Baptist%20reporter%20 %202018%20april by Ticoan Myrie

The Jamaica

BAPTIST REPORTER April 2018

Established 1874

Madam President... Karah Whitter

It is YOU!

cores of congregants — the majority being women — were a part of Baptist history when Karen Kadianne Francis Kirlew took her “vows” and became the first female president of the Jamaica Baptist Union on Sunday, February 25 at the National Arena in Kingston. What a pay day it was for women in the Union! President Kirlew’s installation was met with roars of cheers and cymbals of applauses as congregants got caught up in what was a show-stopping moment. Never before, outgoing President Devon Dick said, had there been such excitement, enthusiasm and expectation for an incoming President. God’s works are unchallengeable Her response was precise and to the point: The historic moment, she said, was a reminder that God’s activity was not constrained by time; and we don’t always understand how God works but God’s works are unchallengeable. She acknowledged her limitations and thanked congregants for their support and for impacting her life.

Unheralded misfits

And yes, there may have been a few, crying in the wilderness, “It should not have been her!” by virtue of her sex. But make no mistake if there were any doubt whatsoever in the minds of those who sought the mind of God on the matter, it would have been dispelled by the word spoken by God through his mouthpiece, Director of Communications at the Baptist World Alliance, Rev Eron Henry. Treating with the topic, Mutual dependency — body parts, Henry chronicled a slew of biblical “incompetent, unworthy, unheralded unimpressive” misfits from Moses to Paul to Jesus to “the four weak, desperate, despised lepers” of 2 Kings 7: 3-11, whom God called and transformed into extraordinary potent instruments to achieve great things. “All the evidence suggests that it should not have been any of these people... living on the margin, on the edge, holding onto the tongue of the precipice, but whom God used mightily anyway,” the preacher declared. MADAM PRESIDENT continues on Page 12

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Called God’s People

heightened focus on the community’s core values which include but are not limited to co-operation, openness, accessibility, and sustainability. Let us, therefore, honour, value and defend integrity, respect, diversity, solidarity, justice, equity and accountability. Let us hear clearly the challenge to a commitment to community and, as the Church, let us be the model of God’s people and God’s community wherein the aforementioned core values occupy our being and doing. Let us do this, even when there are rising tensions and discordant notes conveyed by the prevalence of crime and violence in our nation and by forms of abuse, especially where our women and children are concerned.

to be

Karen Kirlew

isters and Brothers, partners in the ministry of Jesus Christ, This is a time in our nation when the 338 congregations of the Jamaica Baptist Union are contending with crises caused by a number of factors. These factors include indiscipline, unresolved disputes, conflict in interests, the enchantment with things material and a disintegration in values which severely affect family and community life The crises with which we contend cannot be ignored but summons the Church to make bold proclamations of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These proclamations must emphasize the varied ways the Church takes leadership in facilitating new expressions of dignity in social interactions and in all other aspects of life.

Denominational representatives to the Opening Ceremony from left: Rev Dr Lenworth Anglin, past Executive Chairman of the Church of God in Jamaica; Archbishop Kenneth Richards, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston; Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche, 1st female President of the Methodist Church in Jamaica; Rt Rev Howard Gregory, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese in Jamaica and the Cayman Island; Rev Christopher Mason, Moderator, United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Let us then, as the Jamaica Baptist Union, bear true expression of our theme, “Being God’s People in God’s

World — Living in Partnership”, by exercising our role to build the foundations of community, with a

The end and the beginning… The168th General Assembly is now a pleasant memory, but its outcomes and impact should linger even into another decade. This edition of the JBR endeavours to capture for posterity, the salient activities of that memorable event. The Assembly witnessed several firsts: the installation of our Union’s first female president, Karen Kirlew; introduction of the sub-theme, Living in partnership; practical expression of the theme in an unprecedented partnership fair and the staging of the Town Hall Conversation on crime and violence; the recognition of the General Secretary for 25 years of ordained ministry and breaking of ground for the proposed expansion of the Horizon Home for the Aged. By God’s grace, I have been privileged to serve in the print media ministry with several persons whose intentional good works and faithfulness have helped to improve the quality of the Union’s flagship paper. The end of a cycle presents an opportune time to acknowledge their work and worth:

fulsome praise to Clinton Chisholm, Arlene Henry and Karah Whitter, who have been stalwart enablers on the editorial team. We manipulate this medium further to acknowledge immediate past president Devon Dick for his effective and dignified leadership as well as his sterling support of the media ministry over the years. We welcome madam president Karen and ask that we throw our weight of godly support behind her as she leads the Union in navigating the constant turbulence and volatility in its environment. There are tough times ahead for our membership; and as was stated in a previous editorial, it takes adaptive leadership to chart a course through choppy waters without floundering or getting seriously scathed in the process. I pray that God will grant her and all of us, an acute awareness of self and a sharp and empathic sensitivity to others as we rely on each other to grow in grace and to move the Union into another decade of effective and efficient ministry.

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There is no doubt in my mind that the life of holiness and righteousness is the life that the Jamaica Baptist Union in particular, and the Church in general, is called to proclaim and model. This model makes clear pronouncements of an engagement in solidarity, is keen on building capacity and is not afraid to partner with others for the sake of God’s economy. May we as God’s partners be the reality of this model so that God will be seen, known and glorified.

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 Chisholm Allison Hall Arlene Henry El-dorad McCallum — Design and Layout Karah Whitter Please send us your articles, testimonies, letters, original poems and news stories to info@jbu.org.jm

From the desk of the

GENERAL SECRETARY

Creativity, sensitivity and empathy in partnership ‘…for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have all the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others’ Romans 12:4Karl B. Johnson

ssembly 2018 saw the launch of our final twoyear thematic focus for the decade, ‘Living in Partnership’. By way of a quick refresher, the overarching decadal theme has been, Being God’s People, In God’s World, and during each twoyear period we have zoomed in on sub-themes as a way of unpacking it. So far we have looked at Living in Hope (2010-2012); Living in Peace (2012-2014); Living in Faith (20142016) and Living the Sacrificial Life (2016-2018). Bringing his sharp hermeneutical skills to the afore-cited Romans passage, then President Dick, in his sermon at the Opening Service of the Assembly, made the point that ‘a life of ongoing self-giving commitment in shared relationship is the solid basis and enduring foundation for meaningful and effective partnership’. A necessary observation it was, in my view, if we are going to bring to bear a decidedly Christian perspective on any partnership. The fact of the matter is that ‘partnership’ has become a buzzword or a hackneyed word/phrase. As such it has taken on meanings and interpretations that when closely examined, in many cases, do not fit into what a partnership ought to be. Christians need to be more deliberate and careful when we talk about, or engage in, partnership.

Again we owe a debt of gratitude to Dick who, in that said sermon, offered four factors that any partnership ought to be based on. It requires, essayed Dick, humility, valuing dignity, maintaining civility and embracing community. By no means an exhaustive list, those four factors, however, take us a long way on the road to establishing authentic, sustainable and transformative partnerships.

and women who are facing situations of domestic violence as we travel along this partnership-building road. Her invitation is in sync with her challenge to us at the Closing Service of the Assembly when she exhorted us to live in partnership in ‘…our local spaces, partnering with the community by joining with the entities that are trying so hard to create safe spaces for the citizens of this nation…’

PARISH ASSOCIATIONS

Travelling on the road of establishing partnerships shall become a tedious, mundane, uninspiring journey indeed unless we engage with imaginative minds and empathetic spirits. Failing to do so might lead to us not seeing the man lingering at our church doors or not feel the touch of the woman with the issue of blood. It’s the calling of every Christian to be alert and attuned to the opportunities God is providing for us to lend a hand, break down a wall or build a new family.

Joining her on this road as leaders shall be:

St. Elizabeth/Manchester Rev. Gareth Irvin

VICE PRESIDENTS Rev. Norva Rodney Rev. Luke Shaw

Clarendon

Ms Rose Green

St. Catherine

Rev. Dwight Fraser

GENERAL SECRETARY Rev. Karl B. Johnson

Kingston & St. Andrew Ms Monica Graham

TREASURER Mr. Phillip Rattray

St. Thomas

Rev. Dukett Duncan

St. Ann

Rev. Gary Johnson

JBUMA SECRETARY Rev. Robert Campbell

ELECTED MEMBERS

That is one reason why the words of Eron Henry on the Sunday morning of the Assembly shall long live with me. Henry ended his stirring and moving sermon by saying ‘…and as we leave this place this Sunday, know that it is we whom God has called, we whom God has summoned, we whom God has beckoned, we whom God is sending forth. We whom God has called as partners. We whom God entered into partnership with. We whom God has called to lean on and depend on each other as we do God’s work’.

