gift, it loses its Christian pedigree and so the giving in itself also loses the right to be regarded as Christian giving.
The suspicion however, is that it is possible to think, believe and claim that what we have given is a gift, but in reality it is not and so falls outside of what it ought to be with resulting spiritual deficiency. We may want to reflect on what it is that makes a gift a gift. I would like to share four guiding principles from the words, ‘freely we have received so freely give’ (Matt. 10: 8.). First: A gift is a gift within the context of Christian giving, when what is given is acknowledged as received from God in Christ; and it is given in a manner that bears the pattern of how it was received: It is Christ-motivated and Christpatterned, which means that the only real reason for giving rests in Christ Jesus. Second: That which is given becomes, and is a gift, as it becomes a sign of Christ’s way with the giver, Christ’s goodwill to others through the giver and Christ’s work for the greater good of both the giver and the receiver. A gift is freely placed at the disposal of God, and is left to do what God wills to do with it. It is never subject to the self- interest of the giver. Third: In Christian giving, a gift is a gift when the giving does not diminish the joy, satisfaction, enthusiasm and fulfilment of the giver, but rather increases and strengthens them. The real difference is that the sense of joy, satisfaction,
That ‘bloody’ leap year 2016 was brim full of prizes and surprises: Britain ‘brexited’ the European Union; woke up next morning, wondering what it had done. ‘Twas all downhill for US presidential hopeful, Hilary Clinton, who, along with the rest of the world, was shockingly TRUMPED in a ‘bigly’ way! Mama P called ‘IT’ in February, smack in the middle of our Union’s annual pilgrimage to the 166th General Assembly; she lost by a sliver of one seat: her surprise; Holness’ prize. Rev Dr Devon Dick assumed leadership of the JBU under a new, abstract, yet exciting sub-theme, Living the sacrificial life. He has been running wid it to congregants… Our athletes, including our own lightning Bolt, amidst threats of Zika, took Brazil by storm, amassing 11 medals at the Summer Olympics. Hurricane Matthew toyed with us for a week before routing his ravages to Haiti, Bahamas and Florida. Police Commissioner Karl Williams took the ‘intent-tostep-down’ baton from PNP President Portia Simpson Miller…Some surmise that they were gently nudged downward…outward… or … just plain tired. Prizes for Peter Red [Peter Blue picked the start; leadership race aborted] and the lovely lady DCP Novelette Grant, who gets to test her mettle for 90 days.
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How the West was won, I surmise, is being re-enacted in St James. The once peaceful tourism mecca is now beleaguered by gun-toting lotto scamming brutes, wreaking murderous mayhem, adding more than 200 to the just over 1,000 murders for the year. Several of the latter were domestic murder-suicides… catalysed by unrequited love? I surmise. Seriously tongue in cheek: the one thing we haven’t tried in taming this monstrous shrew is a woman in the top hot seat. It was indeed a blistering year. Nevertheless, God’s people remained faithful amidst the frightful, giving tangible expressions to living the sacrificial life, celebrating our Saviour’s birth; sustaining hope in His return. OH COME EMMANUEL, COME! Kudos to my JBR team who amid late starts, surgeries, conflicting obligations and competing priorities, produced three editions for the year… In this Issue, we introduce a new feature, Greetings from across the Union, highlighting some leaders and their families. This we do, so that you may know them; be mindful of the sacrifice they make in supporting our leaders on the mission. Pray for all of them. We look to possibilities in 2017. Continue to pray, hope and work so that Jamaica may, UNDER GOD, increase in beauty and prosperity… I pun you not.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
enthusiasm and fulfilment, is experienced in ways that were never anticipated or expected. This is why genuine gift-giving results in joyful thanksgiving on the part of the giver for the privilege it is, and never a basis for boasting. Fourth: What we give becomes a gift when it is seen, recognized and acknowledged humbly and sincerely, as a fruit of the grace of God in Jesus Christ, by which we are enabled in our own weakness and frailty to act in a way similar, though not identical to God’s own way in Christ. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER Official publication of the JAMAICA BAPTIST UNION 2B Washington Boulevard Kingston 20 Telephone: 969-6268 Fax: 924-6296 Email: info@jbu.org.jm Website: www.jbu.org.jm Editorial Committee Dorrett R Campbell (Editor) Clinton Chisolm Ptako Davis (Design and layout) Arlene Henry (JBU Programme Coordinator) Karah Whitter Sophia Williams We invite you to submit your articles, stories, poems and comments by email, fax or send them to the above address. 2
From the Desk of the General Secretary
Simplicity and solidarity on a moral agenda and significant re-ordering. This re-ordering is critical if Jamaica is going to reverberate with a pulse of Hope. The moral agenda But from whence will this Hope come and in what will it be rooted? For some, hope lies in reducing the murder rate; increasing the employment rate; strengthening the economy; attracting more investment; and presumably, in the establishment of a council to drive a Growth Agenda. We believe however that a growth agenda ought to be undergirded by a Moral Agenda, if our hope for Jamaica is going to be anything but “a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained.”
The New Year has thrown the Church into the glare of public scrutiny, triggered by allegations of sexual abuse of children by pastors. The consequent criticisms have been painful, yet constructive on the one hand and cruel and puerile on the other.
Here’s an opportunity to reflect on the nature of the Church as God’s missional instrument to, and in the world and how we represent this divine expression. There’s cause to repent of the ways we have dishonoured God’s presence and to also acknowledge that the Church’s ‘future’ is not contingent upon our actions. Let us also seize this moment to ‘reset’ our language and posture, as God’s representatives, by shedding the garment of haughtiness and descending from the mount of triumphalism, adorned in humility. The Church speaks then, not because her representatives are irreproachable. Her representatives speak because we are ambassadors of the God who desires that His world be filled with the knowledge of His glory as the waters cover the sea (Hab.2:14). Indeed, the Church’s voice is crucial to the realization of human flourishing and we must never resile that mandate. So, at a time when experts and leaders in several spheres of national life are parlaying their pronouncements on where Jamaica went wrong in 2016 and what the country needs to get right in 2017, we raise our hands, stand to our feet and speak God’s word to a waiting nation. Whatever the counsel, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment that shall continue to flood our hearing in the days and weeks to come, among the areas of consensus should be the fact that our society needs urgent
Our historical grounding in strong religious traditions and solid folk-wisdom, should facilitate the establishment of this Moral Agenda. Of course, this will build on the lessons learnt from the Values and Attitudes programme pursued at different times over the last two decades. The Church must pursue and call our country to embrace a Moral Agenda as the strongest foundation upon which the achievement of Vision 2030 will be realized. Our Union’s two-year thematic focus, Living the Sacrificial Life, fits into this scheme and I challenge every member to embrace it with fervour. Our theme affords us a pivot from which we can point persons to a path that is sustainable and holistic, because it is grounded in God’s principles. The path of simplicity One such path we need to pursue is that of simplicity. Jamaica has become drawn into an interpretation and vision of life which confuses quality with quantity; substance with hype. Travelling this road has been nothing more than a sucker punch to the dreams and aspirations of too many persons, who have been looking to achieve what is outside of their reach but who, in that quest, are striving to reach what is not good for them.
For those who are not culturally lethargic, we know him as ‘Sizzla,’ but to avoid any pre-judgement, I offered his message before his moniker; and I felt at liberty to quote him because notwithstanding his run-ins with the law, he has been doing useful work in his hometown of August Town. Sizzla’s message is quite sound: Work hard; don’t be drawn in by the “hype;” live simply. God invites us to live simply. The path of solidarity. Another path to which we need to commit is that of solidarity. As a Church, we have the wonderful privilege of modelling to the world the life affirming gift of journeying with persons through their crucible of situations. God calls us, in Jesus Christ, to stand with and alongside human beings, thus giving visibility to their inalienable dignity. This is more than just tokenism or a platitudinous ploy to gain public applause. It means entering their experiences and empathising with them; it means seeing each other as fellow human beings; it calls for more than pity, it calls for compassion. Yes, it calls for solidarity It is in this regard that the Union has decided to acknowledge and affirm the worth and dignity of persons who are often overlooked because of the menial but necessary tasks they perform in our society. To this end, we have invited the National Solid Waste Management Agency (NSWMA) and its related entities, to the Closing Services of our upcoming Assembly, where we shall present to them a contribution of both cash and kind as a sign of our support and solidarity. Brethren, 2017 is with us! Let us continue to live the sacrificial life!