ASSOCIATE GENERAL SECRETARY YOUTH AND TRAINING Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley

Mr. Anthony Falloon

Over these two years our denomination shall be led in living out this theme by the Rev. Karen Kadianne Francis Kirlew, the first woman to become President of the Jamaica Baptist Union. She has already invited us to pay closer attention to our children

Portland

Rev. Dayne Grant

St. Mary

Mr. Milton Gager

Trelawny

Rev. Frantz Camille

St. James

Rev. Wayne Smith

Westmoreland Rev. Douglas Fowles Hanover

Rev. Conrad Thomas

Rev. Trevor Edwards Rev. Johnathan Hemmings

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rev. Dr. Devon Dick

Rev. Karl Henlin

CLERK Rev. Taniecia McFarlane

Rev. Everton Jackson

WARDEN - U.T.C.W.I. Rev. Dr. Glenroy Lalor DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES Christian Education Rev. DeWayne WIlliams Youth Mr. Delano Mighty Jamaica Baptist Women’s Federation Mrs. Dafflyn Campbell Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood Mr. Earlyn Briscoe

Mrs. Sylvia Henry Rev. Dr. Stephen Jennings Miss Celia McKoy Rev. Michael Shim-Hue Rev. Dr. Burchel Taylor Let us keep this team that God has set apart for God’s work constantly in our prayers. God’s blessings be yours continually and here again I make my annual appeal for you to be vigilant and prepared during this year’s hurricane season.

The Combined Children’s Choir sings, We are United in Jesus Christ. THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | April 2018

JBU Mission Agency breaks ground for expansion of Horizon Home

round was broken at the Horizon Home for the Aged on Saturday, February 24 as the JBU Mission Agency embarked, by faith, on an ambitious expansion project to raise 40 million dollars to transform the home into what, Chairman of the Board of Management, Betty Panton described as “a viable nursing facility offering quality care for the elderly.” Located at 9 Sullivan Ave, Kingston 8, the Horizon Home now has a capacity of 18 and currently caters to 16 residents, of whom three are males and 13 females from all denominations. The Home is managed by a staff complement of eight persons including an administrator (The post is currently vacant), three caregivers, one cook, a cleaner and a general helper and gardener. In extending the welcome and giving an overview, Chairman Panton noted that available land would be used to build additional bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, an exercise

little pep talk reminded us of God’s love for the vulnerable. He reflected on how time can make us aliens to our own families as the aging process brings with it all kinds of issues. Shaw told of his experience in Panama where by faith they raised the resources to refurbish a home for the elderly and declared confidently a similar attitude and approach could be replicated in Jamaica. He put his money where his mouth was and made the first donation. Ground was broken by outgoing President Devon Dick, Chairman Betty Panton, and other Board members pictured here.

Sylvester Hemmings, Devon Dick, Norma Panton, Sylvester Tulloch, Valentine Seymour and Milton Miller fling shoulders to shovel to break ground for the Horizon Home expansion project. facility, a treatment room, an adequate administrative area, a larger kitchen, more spacious living and dining areas

as well as staff quarters. JBU Vice President Luke Shaw in a

The Management Committee of the Home has launched a series of fundraising efforts to help raise money to start the project. These include a block drive, walkathon and concerts. A special appeal is being made to local congregations to include the project in their monthly offering or to undertake the building of a room in memory of a loved one.

Partnership Fair a resounding success Suzette Clarke UTCWI

The Partnership Fair hosted by the Jamaica Baptist Union, at its 168th General Assembly, was described as a “tremendous success” by the partners who participated and “successful, informative, beneficial and fun,” by the clients who were served. Hosted on the grounds of the Boulevard Baptist Church on Friday, February 23, the Partnership Fair was organized to give expression to the new sub-theme, Living in Partnership and to give members of the public access to a range of social and financial services. Several

stakeholders

mounted

exhibitions and provided well needed information. They included Passport, Immigration and Citizens Agency (PICA), Guardian Life Insurance Mobile Clinic, other doctors and nurses, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Bethel Thrift Society, Inter Schools Christian Fellowship (ISCF), Caribbean Christian Publications (CCP), Organic Root Stimulator (ORS), Heritage Education Funds International (Jamaica) Ltd. Society, HEART Trust/ NTA, National Housing Trust (NHT), Linstead Baptist Flower Show, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department (JBUYD). Both Participants and Partners benefited tremendously. Fifty

4 THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | April 2018

persons were seen by the Guardian Mobile medical team and referrals were made to the volunteer medical doctors at the Fair. In addition, participants got their hair tested and were given advice and prescription from the Trichologists from Organic Root Stimulator. Financial advice was given by the Financial Partners who in turn stated that they got an understanding of the needs of their potential clients and how best to serve them. Guardian Life stated that they received 90% positive response and Bethel Thrift had 10 persons joining the thrift society. The creativity of the Baptist was on display: Linstead Flower Show displayed beautiful and creative

flower pots and was invited to visit local churches to demonstrate how to make the pots and exchange creative ideas. The Youth Department showed their creative wall built with plastic bottles, while Baptist women showed their talents in dancing. The air was filled with the sound of gospel music, courtesy of Love 101 who did a live outside broadcast (OB) at the fair. Our two OB hosts — Natasha Barclay from the Mona Baptist Church and Peart Rose from the Browns Town Baptist Church — kept the crowd engaged and entertained. Overall, it was a successful, informative, fun-filled and beneficial day, which exemplified truly the meaning of living in partnership.

the panel on the following:

Dorrett R Campbell

resident of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Howard Mitchell renewed his call for a coalition model of leadership to develop and implement a sustainable crime fighting plan.

 No one entity could respond effectively to crime and violence.  Whether it was a partnership or a firmament or a coalition what was needed was a representative leadership model that was not controlled by partisan politics.

According to the PSOJ Head, any sustainable solution to crime and violence must have its genesis in what he described as a “Firmament Committee” that transcended political administrations. He was of the belief that only such a coalition could spearhead a sustainable response to violence. He pointed to the model of the Electoral Commission as an example of such a coalition; and highlighted the Vision 2030 plan as a reasonable blue print for crime solutions. Mitchell was one of four panellists at a town hall styled meeting convened by the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU), on Thursday, February 22, to discuss solutions to the perennially vexing problem of crime and violence, dogging the country. Moderated by Journalist Earl Moxam, the panel included then Commissioner of Police (acting) Clifford Blake, Custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin and Violence Prevention Alliance founding member Bradley Edwards, all of who agreed that no single entity could respond effectively to crime and violence. However, they were not on one accord with what the coalition model and the crime fighting plan should look like or how it could be implemented. Divert unattached youth Then acting Commissioner Blake was

From left: Bradley Edwards, Conrad Pitkin, Howard Mitchell, Clifford Blake, Earl Moxam

CRIME COMMUNITY AND THE

CHURCH partnering for solutions

convinced that any workable crime fighting plan ought to include preventative measures to divert unattached youth into productive avenues and to attempt to “correct rather than arrest,” them. Bishop Pitkin was of a similar view, but stressed the need to adopt a participatory approach in which the youth themselves help to design their own solutions. He was also of the opinion that training interventions were a necessary preventative measure - especially in St James - to ensure that the scores of unattached youth were equipped with relevant skills to make them employable.

He further reported that all faith-based organisations in Montego Bay had committed to pooling resources and ideas to design a social intervention that would help to sustain the gains made by the current Public State of Emergency (SOE) and Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) in sections of that parish. Address risk factors Meanwhile, Bradley Edwards, founding member of the Violence Prevention Alliance argued that it was better to tackle the risk and vulnerability factors as part of a broader preventative strategy rather than trying to ‘correct and cure.’ He added that his organisation had been steadily making inroads in this area by offering career counselling, training interventions and post traumatic counselling to persons affected by and prone to violence. Consensus Although there might have been a nuance of difference in the way each panellist articulated and proposed to operationalise their suggestions, there seemed to have been consensus among

 There was a need to mobilise and pool resources to address risk factors and to devise the kind of interventions that would prevent rather than cure violence. The spanner in the well-oiled wheel And when it seemed that we were perilously careering toward the organisational malady called groupthink, Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Jeremy Taylor who although not a panellist was newsmaker of the night: he just upped and threw a spanner in the whole thing. Taylor noted that the conversation did not consider values and attitudes as part of the solution, but he was very much aware that for every case which came before him, there was a values deficit and not a socio-economic malady that triggered the crime. He further pointed to urbanisation as a major contributing risk factor and noted that the panellists did not address the escalating non-violent white collared crimes. Taylor stopped short of accusing the PSOJ of covering up when its members run afoul of the law; and he was very clear on his criticism that the PSOJ reneged on commitments it had made to support crime fighting: a case in point was its promise to support the fight against extortion.