Karl B Johnson
What a difference it makes when someone comes to realize that God invites us to follow him along a path, which is guaranteed to add value to our lives! How liberating it is to someone to discover that God resources us with all that we need to make life meaningful! The lyrics of Miguel Orlando Collins’ song, Simplicity, are quite apt: Simplicity we use to survive Many find it difficult because them ignorant and hype Simplicity we use to survive Do what you doing properly, that’s the way through life. THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
Members of the JBUMA Mission Volunteer Programme with Rev Steve McDonald, newly appointed Church Moderator for Lluidas Vale Baptist church. Lluidas Vale, Saint Catherine, Jamaica.
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MINISTRIES AND MISSION Ministries and Mission
TDM preparing God’s people for service
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ince its inception in 2004, the Training and Discipleship Ministry (TDM), under the aegis of the Jamaica Baptist Union Mission Agency (JBUMA) has turned out 278 graduates, many of who have been or continue to be engaged in a range of mission activities, locally and internationally.
Baptist Church charged her fellow graduands to stay hungry and learn new things, even while taking care of the self so that “through us God’s will be done here on earth.” Three other members of the graduating class, Mrs Angela Comrie, Mrs Yvonne Soares and Mr Kevin Matthews shared from their practicum experiences.
The sixth graduation exercise for the eastern school was held at the Mona Baptist Church on Saturday 26 November 2016. Chaired by the JBUMA Director, Rev Dr Learoy Campbell, the ceremony saw 19 persons graduating. Guest Speaker, the Rev Michael Shim-Hue past director of the JBUMA recalled the genesis of the TDM and impressed upon the graduates the importance of taking ownership of the church as partners in the mission of God. He urged the graduates to view God’s mission as one of collaboration and cooperation.
Also chaired by Rev Dr Campbell, the fifth and final graduation exercise for the western school was held at the Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday 12 November 2016. Guest speaker Mrs Jeanne Robinson-Foster, Attorney at Law, community advocate and leader challenged the graduates to be true to their calling as servants of God. Miss Dorian Morris was the Valedictorian. Nine lecturers who served at the western school for three or more cycles were given plaques of recognition.
Valedictorian Jessica Stewart from the Boulevard
The TDM was established in 2004 to prepare God’s people for service. The courses covered
in the two year programme provide practical training and engage critical thinking on current theological, cultural, social and economic issues. The programme was designed to “broaden and deepen understanding of the Church’s faith, inspire thoughtful practice of it, encourage bold and confident witness to it and facilitate formation of leadership in serving it,” according to the Chairman, Rev Dr Burchell Taylor. The first school was located at the Mona Baptist Church Educational Centre and was later extended to Calvary Baptist Church Educational Centre to accommodate persons from western and central Jamaica. In September 2016, the western school was relocated to the Ocho Rios Baptist Church Educational Centre to allow persons living in north central Jamaica an opportunity to share in the programme. The courses are facilitated by a team of committed and competent lecturers.
Women of God living the sacrificial life The Jamaica Baptist Women’s Federation Conference 2016, held from August 9-11 under the theme, Women of God Living the Sacrificial Life, saw more than 98 women attending. Fifteen of the conferees were attending for the first time. Among the first- timers were eight sisters between the ages of 30 and 45.
keynote speaker and Bible study teacher on Tuesday. Then, on the much anticipated Open Day on Thursday which saw more than 800 sisters in attendance, Rev. Jonathan Hemmings, Pastor of the Ocho Rios Baptist Circuit and one of the Vice Presidents of the Union delivered an intense and soul-searching message.
The JBWF President, Mrs. Sylvia Henry, at the opening session on Monday evening, challenged the sisters to heed the call to serve one another. Handing a cross to each sister, she reminded all that the cross is a symbol of surrender, submission and victory. She urged the sisters to do one small thing each day for someone else during the conference.
A significant feature of Open Day was the introduction of the President- Elect, Mrs. Dafflyn Campbell. Other conference highlights included a presentation on The Church and Common law Union by the Rev Norva Rodney, Pastor of the Kitson Town Circuit of Baptist Churches. This was well received, with the sisters suggesting that wider congregational discussions be held with a view to sensitising members on the issue.
Among the pastors, who led the sisters to exploring the conference theme and sub-themes with great diligence was the Rev Stacey Knowles,
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As part of the JBWF mission engagement, two back-to-school clinics were held on Wednesday at THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
Andrea Wilmott Bethel Baptist
Verona Ricketts
Clarke’s Town and Kettering Baptist churches.
More than 150 students had their medical forms completed. Each student received school supplies and other items which were contributed by conferees. The conference ended on Saturday morning with a time of personal and corporate prayers of thanksgiving, petition and intercession.
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WINDOW ON THE WORD
Heightened expectation for the Messiah Rev. Dr. Learoy Campbell Mandeville Baptist Church
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The way opens for a creative people Thirdly, the coming of the Messiah opens the way for a creative people. The text creates a great vision for our times. It is a time of worldwide peace. This peace is acquired because the people will go to Zion for arbitration. The people believe that out of Zion the principle of justice and human treatment will create wholesome living.
xpectation is a major force that will catapult a people through the most troublesome periods of life. Expectation causes us to think that it is worth the while to wait, toil and give. When our expectation is based on that which has acted favourably in the past, each day comes with more powerful fuel for life’s journey. Our text for today (Isaiah 2:2-4) ought first to be seen within the context of Isaiah, the prophet who expected the Messiah to change circumstances of dissatisfaction with which he had to contend. Isaiah was dissatisfied with how the Jewish culture was assimilating other religious beliefs. These other religions were elevated to the position of Israel’s God. They placed their altars in the Jewish synagogue and practised human sacrifice. These practices were contrary to the orthodox Jewish faith. Isaiah saw the day of the Lord coming when God Himself would take up residence in Judah. Our text must also be interpreted as a prophetic vision to God’s crowning revelation in Jesus Christ. In such regard, Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, who Israel long awaited for, but who would also have a worldwide impact. In such case, the text points to the establishment of the church for all people, the great missionary work which extends from Jerusalem to rest of the world and the day of accountability in which Jesus will judge the world and bring lasting peace. We have come to celebrate the coming of Jesus, to experience God’s intervention in the plight of human suffering and to renew our commitment to wait patiently on Jesus, the Christ, who will bring this world to its final consummation. Our text today gives us some pointers that ought to characterize the process of waiting and give precision in regard to the activities of God’s reign. A central place for the messiah’s operations Firstly, Isaiah speaks of a central place for the Messiah’s operation. This central place is Zion, the mountain of the Lord where the temple will be established as chief among the mountains. It will be raised above the hills and all nations will stream to it.