Women of God Living in Partnership Dafflyn Campbell President JBUWF They came in their numbers — from Negril point to Morant Bay. On Thursday February 22, more than 1,000 Baptist women poured into the sanctuary of the Boulevard Baptist Church like a mighty army meeting in partnership to move the Church of God. It was a time of fellowship, renewing of acquaintances and more importantly hearing God speaking to the group collectively. The JBWF embraced the JBU’s theme, Being God’s People in God’s World: Living in Partnership and what

a time of praise and fellowship it was! Maximizing the use of time and ensuring that the sisters were truly empowered we plugged a timely panel discussion into the meeting. The topic was, Mothers: main perpetrators of physical abuse of children in Jamaica — myth or reality. The panelists, Dr Zoe Simpson, Executive Director Women’s Centre Jamaica; Mrs Linda Craigie-Brown, President Parenting Partners and member of the Family Life Commission and Corporal Ricardo McCalpin of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Moderator Dr Wilma Grandison set the tone for the discussion in a

superb manner. The topic was well addressed as the historical context and our mode of socialization as a country were addressed. The socio economic conditions and their impact on parenting were not overlooked. Avenues for help were also addressed. The discussion was deemed to be most beneficial and enlightening and as a result a motion was moved for similar discussions to be held in the parishes. The meeting could not have ended without the charge from the president, Dafflyn Campbell. Using Isaiah 6:1-8 Campbell highlighted the importance and necessity of living in partnership

with God. She told her sisters that as residents of this planet and beneficiaries of God’s grace and mercy God wants them to cooperate with Him. She further pointed out that in order to partner with God we are expected to be honest; commit to the task; exhibit obedience; cultivate faithfulness and walk in holiness. The meeting recognized the presence of and accepted greetings from a group of sisters representing the Parkway Baptist Church in Miami, Florida. The meeting ended with the sisters covenanting.

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | April 2018

ght

N ata

l ie

to be vulnerable without incurring recriminations.

D el

i oM

Ho ln e s

Dorrett R Campbell

S he

l do

eneral Secretary of the Schools and Colleges Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union (SCCFSU) Sheldon O’Connor, delivered a Real, Apt Simple and Soul-Searching sermon on Friday, February 23, observed as Youth Night: no fanfare, no shoulder flinging, no theological jargons, no theatrics and no drama; just the plain truth packaged in language that everyone could or o nn C understand. He gave ’ nO it to us straight from the heart.

O’Connor prefaced his sermon on the topic, Mutual accountability, by asserting that every Christian needed an honest, authentic, personal relationship with God; a friend or friends in whom he or she could confide; an inner circle in which one could pray, study and grow and a local church community with which one could interact. S ha

n e ll e

Po w e ll

The essence of the sermon was simply, every Christian needs to be accountable to God; to family and friends; to an inner circle of persons and to church community. It was a ‘grounded theory’ that explains why

young people get lost in church.

Accountable to God

O ’ C o n n o r declared that accountability was rooted in God who not only holds us accountable but also wants us to hold Him

accountable. An authentic relationship with God, he said, came with honest and sincere questions for which God always provides answers. Accountable to friends The preacher also stressed the need to engage in mutual accountability with a friend who was honest, trustworthy and supportive; one who would reprimand in love. O’Connor was of the opinion that spiritual and personal growth was better achieved in small authentic groups, where people could be vulnerable and engage in heart to heart gut-sharing conversations. In his estimation, big churches could be too hierarchical with too many structures, which did not enable relationships. He criticised the church for not being the kind of space that allowed young people

Faith through fear: JBUYD Sectional Meeting 2018 Delano Mighty JBUYD Chairman This year’s Youth Sectional Meeting was dubbed “Chat Bout Praise Jam” and was held on Thursday, February 22. The Chat Bout session saw an engrossing discussion with an informed panel of UTC student, Rosalena Robinson; Pastor of the Bethel Bog Walk Circuit, Denzil Jack and SCFSU General Secretary, Sheldon O’Connor sharing on evangelising in spite of various circumstances. The session was led by St Elizabeth and

Manchester Baptist Youth Association (SEMBAYA) President, Marcel Clarke; and just about everyone in attendance had something to say. The event was attended by youth delegates at the Assembly, tertiary students and also other members from the various youth associations. It ended with a time of praise and prayer and was truly a blessing! The following are some highlights from the panel discussion: Authentic Faith Robinson reminded us that true conversion, discipleship and connection and not legalistic perfection

6 Philippo Men (6PM) 6 THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

attract persons to Christ. The panellists also emphasised that evangelism wasn’t about communicating facts, but about faith. One must ask the question, “Why do I believe what I believe?” and share the answer with others. This, they stated, was the Christian’s duty, and not just the mission of the Evangelism Committees in the churches. Too many agendas; not enough approaches While all panellists agreed on the integral role that the Sunday School plays in the church, Sheldon also shared his concern that the church was too programbased. More persons should simply do evangelism. “Evangelism is like a

Accountable to church community The preacher said Church had become too task and activity-oriented at the expense of building sincere relationships. Consequently, members were filing in and out like a bucket with holes; and opting for other spaces in which they felt strength of support. He gave some practical solutions  There is a need to confess our weaknesses in order to obtain healing  Set up systems of accountability in the church to account to and for every member  Prioritise the well-being of the youth  Use the technology to do research and track members in order to account for every youth in the congregation The worship service was ably led by Immediate Past President of the JBUYD, Natalie Bender Holness. Musical offerings were presented by Bethel Rhythm Ensemble, 6PM — a group of six powerful men from Phillippo Baptist and Shanelle Powell. Newly minted Chairman of the JBUYD Delano Mighty gave the welcome. muscle,” he quipped. “The more you use it, the stronger it gets.” Sheldon further charged youth to change their methods to reach a generation totally captivated by technology and mass media. We need to think outside the box. Fear a Sin? Rev. Jack addressed the misconception that fear is a sinful response. Fear will always be present for various reasons, but one must instead manage the emotions he or she feels, he explained. He further addressed the issue of un-Christlike behaviours, which he stated impacted negatively, the Church’s progress. “We must have humility and integrity to reach others,” he remarked. “We may never have a perfect church but let us work together… and help each other to be better.”

Students of Calabar Primary and Infant School present a choral interpretation of Psalm 133

Pillars of partnership for a wholesome community

Dorrett R Campbell

n Wednesday night (February 21) the curtains came up on the Opening Ceremony of the 168th General Assembly as congregants tuned their hearts and voices to the James Weldon Johnson’s “black national anthem,” Lift every voice and Sing… Oh, the music was heavenly and the voices rang out across the Boulevard Baptist Church to Greater Portmore in St Catherine; to Mandeville in Manchester; to Calvary in St James and then on to summoning the spirit of Paul Bogle, Daddy Sharpe and George Liele. The rhythm and the cadence were maintained in the scripted prayers of adoration and confession and sustained in the choral interpretation of Psalm 133 by the Calabar Primary and Infant School. President Devon Dick addressed the Assembly on the subject, Mutual Respect, a non-negotiable prerequisite to successful partnerships. Drawing inspiration from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans [12:1-15] President Dick outlined four pillars of a solid partnership: Practising humility, valuing dignity, maintaining civility and embracing community. These pillars, President Dick said, were not only the non-negotiable essentials of Christian living, but were necessary for wholesome community building that could realise Jamaica’s Vision 2030 objective of becoming “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.” The speaker introduced his sermon by

remembering Baptist pioneer, George Liele, as one whose life exemplified a partnership predicated on the four pillars. He also made the connections between our previous sub-theme, Living the sacrificial life and our new subtheme Living in partnership, opining that “a life of on-going self-giving commitment in shared relationship is the basis and enduring foundation for meaningful and effective partnerships.” He unpacked the four pillars: Practising humility President Dick made the distinction between humility and self-negation, interpreting the former as a sober and balanced appraisal of one-self to include one’s abilities and achievements; limitations and vulnerabilities; and the latter as belittling self or feeling inferior to others perceived as more important. Humility, he said, involved a willingness to listen and learn and admit when we are wrong. However, a lack of humility, he explained, bred disrespect which made it impossible to create meaningful partnerships necessary for the common good. He urged us to dispense with exaggerated notions of self and associations; egotism, dogmatism and arrogance and allow God’s humility to shine through us for the sake of building wholesome communities. Valuing dignity

ated in the likeness of God, therefore we ought to respect and value each other’s dignity. He cautioned against devaluing others through labelling and stereotyping; reminisced on Baptist legacy of social advocacy; criticised the Union for resting on its historical laurels and urged us to step up our advocacy against injustice. Maintaining civility The President bewailed the level of coarseness, crudeness and hooliganism that seemingly characterised human interactions, especially in public spaces and dotted the current social disorder in Jamaica to those uncivil behaviours. He further emphasised that it is the Church that must lead the building and sustaining of a civil society. Incivility, he added, manifested itself in ignoring and isolating a fellow human; teasing and tormenting someone and vilifying and victimizing a sister or brother.

bracing community means to recognize that we are co-equals and not just co-workers … partners in the enterprise and not just an employee. We are not first among equals; we are just equals.” He added that we have inherited a colonial legacy of divide and rule that is now entrenched in our social and political systems. The president denounced this as a “crab in a barrel mentality” and asserted that selfishness, greed and exploitation were persistent vices which were destroying community. He pointed to the need for cooperation and collaboration and reaffirmed our mutual interdependence by asserting that “one han cyaan clap.” The president ended in a similar manner in which he had started: holding up another Baptist Icon and social activist Sam Sharpe as an example of one who understood the concept of mutual dependency; one who embraced community and one who fought to improve the quality of life for others. Other highlights The opening service was led by General Secretary Karl B Johnson, who acknowledged the several visiting friends, especially a whole slew of clergy from other denominations - a testament of the relevance of the new sub-theme Living in partnership. And to the delight of Directors Joseph McIntyre and Yvette Johnson who toiled long and hard twice per week since January 3, the Combined Choir, with technical precision, raised the roof with their offering of Randy Vader’s Thine is the Kingdom arranged by Jay Rouse and Camp Kirkland. Scripture readings were done by UTC student, Othniel Morgan (Isaiah 5: 1-6); Longville Park Baptist Pastor, Stacey Lalor Knowles (Romans 12: 1-15 read in the Jamaican Creole) and Grace Baptist Deacon Gilzine Fearon (Matthew 16:13-20).

Embracing community President Dick noted that “em-

Rev Dr Devon Dick

Interpreting dignity as a sacred divine inherent God-given quality, the president reminded us that we were all cre THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

astor of the Buff Bay Circuit of Baptist Churches, Rev Deonie Duncan deftly led the Assembly of Delegates in the study of the Bible for three days — Thursday to Saturday — using three subjects derived from the over-all subtheme Living in Partnership.

The purpose of the gifts

Rev Deonie Duncan

Mutual partnership Using as her inspiration, 1st Peter 1:410, Duncan explained the concept, partnership by drawing on the popular Jamaican informal financial scheme — pardna — to underline notions of reciprocity, mutual sharing, economic cooperation and mutual dependency. Placing the letter in its historical context of Christian persecution, Duncan then explained the stone metaphor. She differentiated between the cornerstone and the capstone, noting that the former was the foundation stone while the latter was the finishing stone. The Baptist pastor noted that for the building to maintain its structural integrity, each stone, though uniquely different in size and shape must be aligned to the cornerstone and must serve a purpose in the design of the building. She extended the metaphor to the relationship between the Church and its Founder, Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone (Author) who sets the design for the rest of the building; and the capstone (Finisher) who holds everything in its right place. Speaking to the connectedness of the stones, which for her, was the metaphor for mutual sharing, Duncan emphasised that there was no place in God’s design for freelancers, unattached, unavailable believers or any independent lone ranger. According to Duncan to achieve a status of mutual sharing, each believer, Circuit, and Association must be interconnected, fit for purpose, unified but not necessarily uniformed, functioning in a community where difference is valued and responsibilities are shared. She cautioned against becoming susceptible to external pressures, which may find expression in slander, rumour and ridicule; internal pressures such as gossip, abuse of influence, polarisation of cliques, factions and beliefs; and insularity and self-isolation. When we are in our proper place in God’s design, she concluded, we would develop the spiritual capabilities to withstand and stave off internal and external pressures. Mutual accountability On Friday, Duncan referenced Genesis

4: 1-9 to expound the sub-topic, mutual accountability. She explored partnerships as relationships characterized by mutual accountability; explained that mutual accountability in the church is an obligation and suggested ways in which we have undermined such partnership. In her introduction she said partnerships were characterized by mutual nurturing; co-operation for common purpose; shared concerns, mutual appreciation for the other and responsibility for others. From the text she extracted several themes, including elections, rivalry, discord and strife in familial relationships. She also enumerated different categories of persons for whom we as Christians are held responsible: children, new converts, regular visitors, the elderly, new congregations, new ministers, realigned circuits and dying congregations, circuits and associations. The Bible teacher noted that invariably, these vulnerable persons are marginalised, criticised, condemned, manipulated or treated with indifference by the Church. She drew the following conclusions:

tual accountability — shared other-centeredness is possible, realistic and necessary for any true partnership within the body of Christ / the Christian community. Shared accountability is not an option — it is an obligation!  As partners within God’s creative process, we ought to learn to be concerned for the well-being and welfare of each other.  Living in partnership requires the nurturing of relationships in family, community and society; in congregations, circuits, Associations and Unions. Within the Christian family, we really do not have the luxury of walking away because we cannot have partnerships without relationships.  In the household of faith, where we call each other sisters and brothers, — in the family of God — our relationships are as much dependent on the care and concern demonstrated for one another as they facilitate such care and concern. Mutual capability

 Partnerships are built on relationships and best expressed in community.

On Saturday, Rev Duncan explored the concept, mutual capability and established the following assumptions:

 There is a real danger for the self-perceived powerful and influential ones in the partnership to become self-absorbed and as such fail to have consideration for the other.

The premise

 God does not require the impossible, the unrealistic or the unnecessary of us; therefore mu-

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Everything is from God and is God-oriented. Every gift in the church is a gift of God’s grace. We have what we have because of our relationship with Christ. It is important to discern who has the gifts within our congregations and ensure that they are made available to benefit the congregation.

The gifts were given to benefit the entire church (1 Corinthians 12:7); to strengthen the church and to help it mature. God makes adequate provision for the unique expression of each gift for the good of the whole and God chooses who should be custodians of each gift. However there was a problem of divisive, diversionary and distracting preoccupations in the Church at Corinth, and also in the Church today. The church at Corinth used the gifts for self-aggrandisement; the consequence of which was factions and cliques in the church. They harboured feelings of self-sufficiency and used the gifts to give the impression that they could lean on their own wisdom and rely on their own expertise to survive, but this was to their own spiritual peril. Walls of exclusion Teacher Duncan outlined four factors which she stated undermine the capabilities of God’s people. 1. Ageism: There is discrimination against age cohorts. We need to value the collective wisdom of the elders who have the institutional memory. We need to value the fresh insights and new ideas of the youth. 2. Cliquism which creates factions with distorted allegiance and loyalties in the church. Some throw their weight of support behind perceived influential group and used their gifts only to the advantage of the few. 3. Denominationalism which cripples the effective growth and maturity of the church and exclude viable partnerships. 4. Sexism that engages in gender stereotyping, which sometimes condones notion of the inferiority of the female sex. Tokenism must be deplored and denounced and capabilities be promoted irrespective of the sex. Duncan concluded that God makes adequate provisions for effective self-expression of individual members for the common good of all and the whole; God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness are placed on the line when we misuse God’s gift; discernment is an essential component of the gifts. We must discern what gifts each member has and allow them to flourish in the church.