There will be no more cries in the street for justice because the people will find dispute resolutions to be reasonable and satisfactory. So satisfactory will it be that weapons of war are transformed into instruments of production. This passage is common to Micah and Joel but here in Isaiah, it addresses the point that manmade rulers are incomparable to God’s reign. God’s reign is permanent, prominent and popular. In such regard, it was a prophetic word that expressed complete dissatisfaction with those who occupied the position of power over Judah. Isaiah challenged the abusive powers of his days to take caution in how they treated the people in their tax reforms and ascribing to foreign culture at the expense of God’s purpose for His people. The counterplan of the Messiah Secondly, Isaiah speaks of a counterplan in the Messiah’s operation. For Isaiah, the coming of the Lord creates a complete shift in cultural values and so there is widespread desire to go to the house of Jacob to receive the teaching of the Lord and for Jerusalem to be the main influence in the world. When God comes a new day will dawn. Other nations will begin to express an interest in the ordinances of God at Jerusalem. The text speaks to what as Christians we proclaim that in Jesus Christ there is the liberty of worldwide access to God. The counterplan of the Messiah is seen in a memorial. The house of the God of Jacob is mentioned as a memorial of interest. They knew Jacob never waited for God in vain. As we continue to wait for God, we must never forget the memorial of Jesus who by His life, death and resurrection, showed us the path of righteousness and through Pentecost and his ascension, He promised never to leave us or forsake us and that He will return for His people. THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
The counterplan of the Messiah was seen in the manner of their lives in so far as they accepted the teaching of God and walked in the light of God’s word. This learning and following took place within the context of community; and God’s coming creates a new community in which we are accountable to each other. Advent is a reminder that we must be cautious about individualistic attitudes in our search for God and that corporate learning and obedience must never be rejected because it is in community that we mature in the faith and we are supported in our patient waiting on God. If we reject community, we may fall at the mercy of our selfish ideas and gravitate towards the tenets of strange teaching. Our manner of life is that we must know what is right from wrong; and when we recognize this, we will be in good stead for the coming of the Lord. The counterplan of the Messiah seen by Isaiah is for people to have a memorial that will create an image of perseverance and waiting on God, a manner of life that guides us into discerning right from wrong and a mandate that will guarantee the spreading of the gospel of the Messiah’s birth. I implore all of us to open the gates of our minds, hearts and souls and let the King of Glory come in, so that we can become this creative people transforming what is destructive into what is constructive; rather than delighting in the negative, we will delight in the positive. Let us use our intellect, relationships and resources to build a strong nation – not to tear it down.
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CORPORATE FEATURE
Glen Christian, doing what every Christian is called to do…
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sk me about a man who has pulled himself out of the obscurity of poverty into the glare of public acclaim and I’d say, ‘Google Glen Christian.’
In 1986 he established Cari-Med Limited out of a 3,500-square foot building at 20 Lady Musgrave starting operations with three employees. A year later he sold the Portmore Pharmacy, and Marva joined the new company as Credit Manager. This was not an easy step for the Christians. This was the 1980s and a period of both economic and political uncertainty in Jamaica. However, they persevered, guided by their faith in God, and the vision of service to their fellow Jamaicans.
Meet a Baptist who has combined his Christian Faith, ethic and values with business acumen, sheer drive and determination to earn a reputation as “a transformational leader, an extraordinary Jamaican business leader, a philanthropist from the heart, a patriot to his compatriots, a servant of God and a man of the people,” who is “simply doing what every child of God is called to do – serve their purpose.” Glenford ‘Glen’ Christian’s inspiring story began in the remote rural village of Wedgewell in the hills of Clarendon. He recalls that he lost his father on Christmas Day, when he was just a month shy of his third birthday. At that time his mother, a higgler, was pregnant with her eighth child. It would not have been hard for a child growing up in such circumstances to feel that fate had conspired against him, but young Glen was blessed to be nurtured in an environment that inspired him to care, not only about doing well for himself, but also about doing good for others.
Pen and post At age 17, Glen left home for Kingston, where he attended Buxton High School. He later found employment with the postal services where he worked as a postman while attending school in the evenings. Among the premises to which he delivered letters was 216 Marcus Garvey Drive. It was the home of Colgate Palmolive (Ja.) whose assets he would in time acquire.
Models and mentors His early role models were his mother, Evelyn and stepfather, Edward Mitchell. He describes the latter as “an angel who took my mother with eight children.’’ From his stepfather he learned the value of hard work and time management. Glen recounts one bit of advice that has stuck with him throughout his life. “He used to say to me, ‘If you mek di morning pass and you don’t mek use of the morning, then yu night going to be extra dark.’’ From his mother, Evelyn, Glen learnt the art of business. She was a market vendor, skilled in the art of buying and selling, and from age 10, he would regularly accompany her from their district of Wedgewell, Clarendon on trips to the Kellits, St. Ann’s Bay and Coronation markets. The family would grow from eight to 11 children, and there was not a lot in the way of material comforts. However, they were a strong Baptist family, and full participants in the activities of the Privilege Baptist Church of which his grandfather was a founding member.
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Lorraine Jones
In 1965 he enrolled at the Mico Teachers’ College, graduating a year early among the first batch of teachers to be sent on internship. However, his stint as a teacher was short as he was bitten by the business bug and the need to comfortably support his young family. His wife Marva, also a Mico graduate, was then employed as a teacher. Business bug bites In 1971 he landed a job as a salesman in the pharmaceutical division of H D Hopwood & Company Ltd. He later worked with the company as a medical representative, before being promoted to the position of sales manager. In 1979 the Christians acquired the Bayside Pharmacy in Portmore. Marva ran the operations of the new business which they renamed the Portmore Pharmacy. After 16 years with H D Hopwood, Christian made the decision to go fully into business for himself.
Ten years later, the company expanded its operations launching a Consumer Division, with a range of personal care items. Today Cari-Med is a leading distributor of harmaceuticals, medical supplies and consumer goods in Jamaica with a workforce of over 400 employees. In 2006, another affiliated company – Kirk Distributors Limited – was formed following the Christians’ acquisition of the assets of Colgate Palmolive Jamaica Limited and the distribution rights for their products. Today, Kirk Distributors employs over 224 persons and represents several leading international and local brands. In late 2014 Kirk Distributors a c q u i r e d Federated Pharmaceutical, a company founded in 1958 as the first manufacturer of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals in the English s p e a k i n g Caribbean. That company employs 75 persons. Passion and philanthropy Beyond his business pursuits, Christian is probably best known as a philanthropist with a passion for early childhood education. In 2010 he spearheaded, through the Cari-Med & Kirk Distributors Foundation, construction of the Evelyn Mitchell Infant School/Centre of Excellence in Brandon Hill, Clarendon. The school is run by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and was the first early childhood institution to be designated a Centre of Excellence by the government. In 2014, Glen established the Union Gardens Foundation, a coalition of private and public sector organizations with an interest in early childhood education. The Foundation’s first project was the construction of the Union Gardens Infant School - an 11,000 square foot facility in the inner city community of Union Gardens, St. Andrew. Cont’d on page 16
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
After the countdown…
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he countdown finally hit zero. After months of planning, practising, promoting and praying, it was time for praise to be lifted high for three days at the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Conference and Rally 2016, under the theme, Living the Sacrificial Life: Speak it, Believe it, Live it. First timers mixed with veterans entered the hallowed halls of the Jamaica Baptist Union Conference Centre on 24 November 2016 with their cups upturned waiting to be filled. At the Opening Service, Rev Frantz Camille, the pastor for the Warsop Circuit, delivered a powerful message reminding persons not to be silenced and not to be afraid to share the Gospel wherever they go. For some, Conference is a time to relax as dominoes could be heard and the shouts of “poor house a bun dung” could be heard. Fun, laughter and well needed rest for some were the order of the night. Day Two; and the business meeting was held: we looked at our achievements for the past year; reviewed our finances and selected Mr. Delano Mi ghty, the Vice Chairman for uniformed groups and member of the Giblatore Baptist Church as the Chairman-elect.
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Much appreciation was given to Mrs. Rochelle James for taking the conferees on “The Journey,” admonishing them to leave the sinful baggage behind and replace them with encouraging and spirit lifting luggage as we continue the journey. Influential youth leaders Sheldon O’Connor and Lance Fisher led the breakout sessions. They motivated the youths on how to (re)build youth ministries and dealt with some of the issues youth leaders face on a daily basis. As the day progressed, rain threatened to out the fire in participants as well as the bonfire. Nothing short of a miracle though, as the conferees gathered the firewood in faith, the rain clouds disappeared; the fire crackled and popped, and marshmallows, yams and potatoes were roasted while “ol’ time” songs were being sung. Youths went back in time with praise and worship, fiery prayers and a heated sermon that warmed the hearts and spirits of all who were there closing off a wonderful time at Nutshell.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
Lyricist Devontae has MC Natasha Barclay in stitches
Youth News
Marcel Clarke Christiana Baptist Church
All roads led to Ocho Rios Baptist Church for the All or Nothing Edition Rally on the Saturday morning. Buses poured in like the rivers that run through the tourist town. Baptists and non-Baptists came to see the competitions. Four new ones were added to the mix for variety and to encourage the creativity of young people. The competitions were Deejay, Mural, Short Story, Choral Singing, Choral Speaking, Bible Quiz and Dance-Drama. The Uniformed Groups of the Union entertained persons through their precision and skill. Persons who served at camps for 10 years and over were rewarded for their efforts. After the talented Baptist youths ministered through their pieces, Zone 2 (Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine) emerged the overall winners, taking home bragging rights for another year while the other four zones prepare to dethrone the champions at Rally 2017.
Deejay competition
NEWS line-up of facilitators and topics including, Revds Deonie Duncan: sacrificial living and the blessing plan; Burchell Taylor: Forgiveness, the ultimate self-denial; Oniel Brown: There’s an App for that; Karl Henlin: Making hard choices; Everard Allen: When the going gets rough; Michael Friday: Sacrifice and worship; and Mrs Evadne Coye: Sacrifice and leadership. The workshops are one of the features that excite
committee is moving apace with arrangements for the Assembly, General Secretary Johnson is urging members to come expecting a blessing. He believes that when God’s people gather, it is never a waste of exercise… “If we come with openness, if we come with a commitment to hear and to respond and to learn about God, we cannot but be uplifted, because by God’s own nature, he is a God of revelation and so we gather to hear Him again, to be challenged again, to reflect again… and yes, to continue the process of conviction …and to realise that we are indeed a countercultural community. That’s what the theme calls us to bear in mind…”
Pastor of the Yallahs Circuit, Rev Brenda Walker, takes the preacher’s baton on Mission night to speak to the topic, Serving faithfully; while pastor of the Kitson Town Circuit, Rev Norva Rodney runs the final leg on Sunday in a bid to rouse the Convention to “witnessing fervently… in spite of…” President Dick emphasises the need to shape a lucid understanding of giving, and to dispel what he calls the ‘strings-attached mentality in giving.’ “There are those who believe that we give to get rather than interpreting giving as a response to God who initiates giving. We have to change that perspective,” he declares. Capacity building for participants The General Secretary, in full agreement with the president, notes that similar concerns have helped to shape topics for the two series of five one-hour capacity building seminars slated for Thursday and Friday at 10:15am. Focussing on unpacking the theme, the workshops boast an impressive
I expect to be fully engaged and renewed. Business segments should be more Godcentred. Altar calls should be extended whenever the Word is proclaimed Claudia Bailey Zion Hill Circuit, St Mary
JBU Programmes Coordinator, Arlene Henry. For her, they serve as another opportunity to “expound on the theme and to help members understand what it means to live sacrificially...” The JBU President is of similar view, in noting that the workshops serve as another medium through which congregants can learn more about living the sacrificial life, strengthen their maturity and enhance their work as evangelists.
“So when we come we come expectant and we come to participate, we hope there is some down- time but we don’t come to get down-time… We come to participate…,” the JBU General Secretary concludes.
Come to give; come to receive Cautiously
optimistic
that
the
organising
I am looking forward to a Believers’ Convention in the presence of the Lord with spiritually enriching worship; intellectually stimulating workshops and emotionally satisfying fellowship. Delroy G. Sittol. Pastor, Moneague Circuit. THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
I hope to give of myself; to remain open and receptive to a Word from the Lord that calls for a response by faith. I hope that time will be spent assessing the state of the Union and the capacity of our local churches to offer contextual missional responses to our current socio-cultural, moral and economic challenges as Jamaicans Karah Whitter, Shiloh Baptist
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s e g a s s e M s r a e Y N ew
e h t m on o r f i P E AC E s s i omm
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he year 2016 ended on a high for the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department (JBUYD). We give God thanks for all He has done for us and through this ministry for the past year. We have seen a revival and resurgence of our Baptist Youth. We are also particularly pleased to see the recent involvement and display of our uniformed groups. This New Year will be no different, as we continue with the two-year theme and execute the many activities planned at the local, parish and national levels. Be sure to make use of every opportunity given to participate. Some of our major upcoming events and moments for fellowship and worship include the General Assembly in Montego Bay; One Day Young Adults Conference; Camps; Caribbean Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Youth Festival in Trinidad; Awards Ceremony for our Uniform Groups; Trip to Paradise; as well as Conference and Rally 2017. Thanks to everyone for their tremendous support thus far and we are definitely looking forward to an even greater year as we come together and build this ministry while Living the Sacrificial Life!
Media C
s we publish another issue of the Baptist Reporter, I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the members of the Print Media Committee headed by Dorrett R Campbell for their hard work and dedication. The hope is that the new look and relevant articles will continue to improve the way we share information and celebrate each other. Let me also thank the supporters of the Media Commission for the invaluable input and critique that have kept us relevant and ever improving the product that is offered. As we reflect on another year, let us be encouraged by the Christian message of peace. Let us remind ourselves that this peace is not only for the Christmas season but should be proclaimed and lived out in our daily lives. That it is not found in the absence of conflict and social disturbance but in Christ. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Living the life of peace amidst the social climate of conflict, violence, intolerance and hedonism is truly an expression of sacrificial living. So let us get involved and continue being God’s agents of peace wherever we live or find ourselves this year. Shalom!
Natalie Holness Chairman
B
aptists in Jamaica have been pioneers in education, beginning with teaching the slave masses on the plantations. Over the years we have, along with other Christian denominations, proudly contributed to the development of education in our nation from the early childhood through to the tertiary levels. We take this opportunity to salute and to greet you all as partners in education through our Baptist Schools and Churches. We give God thanks for the commitment and dedication you have demonstrated in serving our nation through education. The year has quickly passed and a new year is upon us. Changes and challenges continue to be a part of the education landscape but every challenge becomes an opportunity to produce the best of our creativity and our abilities. We assure you of our prayers and support for the year ahead. Our focus as Baptist in education is to continue to mould the lives of young minds so that they may become useful and purposeful citizens, who contribute positively to nation building. This is our sacred duty given the resources, opportunities, responsibilities and positions with which we have been blessed to continue to educate the people of our nation. Luke N. Shaw Chairman
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THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
FEATURES
One and One…
The Rev A Oliver Fraser has served in the pastoral ministry of the Jamaica Baptist Union for just over 47 years. Born in Ashkenish, Hanover, the 96 year-old retired pastor has shepherded congregants at the Mt Nebo Circuit for 22 years before moving on to the Ocho Rios Circuit in August 1972 where he spent the next 25 years. Small and slender like a blade of grass, yet towering with a colossal difference in the communities in which he served, Rev Fraser showed his
mettle as a builder not just of buildings but of people, inarguably producing the most entrants to the UTC. His accomplishments over the years have been many and varied, standing tall as a dynamic and fearless preacher, breaking the uncompromising word of God and mentoring young Christians into responding to the call on their lives. Earning the descriptor, the JBU humourist, he has been gifted with capacity to pour peals of laughter into people’s lives. He also served
as moderator of the Moneague and Bamboo circuits. He is married to Inez, retired teacher, chorister and organist, who bore him four children, Olivene (deceased) Dahlia, Grace, Karl, David.
How did you become a Christian?