HONOUR MEN LIKE THEM

JBU Cites Taylor as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith

n Saturday, February 24, the Union cited three of its pastors who have retired from active Christian ministry: Rev’ds Delroy Sittol, from the Moneague Circuit; Burchel Taylor from Bethel (HWT) Circuit and Anneta McIntosh of the Mt Moriah Circuit. Rev McIntosh was unable to attend due to illness. Delegate Evadne Coye read both citations. Rev Taylor was cited as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith; a man who gave godly leadership in growing congregants and congregations. The Reader recalled how Taylor grew the Bethel Baptist Church from 250 to nearly 2000 members and still found time to strengthen and support fledgling churches. Taylor was hailed as a scholar, theologian, and nation builder who was an approachable and accessible servant, always willing to serve anyone, anywhere. The citation chronicled his journey from the sheepfold of his pastor, Edmund Greaves of Mount Carey, to the Calabar Theological College, where he graduated in 1963 with high academic honours, to the pastorate of the Porus / Zion Hill Circuit of Baptist Churches in Manchester, to Oxford University where he successfully completed under-graduate and master’s degrees before returning to the Porus Circuit where he continued to serve until 1970, when he accepted the call to lead the Half-Way-Tree based

National and international impact

President Dick presents the framed text of the citation to Rev Taylor Bethel Baptist Church. In addition to conceptualising and implementing several initiatives at Bethel, Taylor was said to have encouraged, motivated and equipped members to use their God-given abilities and gifts in the service of Christ, and their fellowmen. This brought new vision and led to a rich flowering of ministries and innovative areas of service, including the planting of new churches at Mona, New Haven, Portmore and Mount View. In addition, the circuits of Arcadia, Buff Bay, Hope Hill, and Jones Town have been strengthened by Bethel’s missionary partnership. An erudite scholar and voracious reader, Taylor disciplined himself to complete a gruelling doctoral programme; write a number of books and theological papers; teach seminary classes and supervise doctoral candidates; deliver lectures; and preach on special occasions both nationally and internationally.

Taylor impacted the life of the JBU in many positive ways, serving with distinction in the office of President in 1976 and 1988, and also chairing the Mission Agency. Internationally, he is well respected as a church leader, preacher and theologian. He has served as president of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship and as a vice president of the Baptist World Alliance. This latter body also benefitted from the scholarly and sound presentations he made to its study commissions from time to time. At the interdenominational level, he inspired and challenged many through the Keswick Convention, the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, and numerous other speaking engagements. Dr Taylor’s contribution to the religious life and socio-economic development of Jamaica did not go unrecognized. In 2000 he was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), and in 2015 was vested with the sash of the Order of Jamaica (OJ).

It was a fitting tribute that the Governor General Sir Patrick, chose to attend the last of two closing services and paid tribute to our GenSec. He lauded Johnson as the quintessential servant leader; great asset to ecumenism in Jamaica and a man whose quality of contribution has singled him out as an outstanding public servant. Sir Patrick told congregants that Reverend Johnson has been fully engaged in his contribution to national policies and education in Jamaica”. He further congratulated the General Secretary for his courage, leadership, passion

Taylor’s wife Ann was also acknowledged as an exemplary pastor’s wife, always supporting, but never overshadowing her husband. She has graciously and faithfully served as his help-meet, confidante, burden-sharer and sounding board. Mrs Taylor has been an active church member, taking leadership roles in the Sunday school, library,

who took his civic duties seriously.

From right Karl, Yvette and Nathan Johnson listen in reflective silence as Pam Kelly reads the citation. and availability to those in need of his counsel and encouragement.. Read by Pam Kelly, the elaborately written citation lauded Johnson as an astute administrator with an inestimable passion for work; compassion for people, especially young people, and a gift for preaching. He was also cited as a proponent of Christian unity and a person

Taylor’s response In his response, the self-effacing Taylor quipped his thanks to the Union for making him “absolutely uncomfortable.” He further thanked the JBU for contributing to the kind of person he has become and for the ways in which the Union had affirmed him; and asked those whom he might have unwittingly offended or hurt to forgive him. Taylor also reflected on his journey from a fisherman’s son to a graduate of Oxford, noting that it was the JBU that had supported him on that journey. He then urged his colleague ministers to remain constant and to always do honest and critical self-examination.

Acknowledging family

GenSec hailed as quintessential public servant During the second closing service, the Assembly recognised the work and worth of our beloved General Secretary Rev Karl Baldwin Johnson, who to date had completed 25 years as an ordained minister in the Union and 15 years as the Union’s chief administrator.

prayer ministry and after-school program, among others. Their three sons, Jeremy, Mark and Michael, also served faithfully in the church, while making outstanding contributions to national life in the fields of law, architecture, tertiary education and scientific research.

The citation enumerated the several and varied contributions that Johnson had made at the local churches in which he served; in the communities in which he served; in acquitting his many civic duties and in acquitting his responsibilities as general secretary. Of significance was his efficient and effective transformation of the Union’s administration from what the citation referred to as “a file jacket cul-de-sac to a high-efficiency electronic data highway.” He was also instrumental in forging an alliance between the Jamaica Council of Churches and the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches which represents the larger body of the Christian community. Johnson was said to have made significant contribution to the Baptist World Alliance in the areas of governance, human resource devel-

Pastor Dwight Fraser presents the orchid to Ann Taylor. opment and administration. However what emerged most strikingly from the work and contributions of Johnson was his transformational leadership skills that gave individualised consideration to people and situations; provoke critical thinking and stimulate creativity in others and thus inspiring and motivating them to raise their potential and performance to higher levels. Implicit in his work is his wisdom in treating with sensitive situations. It was clear from the citation that Johnson is not known to tailor his views to the prevailing fashion, but is reputed for demonstrating moral courage in speaking truth to power in a way that neither incite tensions nor cause shame. One of Johnson’s protégés Kadeem Grey sang the popular I’d rather have Jesus and President Karen Kirlew presented the framed text of the citation to Johnson as well as an orchid to his wife, Yvette.

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

Business Sess The procession of leaders and pastors

Presidents’ wives from left Lois Hemmings, Dionne Jennings and Mary Dick

Opening Ceremony

Protocol team Evadne Coye and Jeffrey Shuttleworth consults their list

Archbishop of Kingston (R) was among the specially invited guests

Nathaniel Whyte, Ocho Rios Baptist Member, sings at the memorial service

Pastors at the Ministers’ Conference

Young at heart also enjoyed the worship

Ushers prepare to receive the night’s offering

Youth N

“Learn from me young man,” Pastor Karl Henlin seems to be saying to young pastor Dwayne Williams

Worship Leaders stir up a spiritual storm

ight

A very proud son congratulates his mommy Bethel (HWT) Rythmn Ensemble in motion 10

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The President t

sions

Students at Calabar also passed through

Treasurer Phillip Rattray presents the financial report

Reps from the Jamaica Red Cross Society give a demonstration

e fa Patrons at th

r i a F p nershi

Part President’s Aide Judith Johnson Grant is pinned by representative of PIOJ

Director Joseph McIntyre conducts the Combined Adult Choir

Closing Services

the ‘First Man’ and the ‘First Son’

Some of those who made heavenly music

GG, Lady Allen, GenSec and Presi are in a flirtatious mood...or so it seems PNP Chairman Fitz Jackson congratulates President Kirlew

Comrades also came and communed

Zahra Powell & Amanda Taylor, Sunday School students from Bethel (HWT) read the OT lesson A very proud mom Gillian Francis congratulates her daughter

The President’s Family and others singing the opening hymn, All Creatures of our God and King

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HONOUR MEN LIKE THEM

JBU Lauds Sittol as a man with unflagging zeal

ev Sittol who has given 39 years in ministry was cited as a man with unflagging zeal, a true student and practitioner of the Word who had served with passion and drive, tempered with humility and grace, determination and firmness of resolve.

Caribbean region. Words of acknowledgement were also extended to his life partner and helpmeet Carlis, who has graciously walked by his side for the past 33 years; and his sons Ravi, Rajiv and Rani and their wives, who have all played their roles as “wind beneath his wings” as he served God’s people.

The citation mentioned his formative years which were shaped by the late Sebert McKoy in the Fullersfield Circuit; after which he heeded the call to pastoral ministry and enrolled at the UTCWI for formal training in 1974. The reader further told of how Sittol completed his probationary training at James Hill Circuit in 1978 and in 1983 accepted a call to the Moneague Circuit where he gave leadership to three congregations, Moneague, Harmony Vale, and Waltham. It was to his credit that the Coultart Grove congregation was restored to the fellowship of the JBU and added to the Moneague Circuit. Sittol was also hailed for giving sterling service to the Union at the Association level through different offices including that of Moderator, and at the national level through his work on various committees and leadership of school boards. Signal contribution to country and community The retired Pastor was also commended for his signal contribution to community and country serving as Justice of the Peace, Returning Officer for Electoral

Sittol’s response Rev Sittol stated that it was a privilege to have served in all the areas. He mentioned some of the challenges he experienced during his tenure of service and thanked his family for their support; and the Union for its kind expression.