Rev S Greaves was then pastor. It was while living with them that I first attended a Baptist church as I had grown up a Presbyterian. I told my uncle of my interest in the ministry and that I had applied to the Presbyterian ministry but they had turned me down. My uncle suggested I apply to the Baptist ministry. I applied in 1946 along with Alan Parkes, Azariah McKenzie, Allan Walker and John Alexander. All of us were accepted.
How did you handle those challenges?
I became a Christian at the age of 18, at an evangelistic meeting held at my home church, the Ashkenish Presbyterian in Hanover. Describe your call and journey to Christian Ministry?
What was the most challenging part of ministry for you personally? Serving the needs of people… In the rural, farming communities where I first served, the needs were many. When there was sickness or other crises, the parson was the first person to whom people would turn. In addition, I was appointed a JP and so sometimes even before breakfast, there would be a line of people waiting outside the door at the manse for help of various kinds. To serve them in addition to all my other duties as pastor was arduous, but fulfilling.
I knew from an early age what I was called to do. When I was 10 years old, my father and I were going to the field and he asked me, “what would you like to do in life, my son?” My reply was instant, “I want to be a minister of the Gospel, sir.” Somehow I knew even then. Whenever I heard good preaching, something would stir in me and I knew it was my calling.
The JBR enjoyed a one and one chat with Rev Fraser and has decided to allow its readers to eavesdrop on this conversation. He is our beloved. Listen to him.
Well, I was used to hard work. I grew up in a farmer’s family and so I was accustomed to hard work from early in life. I also had an example in my father. Although he was not well educated, he was the peacemaker in our community. Whenever there were conflicts he was the one people called. I also relied on God heavily to give me wisdom and guidance. Share with us some of the most memorable moments you experienced with your congregants and or fellow pastors I have served in two circuits, the Mt Nebo Circuit and the Ocho Rios Circuit. When I got to Mt Nebo in 1950, there was much work to be done. Many of the church buildings were in disrepair. The worst case was that of the Wheeler’s Mount church. They had started to build a church way back in about 1901 but it had never been completed. There was no roof or doors or windows or proper flooring. It had remained in this state for so long that grass was growing inside the building. There were very few members and those who were still around had stopped attending services, except for one faithful and remarkable man, Deacon Forest, who had been going to the church on Sundays by himself.
After passing the Third Year pupil teacher exam I was invited to serve as teacher at a primary school. I did it, but I didn’t like it. Many people encouraged me to continue in the teaching profession but it was not for me. While teaching in St James I lived with my aunt whose husband, was a deacon at Burchell Baptist Church where Conducting the ordinance of baptism THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
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FEATURES
...With the Rev AO Fraser He would be there alone, (well, he alone and God). He would worship there, singing and praying. He trusted God to revive the church. When I got there, I called the few members together and with God’s help we got going and eventually the church was completed and we had a grand opening and a thriving congregation.
What encourages you? I am encouraged when I have been able to make a difference; when my efforts are appreciated.
How did you win your wife’s love?
If you had chosen not to respond to the call to pastoral ministry what alternative career would you have pursued? I would have done something that involves helping people, but I never really gave serious thought to anything else, because I was very sure of my call and that God would bring it to reality even when my first application was rejected.
What sustained you as a Christian leader?
While I was in college I was sent to her church in Samuel Prospect, Trelawny one Sunday to preach. I met her and realised immediately that there was something significant in our meeting. After a while, I wrote to her and that’s how we began. We have now been married for 62 years. I have been fortunate to have had a wife prepared for me by God. She is very patient. While I was busy she readily took on much of the work of raising the family. We have worked together well.
My prayer life… I depend deeply on the Lord and talk with him about everything. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night to talk with him. Also the joy I feel when I am able to help someone. My love for people and desire to see them advance and develop was a constant motivation.
Sometimes I am hasty or impatient. Do you have any regrets or unfulfilled dreams right now?
I hate to see people being abused or mistreated. The suffering in the world makes me sad.
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I love to preach. Preaching is difficult but I enjoy it. To listen to God and receive his inspiration and then impart the word and see its effect in people’s lives is exciting and fulfilling for me. I also love visitation, counselling and performing weddings. If you could give advice to young pastors just starting out what would you say?
What are some things we might not like about you if we knew about them?
What makes you sad or angry?
What aspects of pastoral ministry do you enjoy most?
Looking back I deeply regret not doing more to help those in the communities who were illiterate. Perhaps in the churches we could have held literacy classes. This was a big need in the early days.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
Let love be your motivation. Love the people you serve. Be humble and open to all. Encourage participation; remember the church belongs to God and the people; you are there to train and help. Wait on God. If you are certain you have been called to the ministry go forward in confidence trusting God to help you.
s e g a s s e M s r a e Y N ew Faith from the JBWF
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st f rom the J BU
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J Mission Agency
or us human beings, space and time help us to relate to the changes we experience in a given period. Consequently, a new year ought to be seen as entering into the unknown. The access to information and scientific research has provided some means through which occurrences for a new year can be predicted with a certain degree of certainty. Notwithstanding, there is never enough information for us to venture into a new year without anxieties about the unknown. At best, on a purely human level, we enter a new year taking risks, which is a commendable approach in life. Someone once said, “Only those who will risk going far can possibly find out how far one can go.” My encouragement to you is to venture into the New Year by entrusting your life to the reliable guide. This guide is God who is both light and truth to those who relate to Him by entrusting Him our lives. Proverbs 3: 5&6 exhorts us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight.” To experience God as your guide is to be willing to surrender to God’s Lordship and resolve to serve in God’s mission in the world. On behalf of the Jamaica Baptist Union Mission Agency, our prayer is that we will surrender to God’s claim on our lives to do his will in the New Year. Have a most productive New Year engaging in God’s mission wherever you go.
Learoy Campbell Secretary
amaica Baptist Women’s Federation wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the acts of courage and determination of Christian women who are actively living their faith by serving their churches and communities despite the many and varied challenges during 2015-2016. At home in Jamaica, there continues to be alarmingly high levels of gun violence in our communities. Of note too is the domestic and sexual violence against women and girls. On the international scene, the refugee crisis in Syria and other parts of the world looms large with millions of displaced persons. Again, women and children appear to be most severely affected. However, amidst the fear and pain of death and destruction in our nation, JBWF sisters demonstrated an extraordinary sense of commitment to being God’s visible presence among the people in their communities. Many persons across the island especially the vulnerable sensed and felt their compassion and benefitted from the love and kindness of the sisters. As women of faith, we will continue to do what God has placed in our hearts. We will spread the Good News of hope, reconciliation, pardon and peace to all people so that more of our family members, friends, neighbours and work associates will hear God’s voice and come to know His heart and do His will.
Sylvia Henry President
Love from the JBU Brotherhood As we reflect, make resolutions, celebrate, and give thanks to God for allowing us to see the dawning of the New Year 2017, we should be thankful for the priceless gift of love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. There are some lovely, wonderful and valuable gifts on earth; however, the everlasting gift of love from God can never be surpassed. Despite the difficulties that the nation faces, we must never give up on that message of love and peace, the life and eternal example that Jesus Christ gave the world. We should make every effort to protect the vulnerable disabled, sick, old, children, and otherwise disadvantaged amongst us in our society.
The Brotherhood seeks your prayers and support in the following areas as we continue God’s work and service to mankind: • Male Evangelism activities and Spiritual Nurturing • Re-engaging and Rebuilding of Brotherhood Branches • Increase enlisting & recruitment activities - attracting new men into the Baptist family. • Embracing the need for positive changes in lifestyles, behaviours, and practices Let us through the enabling of our Lord and Saviour commit to making Jamaica a symbol of hope for peace, unity and love for 2017. May God continue to bless all families and communities.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
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Issues & Commentaries
Exploring new approaches to recruiting church leaders In their book, Reframing Organizations, Bolman & Deal (2008) noted that organisations “are complex … and are populated by people, whose behaviour is… hard to predict… What you expect is often not what you get… organizations are deceptive. They camouflage mistakes and…are ambiguous,” (pp.31-32).