Then President Devon Dick presents framed text of citation to Rev Delroy Sittol. Treasurer Phillip Rattray and VP Norva Rodney in the background. Office of Jamaica, Examiner for the Caribbean Examinations Council and teacher at both the Ferncourt High School and the Moneague College. Sittol was also one of the founders of the Claremont/Moneague Ministers’ Fraternal, and was instrumental in introducing the Keswick Convention to St Ann. Not only was it stated that Sittol served his country very well in various capacities, but it was also noted that in 1998, he undertook an assignment as a missioner to Grenada where he advanced Baptist work in the Rev Sittol greets his colleague Rev Taylor

Madam President... It is you! He reminded congregants that Jesus, a Nazarene, did not fit the image of a true Messiah. Henry said that throughout history, peoples, groups, and nations who should not have excelled; who should not have risen to the top; did so anyway. The BWA Director of Communications encouraged everyone to go forward, knowing that despite all odds, God’s call was on their lives to thrive, to overcome, to become what others believed they could not become.

Prayers and musical offerings Retired Pastor of the East Queen Street Circuit Rev Dr. Roy Henry dedicated the newly installed 32-member executive to God, giving thanks for the meaningful and moving moment. The musical offerings of Mrs Lori Burnett and the Combined Adult Choir’s interpretation of the Nathan Carter-arranged It pays to serve Jesus enhanced the worship and were

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tremendous testimonies of faithfulness and grace of God.

the

The service, led by Rev Taniecia McFarlane, saw several special guests attending. General Secretary Karl B Johnson made special mention of the Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips and his entourage including PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson, Chairman Fitz Jackson and MP Anthony Hylton. He also singled out members of the Florida-based Parkway

Baptist Church led by Rev Donald Lawrence, the church that holds the membership for Kirlew’s parents. Johnson extended the right hand of fellowship to newly accredited minister Rev Racquel Buckley who serves the Zion Hill Circuit. He further acknowledged probationers Tanesha Ashbourne, Travis Drummond, Kirk Pinnock, Derrick Sadler, and Sam Dorelien. And so, the morning service came to a close but not before the Sacrament of the Holy Communion was blessed and shared among the believers gathered.

HONOUR MEN LIKE THEM

Citation for Anneta Estina McIntosh Jamaica Baptist Union February 2018 All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. And one woman in her time plays many parts. Rev Anneta Estina McIntosh is one such woman who has served well.

Resolution of thanks to President Dr Devon Dick

HEREAS you, the Reverend Dr Devon Merrick Dick, were dedicated to service within the Jamaica Baptist Union as President on the Twenty-Eighth Day of February, in the year Two Thousand and Sixteen, during economic decline, social disorder, political discord and the deterioration of spirituality, integrity and morality in certain section of the Church universal; and WHEREAS as our President, in your characteristic unostentatious, unassuming and unhurried manner rose to the challenges of our time carefully, calmly, confidently, and consistently encouraged us as Baptists to live out the theme of “Being God’s People in God’s World: Living the Sacrificial Life” by witnessing fervently, serving faithfully, giving freely and living fully; and WHEREAS in dependence upon the Spirit, you provided insights, inspiration, information, concerning the affairs of the Jamaica Baptist Union; and WHEREAS you inspired operation OUT: outward, urgent thrust towards mission, and challenged Baptists to become Chief Evangelism Organizers; and WHEREAS you displayed dignity, integrity, charity and keenness by your leadership; and WHEREAS you were considerate, compassionate and caring towards the wellbeing, wellness and welfare of our pastors, their families, and other members of the Jamaica Baptist Union; and WHEREAS your conviction, calling and commitment to service within the Jamaica Baptist Union were exemplary to all, from the poor to the powerful; and WHEREAS we consider the sacrifices and support of Mary, your wife, your children and your congregation of the Boulevard Baptist Church who partnered with you during your presidential sojourn; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Jamaica Baptist Union, meeting in its 168th General Assembly on this the Twenty Second Day of February, Two Thousand and Eighteen, extends and records its deepest appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your two (2) years of distinguished, dedicated and diligent leadership of this our beloved Union. Moved by Edith Smith Seconded by Dukett Duncan

She hailed from Daniel Town in the Parish of Trelawny and attended Beulah Baptist Church in the Kettering Circuit, where she served as Church Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Leader, Deacon, Women’s Federation President, Choir Director and Lay Preacher. In preparation for ministry, she pursued studies at Lord’s and Fairweather Theological Seminary, International Bible Institute and the Jamaica Baptist Union Alternative Ministerial Training Programme. Believing that her steps were ordered by God, she served the churches under her charge with grace and poise. She willingly went as a Probationer Minister assuming responsibility for the St Margaret’s Bay Circuit of Churches in 1999 and in September 12, 2002, as its first female pastor, until 2008. During this period she quickly endeared herself to the members and the Circuit and the wider community. Her persona is one of gentle humility yet she was not afraid to deliver the word of God with confidence and boldness. Her mandate to go out and make disciples of all men was evident in the messages she gave. She worked hard and tirelessly as she traversed the hills and valleys and oft times the very rocky terrain of the Circuit, sometimes by foot, and God provided help by way of her companion and helpmate, her husband, who became her chauffeur. Rev McIntosh’s love for people in general is incomparable. She possesses a warm, easy and caring personality which carries a quiet dignity and radiating charm that endeared her to the young and old alike. Her passion for community work made it a joy to sit and share with members and other citizens, to give a listening ear, to give

Rev Anneta McIntosh sound advice and to visit the sick, the lonely and the shut-ins. While in Portland she served as Chairman to Black Hill School and Station Pastor for the Orange Bay Police Station. These are but a few of her involvement with the wider communities. After she left St Margaret’s Bay Circuit, Rev McIntosh took up the pastorate of Mt Moriah Circuit of Churches in Hanover in 2009. During her tenure, she served as moderator of the Hanover Baptist Association and Chairman of the Mt Moriah Basic School. For eight years she continued to serve with diligence, dedication and commitment until her retirement in 2017. Rev. McIntosh’s sterling contributions to the Jamaica Baptist Union and the local churches have not gone unnoticed. We will always be indebted to her and her family. including her husband Albert and her five children Dinsford, Gauntlette, Desreen, Andrae and Rowen who have been supportive over the years. May God continue to guide her steps and where He leads we know she will surely follow.

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WORKSHO

Partnership

PS AND S EMINARS

and Relationship Eron Henry BWA Associate Director of Communications

and determine limits or boundaries.

he question we’ve been asked in this session is: Can there be effective partnerships without meaningful relationships? The obvious answer to the question is no — it is not possible to have effective partnerships without meaningful relationships.

Christian Mission

I suspect the question arises out of the difficulty in establishing and maintaining authentic partnerships where one party is stronger in some ways than the other party; or where one party fails to see or refuses to acknowledge their own vulnerabilities and the strengths of the other party; or where one is the primary giver and the other the primary receiver; or where pride and self-importance are incorporated in or accompany the Christian message. Paternalism In such instances paternalism prevails rather than real partnership. Paternalism is an expression of superiority of one over another, even in a so-called benevolent relationship. It occurs primarily in instances where one has or commands greater financial and material resources than the other; such as in some homes or families where one parent is the primary provider and the other the primary caregiver. The primary provider feels he and in some instances she, has the right to lord it over the other. Anyone who knows about parenting is aware that caregiving is at least equal in importance to providing. And in my view, it is the more important role of the two. The caregiver influences the life of the future adult (the child) more than the primary provider. Paternalism expresses itself in institutions, such as the church, and in societies, such as Jamaica’s or the US. Those who have or command larger amounts of financial and material resources arrogate to themselves authority over the rest. Meaningful relationships become difficult because one pretends to tell the other what is right or good or proper or appropriate. They set the terms or the standards 14

World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1910. This event led to the formal beginning of the modern Protestant C h r i s t i a n ecumenical movement, as well as widespread Protestant Christian missions.

At the time Christian of the early mission always century, 20th faces this risk. Europe and Because it was North America Rev Eron Henry assumed by those commanded great bearing the Christian financial and material message that what they resources, and so did had was superior to what the churches from these those whom they evangelized two continents that spearheaded had, it was difficult to establish Christian mission. As Christianity relationships devoid of paternalistic spread, so did paternalism. Like fervor. some of their earlier counterparts, What may have mitigated paternalistic sentiments in the early church was that those who proclaimed the Good News were themselves poor. Paul insinuated as much in 1 Corinthians 1: 26, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” This implied many early Christians were on the lower rungs of Roman society, and likely poor. In fact, there is a view that some early Christians depended on patronage. It is suggested that Lazarus, Martha and Mary were patrons of Jesus; that some of the women who followed Jesus and the disciples from Galilee into Jerusalem in the time leading up to his crucifixion were patrons of the fledgling movement; that some of these women went to Jesus’ grave to embalm his body and discovered the empty tomb; and Lydia of Thyatira, a trader in purple mentioned in Acts 16 and baptized by Paul, was a Christian patron. [It is interesting that patrons of the early church were mainly well-todo women]. The problem began when rich Christians or Christians from a rich background, started going on mission or sending people on mission. While this was problematic during the medieval period, it became worse during the modern Christian mission movement. The modern Christian mission movement began in the wake of the

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

they saw their role to be as much of a civilizing venture as it was spreading the Christian message. Seeing the people in Africa and Asia as backward, they were, supposedly, bringing them civilization out of their darkness and backwardness. Nowhere is this better depicted than in Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart.