Congregations, recognized as organisms, are decidedly also organizations. They are perhaps the most complex, surprising, deceptive and ambiguous of all, perhaps because they use the abstract language of faith, the unseen, the unscientific, and the mysterious. Pastoral resources The pairing of pastor with congregation is a most crucial partnership. The doctrine of the autonomy of the congregation was affirmed to assert that the
Madam editor:
It seems contrary to common sense but possible nonetheless that our beloved denomination is dying before our eyes and we are unaware of it or unconcerned about it! How else does one explain the fact that as far back as 1984 when I attended my first Assembly as a newly inducted pastor of the Porus circuit in Manchester, the reported number of members within our churches was 40,000 but with only approximately 18,000 at communion? I highlighted the difference at the general meeting at that Assembly and pointed out that the statistics were very likely bloated (estimated) and that this was alarming against the tradition of communion Sunday being ‘Parson Sunday’ and thus the best attended service in most if not all of our churches. I made this point for about five successive Assemblies to the detectable disgust and annoyance of several leaders and members alike, then I decided to “kibba mi mout” like Liza but noted the same trend until I resigned the pastorate in 1993.
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Baptist congregation is sufficiently competent to call its own pastor – not some bishop or outside authority. That call depends on discernment that should be carefully managed, with a measure of research, investigation and analysis, which people of faith often associate with business and science, but not the church. That mistake from time to time results in congregation / pastor mismatches. When that mismatch happens, the congregation’s efficiency and witness wane - even fail. But organizational deceptiveness, denies it all, while shouting “hallelujah!” A profile system for pastors and congregations may be the answer. After a suitable questionnaire is completed by pastors, a summary of their special abilities, interests, areas of focus and ministry strengths are codified and highlighted. These profiles (updated every 3 years) are then stored in the JBU’s data base. Congregations searching for pastors can search this data base, allowing the information in the system to aid them in their other forms of prayerful deliberations, investigations and discernment. On the other hand, congregations seeking pastors should develop the congregational version of this profile-summary. This can enable more thorough processes of discernment. Could not the Spirit be better heard this way? Lay and congregational resources Performance evaluations, traditionally exercised
In my old age I am back in the pastorate since 2014 and imagine the sense of déjà vu I felt when at Assembly 2015 I heard that our membership was the same 40,000. What was communion attendance in 2014? It was 16,984. Now swallow a pill and stomach these other statistics for that year. Average attendance at Sunday worship was 22,030 while Bible study attendance was a depressing 4782. Now tell me why we should not repeat the saying of the proverbial Chinese brother, “Sumting wong, seriously wong?” By the way, attendance at worship and Bible study declined further in 2015 though communion attendance climbed slightly to 17,279. I am just wondering aloud whether we are marking time, wasting time or growing over time. If our members pay scant regard for our Lord’s table, how sure are we that they know Him as Lord and Saviour? Worse, if we allow members to show scant regard for communion without appropriate spiritual discipline how biblically responsible are we as under-shepherds of God’s flock? It may not be certain or likely but is it not very possible that we are trying to get people to grow in Jesus who THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
one-dimensionally, can have unfair, lopsided and inaccurate results, justly making people apprehensive and dismissive of the process. Congregational operatives can enhance ministry by engaging in what is known as collaborative performance evaluations. These are exercises in which pastoral and non-ordained (lay) leaders sit together to evaluate themselves and the ministry along mutual metrics. The objective is to enable fair and mutual evaluation, first of Christ’s servants, in mutual submission to each other, and second, of Christ’s work, with which they have been entrusted. When done well, this engenders much joy and healthy relationships. Denominational leadership Denominational leadership is crucial for maintaining churches’ robust witness to Christ. In a nation fraught with the kinds of challenges and opportunities as Jamaica’s, it is also national leadership. To secure personnel who are equal to the task of both objectives, and for serious positioning for the remainder of the 21st Century, certain offices might be better filled, utilizing a combination of a search committee, a profile system, and inviting nominees and applications for the position, the duties of and qualifications and abilities for which should be adequately published. After all, God does work organizational processes!
through
orderly
are not born in Jesus? It could be a shocking reality if every church leader was asked to identify areas of church life where there was clear evidence of growth, numerically, spiritually, functionally or otherwise. I asked a gathering of our deacons and secretaries that question recently and there was silence on earth for an embarrassing while. Maybe it’s just my failure in leadership but… The views on this page are not necessarily reflective of those of the Jamaica Baptist Union as a whole. Please send your views, letters, questions and issues to the editor: info@jbu.org.jm. Your letters should be no more than 200 words.
The Ministry of Deacons
Issues & Commentaries
The Baptist Reporter uses this medium to feature different aspects of what we believe This is Part Two of a two part paper on the Ministry of the Deacons produced by the Faith and Order Commission. We invite your comments and questions
The Early Baptists and the Diaconate The early Baptists appear to have regarded deacons as ministers. John Smyth, who organized the first Baptist Church in Amsterdam, identified two sorts of ministers in the Church. Christ has set in His outward Church two sorts of ministers, viz. some who are called pastors, teachers or elders, who administer the word and sacraments, and others who are called deacons – men and women – whose ministry is to serve tables and wash the saints feet. Thomas Helwys, colleague of John Smyth, who organized the first Baptist Church on British soil in1612, envisaged a Church congregation having several Elders as well as deacons. Both Elders and deacons alike should be appointed by the Church of which they are members, with fasting, prayer and the laying on of hands. Yet though from this it was envisaged that a Church would have multiple elders, eventually in many Baptist Churches eldership came to be identified with a one-person ministry along with deacons who continued to serve the ministry of the church. In some of these Churches a three-fold pattern pastor, elders and deacons remains. The current situation with Baptists in different parts of the world and even sometimes within the same country reflects the same varied and diverse understanding of the place and function of deacons in the Church. In recent times, among British Baptists, the deacons’ responsibilities have been described as follows Example: to be a good example to the rest of the Church members. Decision-making: participating in the decision-making functions in the church, offering needed leadership; Unity : serving the maintenance of unity within the church – theological unity, unity in purpose, unity between age groups, unity within, between (and among?) church organizations and unity between the minister and church members. Good Administration: contributing to the facilitation of good administration. Christian Growth: promoting Christian growth among members, by fostering members’ support of the opportunities for growth which the church offers. Outreach: stimulating the church to be involved in evangelism and service. Among Baptists in the United States of America, the deacons’ role is variously understood. Let us take one example in the Southern Baptist Convention. The office of deacon is described as one not of authority, but of service rendered by one who
agrees to be an example in spirit, love, devotion and loyalty. The original purpose of a deacon is said to have been significant to preserve the spiritual fellowship of the church. Today, according to this understanding, deacons are to take care of families in the church. They maintain regular contact with Church members so that encouragement, support and nurture are provided. They visit in the homes of church members to maintain a contact from the church. In times of crisis, each deacon seeks to provide Christian concern and ministry. Within the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) the second edition of Guide to Church Membership which came out in 1973, explained that the varied ministries of the Church exist under Christ. Regarding bishop and elder as interchangeable words in Scripture, the Guide states that elders correspond to officers in JBU churches and that bishops correspond to pastors of local congregations. The elder, the Guide says, ‘is one who sees to the job to be done and gives some spiritual oversight’. According to the Guide in the New Testament, deacons are helpers in the churches. “The function of the Deacon today’, says the Guide is more like that of an Elder. He must be a man greatly respected for his faith, behaviour and leadership. He has a ministry to the fellow members and is responsible for oversight, particularly in his area, but also in the fellowship as a whole. He is elected by the members, then ordained” (p20). This is the closest we get to a clear official statement on the role of the deacons in the JBU churches. Notwithstanding the male gender bias of the language used, both male and female serve as deacons in the church. In what is said deacons are seen to have a responsibility that relates to spiritual welfare of the members in particular but also not without interest otherwise in the general life of the church. The responsibilities are not spelt out in any detail probably wisely so since they would most likely vary amongst circuits of churches and congregations. However, things like participating in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper especially praying and distributing elements, taking communion to the sick and infirm, preaching, administering welfare fund or provision, where this is in operation, generally constituting a body which assists the pastor in ministry matters including disciplinary ones would probably be amongst the responsibilities of deacons. Such things as the manner in which deacons are selected or appointed, the duration of their tenure and the way they are acknowledged, recognized or set-apart by the congregation are not matters on which there have been any guidelines. There seems to be an ever increasing need for such guidelines noting what seem to be disagreements of a divisive nature concerning such matters which
are becoming more and more evident in our midst. Such guidelines among other things will protect against arbitrary decision-making and actions on the part of individuals or groups, preserve the integrity and function of the office and reflect the corporate will of the church under the guidance of the Spirit. Conclusion In the end, amongst the variations and diversities that characterize the whole matter of the diaconate and its function there are still certain constants that merit some careful notice. These cannot but make a salutary impact on whatever is thought, said and done as far as the diaconate is concerned. What are the constants? The persistent presence and function of the office. Changes occurred in its influence and prominence at one time or another and in different settings and circumstances. However the need for such an office in one form or another was always felt. The very title itself remained throughout, probably because it speaks of the fundamental servant character of the office which is so absolutely essential at all times in the life of the church. The association of the office with the office of the pastor or priest in an assisting or helping role even though it is at the same time an office in its own right. It is not an office that functions independently or in a total substitutionary fashion in relation to the office of the pastor or priest or its equivalent. Certain functions such as those concerned with membership welfare and involvement in the worship-life of the church seem to have been constant features of the role of deacons. There seemed to have been certain qualities that remained consistent requirements for the holding of the office. These are influenced greatly by the list found in the New Testament - 1Tim. 3:8ff; cf. Acts 6:3 (7). There seem to be a consistent adaptability of the office that makes it an office that is particularly responsive to ministry needs at the level of congregational needs and members’ welfare as they emerge from time to time. This no doubt accounts for the measure of diversity that is so much itself one of the constraints associated with the office.
Assembly News News from around the Churches
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Calvary Baptist hosts massive wellness fair
aturday, August 13 was forecast as a day of heavy showers and thunder storm by the weather experts, but this was the day planned by the Calvary Baptist Church to present Wellness in mind body and spirit for a healthy society as its 170th Anniversary gift to the community of Montego Bay.
examinations; 40 adult screening tests including dental examinations; and 31 pap smear screenings. The Calvary Baptist Church covered the costs for pap smears for 25 of the 31 women to the tune of $65000. More than 45 students were presented with gift packages sponsored by Grace Kennedy and members of Calvary Baptist Church.
Mental and Financial Wellness Participants were introduced to relaxation through yoga techniques as well as options in elder care services. The Church collaborated with First Global, Jamaica National Building The aim of this inclusive wellness fair Society and Montego Bay Corporative Credit was to persuade the public to practise Union to emphasize the importance of saving healthy lifestyles. It focused on four main and planning for important milestones in life. dimensions of physical, mental, spiritual and financial wellness, through which we Spiritual wellness provided screening, assessment, counseling, Pastor Jackson spoke to evidence-based educational talks and product sampling. principles on the role of forgiveness, sharing, love, faith, worship and fellowship in wellness. The fair opened with blessings from Reverend Musical illustrations were delivered by Bro. Everton Jackson, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Paul Thomas and his team, coordinated by Church; and greetings from Dr Ken- Garfield music director Claudia Tavaris. There were Douglas, Regional Director of the Western 23 ten-minute educational talks which were Regional Health Authority in the Ministry of interspersed with lively gospel music. Health. Educational talks Physical wellness The education sessions, moderated by Sis In partnership with the National Health Patrecia Harris, Jamiko Yapp and Marline Fund, the Diabetes Association, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, St James Health Department, the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Jamaica Cancer Society, we provided 1050 health screening tests; 60 free back to school medical Approximately 500 persons benefitted from the Fair at Jarrett Park and hundreds more through live outside broadcast on RJR with Dorraine Samuels.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
Rosalee Brown
Stephenson-Dalley saw several experts sharing their experiences and providing sound advice for healthy living. The topics included the importance of physical activity in healthy lifestyle presented by 76 year old runner Gerline Nelson. Nutrition experts from St. James Health Department emphasized the importance of breast-feeding to wellness and the dangers of the ZIKA virus to the general population and especially to pregnant women. The Road Safety Unit, in tandem with the Community Safety Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Directorate of the Montego Bay Peace Management Initiative focused on the synergy of environmental health, safety and wellness; while representatives from the Living Waters Medical Centre and the Gynae Centre spoke to the issue of protecting pregnant women from the ZIKA virus. Food fun and frolic The children also had fun in the bounceabout while participants sampled products from CariMed, Grace Foods, and Life Span Water. The Commitee ensured that there was a healthy offering of food, fresh vegetables, fruit, juices, soups and porridge for everyone. The wellness fair Committee gives thanks to God that the promised thunderstorm came but it circled the park and left only a drizzle to cool us down in the sultry afternoon.
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News from around the Churches
Waldensia circuit celebrates world’s oldest Christian T
he Trelawny based Waldensia -Trittonville Circuit of Baptist Churches recently honoured its oldest member, 116 year old Violet MosseBrown. The Circuit leaders and community members gathered at the Trittonville Baptist Church to thank God for their extra-precious, super-centenarian whom they affectionately call Sister Vie or Sister Brown. This renowned golden-ager is the second oldest person in the world and is believed to be the world’s oldest Christian; oldest Baptist and oldest person in Jamaica.
Lauding her as a role model in the Duanvale community, Rev. Hariff Allison pointed out that Sister Brown played a leading role in the expansion of the church plant at Trittonville Baptist, over many decades. “She was instrumental in changing the roof of the church and adding an overnight facility for pastors. Back in the old days, the church had only visiting pastors and they would have to sleep in the church if they wanted to stay overnight or for a few days,” Pastor Allison explained. “Mrs Brown changed that situation by spearheading the project to build an adjoining room on to the church for accommodating visiting pastors.”
The Waldensia Baptist Pastor also credited the super-centenarian as being the invaluable repository of history for the Trittonville Baptist and the Duanvale community. Acknowledging that no written history of the church existed previously, Pastor Allison said, in trying to compile the history on the church in recent times, he had learnt many things from Mrs Mosse-Brown.
During the celebration, the guest-of-honour was lauded and cited as a person of exemplary character and an ardent, dedicated and faithful servant of God, who served her church for more than 80 years in varying capacities. She was also hailed as a mentor, historian, disciplinarian, business woman, outstanding church and community leader. The celebrants praised Deacon Mosse-Brown’s faithful and enthusiastic labour in helping to build up the kingdom of God and assisting with the spiritual and numerical growth of the Circuit for over a century. Many of the participants in the appreciation event commended Sister Brown for giving herself fully to the music and Christian Education ministries of the church. They reflected on how she served the Trittonville Church as its devoted organist and choir director for many years. The gathering expressed heartiest gratitude for Mrs Mosse-Brown’s sterling role in guiding the brethren as a deacon of the church and Sunday School Teacher.
Glen Christian, doing what every Christian is called to do…Cont’d from page 6 Faith in God Mr Christian credits his faith in God for giving him the strength and passion to persevere in building a legacy that has benefited not only his family, but also the families of his over 800 employees and contractors. He is a longtime member of Bethel Baptist where he chairs the fundraising committee for the Healing Ministry. He attributes much of his personal success to his wife, Marva, whom he describes as ‘my rock.’ He is also the proud father of daughters Althea and Kavell and sons Gregory and Kirk. Glen Christian has earned numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. Among them are the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fifth highest honour; the coveted Jamaica Observer Business Leader Award; the prestigious Mico Gold Medal Award for Miconians who have distinguished themselves in public life; The Jamaica Observer Lifetime Achievement
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Award and honorary degrees from the Mico University College and the University of Technology. He was recently recognised by the leadership of the Privilege Baptist Church and friends of Brandon Hill who erected a monument in his honour. While he accepts these accolades gracefully, Christian maintains that he is simply doing what every child of God is called to do – serve their purpose. “The bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. I recognize that we are here to serve our purpose and there’s nothing more fulfilling for me than to know that I am touching lives where it matters,” Glen asserts.
THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
News from around the churches
The rich heritage of Sligoville Baptist in the first free village
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he Sligoville Baptist Church, formerly known as Mt Zion Baptist Church is located in the hills of St Catherine, north of Spanish Town, the old capital of Jamaica. The structure is Georgian style interlaced with cut stones on the eastern side overlooking the famous free village of Sligoville. There was originally a gallery and a baptismal pool that still exists. The records show that a mission was started in 1788. The first pastor was Rev. Christopher Kitchen. Since the inception sixteen (16) pastors have served there. In 1824, with the arrival of Rev James Murcell Phillippo, the Sligoville church formed part of the Spanish Town Baptist mission, inclusive of the Glade church. The Sligoville church was established by the Baptist Missionary Society of Great Britain. In 1929, with the arrival of George Lisle and William Knibb the mission continued and Sligoville gained official church status in 1835, in time for the first Emancipation Day celebration on August 1, 1838, which was also the proclamation of Sligoville as the first free village in the Western hemisphere. The St John’s Anglican Church and the Baptist Church were the first two public buildings in Sligoville. The Baptist Church served as a chapel,
Clovis Brown & Beverley James Drummond school and meeting place. In October 1838 the chapel was fully ready and was dedicated in honour of Lord Sligo (the Marquess of Sligo and Governor of Jamaica up to 1836 and sympathetic to the cause of the emancipated slaves). [A marquess is a British nobleman ranking above an Earl and below a Duke] On June 12, 1840 the school was formalized in the chapel as a government leased school and classes were held there until 1951 when it was destroyed by hurricane Charlie in August of that year. The chapel was rebuilt in June, 1957 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Joslyn James Carter Henry. The school was relocated, construction began in October, 1951 and the school opened its doors on January 1, 1952. Sligoville, the first free village settlement was officially opened with a religious service in the chapel. The church still has its celebration annually on August 1. On August 1, 1979, the 150th celebration was held. In attendance were the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Edward Seaga and the late Governor General, Sir Florizel Glasspole. It was indeed a memorable occasion.
a prayer breakfast and ground-breaking for a new chapel (still to get off the ground). It climaxed with a banquet and an awards presentation. On January 21, 1996, Jeremy Ulick Browne, 11th Marquess of Sligo visited Sligoville and dedicated a plaque in the Baptist Church. It reads, “This plaque has been erected by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust to commemorate the visit of Jeremy Ulick Browne, the 11th Marquess of Sligoville and the Marchioness of Sligo to the historic Sligoville, the first free village. It was the Rev. James Murcell Phillippo who named it in honour of Howe Peter Browne 2nd Marquess of Sligoville, Governor of Jamaica (1834-36), friend of the former slaves.” In 2003 the Sligoville/Ebony Vale circuit was formed. Today it is the Sligoville Circuit of Baptist Churches (including Richard Hall and Waugh Hill). Prior to all this the Sligoville Baptist church had class houses in adjoining districts. Finally we are grateful both to Christians who worked for it and to God who rewarded their efforts with freedom. To God be the glory.
January 1, 2004 – August, 2004 the 175th anniversary celebration was held, beginning with
The Plaque is unveiled by the Marquess and wife assisted by then pastor Rev Jeffery Mckenzie THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
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Regional and International News
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Neville Callam retires December 2017
eville Callam has given notice of his intent to retire as general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) on 31 December 2017, a press release from the Baptist World Alliance says.
attention to the church’s mission as the mission of God,” locating the ministries of relief and development, the defence of freedom and justice and a commitment to the unity of the church within that vision.”
As is the policy, the general secretary, the chief executive of the international umbrella organization for Baptists, should give a minimum notice of 12 months before retiring.
“You are one of those gifts from God for the church,” BWA President Paul Msiza said in response to Callam’s announcement. “I have been touched and encouraged by your deep faith and commitment to God and to the mission of the church...”
Callam, a Jamaican, made history when he was elected to the position in July 2007 during the BWA Annual Gathering in Accra, Ghana, as the first Black person to hold the position. Since its founding in 1905. Under Callam’s leadership, much work was done to streamline the administration of the BWA office, giving clarity to the alignment of purpose, function and operational modalities.
Since Callam’s assumption of the post, BWA membership has grown from 214 to 235 member organizations in 122 countries and territories, bringing new countries and territories such as Vietnam, Grenada, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, into the BWA fold. In his retirement notice letter, Callam said his commitment in serving the BWA was to “draw
Noting his scholarship and commitment to theological rigor and integrity, former president and current chair of the Human Resources Committee, John Upton said Callam “modelled unsurpassed excellence of service” and that “his leadership has challenged the BWA to becoming increasingly an authentic global Baptist community.”
Caribbean Baptists meet in Barbados… Henlin laments the ‘CARICOM divide’ “Too many in the Caribbean are pursuing their own kingdom, putting up barriers that prevent the people of God from being enriched by the gift of each other.”
divides, displaces and dehumanizes rather than uniting people. He noted that this disunity and inherent suspicion characterised the relationship of CARICOM states, resulting in the displacement and neglect of some This was solid criticism from the Pastor of countries such as Haiti and a reluctance to the St Catherine based Gregory Park Baptist “support anything regional.” Church, the Rev Karl Henlin, who gave the keynote address to more than 300 delegates “We have largely neglected Haiti, often treating gathered at the Radisson Aquatic Resort them as poor, unwanted cousins, then getting in Barbados on 26-27 October 2016 for the all frenzied when a disaster happens, but annual Baptist Gathering organized by the soon, so soon we forget them again caught up Caribbean Baptist Fellowship (CBF). in our own survival…” Rev Henlin lamented.
Everton Jackson Secretary / Treasurer, CBF
an erudite Baptist Pastor.” In his over 45 years of service to the organization, the Rev Mr Wood served as President, Executive Member, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CCP, member of the BWA Executive and General Council among other Committees.
In his response, Rev. Wood expressed his thanks to God for calling him into service. The meetings were hosted jointly by the Baptist Alliance of Barbados, Barbados Baptist Convention and the First Baptist of In addressing the theme, Jesus Christ, the Henlin who is also chairman of the Board of Barbados. Door, with textual reference from St. John Trustees for Caribbean Christian Publications 10: 9-10, the Rev Mr Henlin challenged the noted that “even in the church we delight in The Caribbean Baptist Fellowship was founded congregation to see Jesus, the door, as the difference which divides us. We suspect other in 1970 and currently has approximately 17 one who leads us into genuine freedom, denominations, refusing to serve together active member bodies drawn mainly from enriching fellowship and a glorious future with because they don’t sing what we sing or the English-speaking and French/Creole divine possibilities. believe what we believe. We have allowed the territories. historical baggage to frustrate the mission of He further contended that the Caribbean had God, making our denominational allegiances allowed global forces to divide and rule it, thus block and prevent the united voice of the “causing us to deride our trade arrangements church.” in the face of threatening, gobbling global market demands in which American apples During the closing ceremony of the Executive get priority over Jamaican patties.” Meetings the Rev Vincent Wood, founding member of the CBF was recognized for his Rev Henlin pointed to social media - a sterling contribution to the work of CBF, Baptist consequence of rapid technological advances World Alliance and CCP. He was cited as “an and globalization - as a bridge that ironically icon of the faith, a no-nonsense person and
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THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017
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THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER JANUARY 2017