With such notions of superiority on one side, it is difficult to establish effective partnerships because such a relationship is not meaningful. It is certainly not meaningful to the time and place and the people of that time and place. The modern conundrum The global Christian community now faces a conundrum. It so happens that the mission sending West of the 20th century — Europe and North America — have seen a dramatic downturn in the number of practicing Christians whereas the number of Christians in the so-called mission fields have mushroomed. The center of Christianity has shifted to the Global South — Africa, Asia and Latin America in particular. Philip Jenkins has written much on this and is regarded as the definitive authority on the subject in books such as The New Faces of Christianity and The Next Christendom. The conundrum is this. The gravity of Christianity has shifted east and south, but much of the financial and material resources are still in the west and north. Many Christians and churches

in the south are asserting, have asserted themselves, whereas many of those in the north and the west, who still have much of the resources, are sticking to the old paradigm of Christian mission. I have seen this struggle taking place among Baptists on the global level. How, in the midst of this, can meaningful relationships prevail and genuine partnerships be established? Lessons What lessons can we draw from all this? The first and obvious lesson is to avoid making the same mistakes. Aside from the Bahamas, the Jamaica Baptist Union is by far and away the largest Baptist union in the English-speaking Caribbean. Because of its structure, the JBU is possibly the strongest Baptist group in the entire Caribbean region as the Bahamians have a much looser arrangement. The Haitians and the Cubans, while having comparatively large groups, have a smaller economic base. Despite its relative strength vis a vis others in the Caribbean, the JBU can establish effective partnerships and meaningful relationships. I believe, for instance, that the Cubans can teach the JBU a whole lot about evangelism and church planting. After nearly 60 years of restrictions, the Cubans have developed highly innovative evangelism and mission endeavors. The Haiti Baptist Convention can teach the JBU the important role that education plays in Christian mission, from early childhood right up to the tertiary level. I would love to see the JBU enter into partnership with these groups, establishing meaningful relationships and effective partnerships where each recognizes that we are all one in Christ and each brings its own strengths and vulnerabilities to the table. Being careful as a union not to make the same mistakes others do in misconstruing strength for lordship. There are some churches in the JBU that are more resourced than others. I’m happy there are partnerships between some of these larger and stronger churches and others. We need to encourage more of this. But as JBU churches do so, we need to be sensitive to the pitfalls of using such financial and material endowments to establish unequal and ineffective partnerships. Can there be effective partnerships without meaningful relationships? A big NO!

WORKSHO

PS AND S EMINARS

Whither inter-faith partnership Gary Harriott General Secretary, JCC

In light of the focus of the Theme: “Being God’s People in God’s World: Living in Partnership” the Workshop titled Whither Inter-faith Partnership aimed at exploring its implication for inter-faith relationships. The point was made that faith is another way of speaking of religions. Thus, Inter-faith had to do with relationship between and among persons of different religions or faiths.

Local partnerships It was noted that there exist, locally and globally, examples of partnership among people of different faiths; for example, the Jamaica Inter-faith Council; the HIV & AIDS Religious Steering Committee and National Services to mark significant National milestones.

Common ground Many persons in the workshop had positive encounters with persons of other religions, even though some measure of reservation was present. These were largely due to difference in doctrines and world view, practices, myths and fears. Despite the reservations, it was agreed that there are some common grounds that could assist believers in crossing frontiers and engaging with persons of other religions. Among such commonalities are the belief that there is God; a sense

God (God can do whatever God wants to do); the sanctity of life and human dignity (Human beings are to be respected and protected); and God is at work in the world led the workshop to agree that as human beings we can’t define or limit God’s action. As such, the God we serve has the authority to work with and through whomsoever God desires.

Persons who attended the workshop were challenged to consider the following: of right and wrong (morals/ ethics) and the importance of community. Mrs Stacy Mitchell from the Bahai faith shared some of the core tenets of her faith.

Participants in the workshop

Sovereignty of God The following biblical passages and

theological perspectives were lifted up as helpful resources that could assist Christians in interfaith engagement: Luke 17: 17-18; Matthew 15: 21-28; John 10:16 and John 3:8. Theological principles such as the sovereignty of

 Who are the people or faith traditions in the communities from which they came?  What are the areas of ministry and mission that could become more impactful if there were partnerships with others of other religious persuasion?

Nature’s response: Agony or Revenge? Le-Anne Roper Sustainable Development Planning Officer at the Planning Institute of Jamaica. In the beginning (Genesis), God created nature…and it was good. It was so good that God created mankind “in His image” from it. It should be no surprise, therefore, that one of Adam’s first charges from God was to be a steward of nature. God was also careful to establish the services that nature would offer mankind: 1) Providing services (products such as food and medicine); 2) Regulating services (regulating natural processes such as climate and purification of water); and 3) Supporting services (such as nutrient cycling and soil formation), and 4) Cultural/Spiritual services (the non-material benefits). Changing nature of Nature When mankind sinned, the “nature of nature” changed. It demanded the first blood sacrifice for the atonement of sin, and mankind had to toil for food. Centuries later, in what would be known as the Industrial era (19th century), another shift occurred when we successfully used “nature against nature”. The use of fossil fuels (coal and oil), created over centuries as part of the regulating services of nature, exploded and contributed to improved quality of life for millions. This, however, came at a cost – climate change.

The greenhouse gases which exist naturally are necessary to keep our atmosphere warm and habitable. The exponential increase of these gases from the use of fossil fuels has made the earth even warmer and has altered our climate. The result — climate change. This manifests in different ways: increased temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, more extreme events (eg, hurricanes) and more frequent drought and flooding. The impact on the lives of many has been devastating…and will only get worse if immediate and effective action isn’t taken. A call to action The church ought not to remain silent or inactive if it is to be obedient to God in being stewards of nature and of each other’s well-being. A call to action could start by grounding this stewardship in the gospel in a manner that is relatable. The church must also be more deliberate in preserving nature’s services including through education, advocacy and being on-the-ground to restore, conserve and protect. Finally, the call to action must ensure that nature’s fury does not cause undue injury or death to the church body and the communities they serve. This happens through disaster preparedness, mitigation and prevention, response and recovery. Nature’s response: revenge or agony? Does it matter? What matters is that we take heed and act now!

Le-Anne Roper

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Peace building in Jamaica,

a case for community building, through religion Part II Judith Johnson –Grant

maica.

hristians and Muslims in Jamaica are called to work together to overcome the scourges of corruption and violence, destructive environmental practices, and work towards sustainable development. Both Islam and Christianity form an important part of the fabric of the Jamaica society. The impact of Islam can be easily underestimated when one examines the numbers in a statistics chart. What you will find is that approximately 7000 of 2.7million Jamaicans are Muslims. The answer is not in the numbers but in the growth rate.

Common beliefs and practices

In the year 2005 there was a recorded 4999 Muslims and 12 years after there is evidence of a steady growth pattern. On the other hand, 69% of Jamaicans identify with Christianity, whereas one hundred years ago it was the only religion that was lawfully practised, as the slave showed submission to his master by adopting his religion. Needless to mention, that if one could use the word happiness in relation to the life of the slave, then the slave would have a happier life if he or she decided to submit. The recent Census shows that Christianity is on the decline in Jamaica, but still has the mass of the people. It is on the bases of growth rate and current consensus that both Christians and Muslims are being called to unite for change in Ja-

It is also on the basis of the fundamental beliefs that exist in Christianity and Islam that make them uniting under one harmonious message a sturdy force as against the plethora of African Retention Religious Traditions that have varying conflicting ideologies. The fundamental belief in one God who is creator and sustainer of all is common among the two religions. In addition, Christians and Muslims share belief in the dignity of each human soul for meaningful existence in the here and now. This is a belief that moves each believer to praxis, which is the practical response to internal faith. The resultant actions reach out to the poor, marginalized, discriminated and vulnerable through the giving of alms, advocacy and also prayer. Chain-breaking mission It is those who believe in the creative powers of God who is Creator, who will have to envision another future and work together under God to achieve it. This is essentially the call to holy discomfort which inspires action. This is what the cultivation of peace-building in the Jamaican context must resemble. Muslims and Christians alike in Jamaica must begin to perceive their mission as the breaking of the chains that bind the poor and oppress the

Young Jews, Christians and Muslims gather for inter-faith Dialogue on Peace-building. Bossey, Switzerland. August 2017

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

weak and deliver them from inner apathy and indifference. Christians and Muslims must further understand this not just as a social responsibility but as the inherent call in Islam and Christianity to re-humanize those who have been oppressed. Professor Lewin Williams (1994), renowned Caribbean Theologian writes concerning Christians: “For the church to ask for a changed person and not changed circumstance in which the person lives is for the church to refuse to ask for a changed life. Also, to ask for changed circumstance without a changed person is an exercise in futility.” For Christians, the gospel makes it clear that situations in which there is no freedom are contexts, which must be broken through for Christ. For the church which grounds itself in Christ it cannot be content to live silently with any form of economic and social oppression. The Christian faith must address issues and problems of politics, which for economic and social reasons make impossible the life of faith. Likewise in Islam, the Hadith explicitly expresses human responsibility to society. Whoever among you sees something bad let him change it by his hand, and if he could not, let him change it by his tongue and if he could not, let him change it by his heart. Whoever

helps his fellow man with his needs, Allah will help him with his needs. Whoever introduces a good culture positive change gets its reward and the reward of those who make use of it. And whoever introduces a bad culture gets its sin and the sin of those who make use of it. Therefore, you can see how the Hadith encourages positive change in the community (Mukhtar). A united mission The quest for social transformation in Jamaica that is to be borne by Christians and Muslims will need to articulate a united mission where rites and rituals are not the most central, though these are important to each but instead a mission where the weak are strengthened, where those oppressed are freed, where the empty are filled and all Jamaicans find salvation in God. The imagery of harmony towards human flourishing is a powerful one that can pierce the mountains of corruption, violence and environmental destruction in Jamaica. And when people of the Book can unite under our concern for better in our land and be moved into harmonious action inspired by holy “dis-ease”, recognizing that we need each other, maybe then and only then might our advancements be enjoyed and peace be realized.

DAVID JELLEYMAN LECTURE Clinton Chisholm & Norva Rodney

utgoing Vice President Johnathan Hemmings accepted the difficult task of delivering the 2018 David Jelleyman Lecture on the topic Trinitarian Partnership. His task was made more difficult, in that the lecture was this year given to all who chose to remain after a plenary session in the Boulevard Baptist chapel at the Assembly. Normally, it would be open to the interested few or many in a smaller venue than the chapel. Below are some of the central points gleaned from the lecture, which was carefully researched and very well delivered. In addressing the topic, the presenter gave a critical analysis of perspectives on the doctrine of the Trinity in the life of the Christian Church. Central to such faith position and practice he explained, are cardinal attributes of the Godhead such as unity, equality, and harmony. Consequently, the Church, in the power of the Triune God is the arena of gracious holiness and holy grace of both change and constancy of purpose. The language of the Trinity Pastor Hemmings opened by informing that ‘for some time now there has been a growing consensus among leading theologians and Christian academics, which calls for the Church to re-engage the language of the Trinity, to inform the Church’s way of representing God in and to the world, in the face of some of the most vexing problems facing humanity and indeed imperiling the whole of creation.’ Human suffering, indeed the suffering of creation, Hemmings contended, and the way power is understood and used make some of the traditional views of God untenable. Nonetheless

“so fundamental is this doctrine to Christian faith, that…whenever it is minimized or compromised the witness and identity of the church is seriously jeopardized.” The doctrine of the Trinity became inescapable, necessary if not inevitable when Christian faith saw in Jesus of Nazareth the fullness of God (Col. 2:9), the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15) the exact representation of God’s being (Heb. 1:3). In the doctrine/language of the Trinity the Church proclaimed this oneness, to be the oneness of unity. Christians confess that there is one God (Eph. 4:6) who is none other than the Lord God of Israel and of all creation, even as they confess that “Jesus is Lord” (1Cor.12:3) and do so in the power of the Holy Spirit who is also acknowledged as Lord (2Cor.3:17). The biblical narrative of God’s reconciliation of the world through Jesus Christ and of God’s bringing the work of salvation to completion by the power of the Holy Spirit implies a Trinitarian understanding of God (2Cor. 5:18-20Rom5:1-5; Eph. 1:3-14). Hemmings quoted Daniel L. Migliore, Professor Emeritus of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary as saying, “The Christian confession of God as Triune is a summary description of the witness of the scripture to God’s unfathomable love incarnate in Jesus Christ and experienced and celebrated in the community of faith. The doctrine of the Trinity must be seen as the alwaysinadequate attempt of the Church

to interpret this witness in the most suitable images and concepts available to the Church in a particular era.” The doctrine of the Trinity, the Rev Mr Hemmings asserts, provides a matrix for a new way of understanding God, the world and humanity. It is against the backdrop of this new matrix of understanding that he quotes the German theological heavyweight Professor Jurgen Moltmann, “Thinking in relationship and communities is developed out of the doctrine of the Trinity and is brought to bear on the relation of men and women to God to other people and to mankind as a whole, as well as on their fellowship with the whole of creation.” Partnership and the Trinity It is against this background that Hemmings explored the concept of partnership in order to underscore the absolute necessity for the Church to re-engage the language of Trinity so as to “more faithfully represent the God revealed in Jesus Christ by the enduring witness of the Holy Spirit.” Hemmings argued that the heart of the problem of Trinitarian notion was dealing with Jesus especially his humanness and death (an ignoble one at that). God the Father and the Holy Spirit as non-flesh were easily accommodated as divine. He asserted that partnership within the body of Christ was possible and necessary because such partnership

Rev Johnathan Hemmings

evolves out of the very character of the Triune God who is at one and the same time, self-expending, otheraffirming and community building. He said that this translated into a need for the Church to celebrate and make much of its relational and covenantal heritage, which was established in self-giving love that is long-suffering and embraces vulnerability for the sake of others. The Ocho Rios Baptist Pastor was at pains to point out that when Trinitarian partnership is practised, it challenges the spirit of dictatorship and individualism. Not only that, but it cripples threats to real missional engagement. He then concluded by affirming that God is best known and experienced in community. Therefore, Trinitarian partnership will result in our becoming a special fellowship of believers and community of saints driven by a commitment to being inclusive in our mission… or rather God’s mission.

Delegates who attend the David Jelleyman Lecture THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

NEWSBRIEFS FROM BUSINESS SESSIONS Delegates register for the Assembly

Mission agency to launch discipleship manual The JBU Mission Agency is in the final stage of production of its discipleship manual that will be launched as a part of Mission 2020 initiative. The Discipleship Manual is designed to educate our members to affirm their Christian identity and Baptist uniqueness. It covers a comprehensive range of topics about discipleship and explores some of the difficult challenges such as family life, human sexuality and economic prosperity facing Christians in a post-modern era.

The new executive Greetings The General Assembly on Saturday elected a new Executive for the 2018-2020 cycle. The two new vice presidents are Norva Rodney, Pastor of the Kitson Town Circuit and Luke Shaw, Pastor of the Linstead Circuit. Both were nominees put forward by the previous JBU Executive and both were elected unopposed. The Clerk of the House remains Taniecia McFarlane, Pastor of the New Haven Baptist Church; the Treasurer, Phillip Rattray and the new JBUMA Secretary, Robert Campbell. In addition to the 13 parish moderators and the department heads, 10 other servants were elected to join this formidable team.

from the JCC

JCC President Merlyn Hyde Riley greeted the Assembly in tenors that suggested that the JCC was in capable hands. She explained that the purpose of the JCC is to promote unity, fellowship and ecumenism among Christian churches and agencies, and averred that during her leadership, the Council would promote a moral agenda and the dignity of every human being. The JCC President stated that her leadership style would be characteristic of Baptist leadership and therefore she was confident of the Union’s support.

Parkway Baptist hails madam president President Karen Kirlew was affirmed on Saturday February 24 as the woman who would lead our beloved Union for the next two years. A delegation from the Parkway Baptist Church which now holds the membership of Kirlew’s parents were on hand to witness the moment. Its Pastor, Donald Lawrence presented Kirlew with an Ipad and expressed confidence in her ability to lead. With her usual poetic precision President Kirlew briefly reflected on her journey, attesting to the hand of God guiding her to that moment. Her words, too beautiful to paraphrase: We are sojourners along the path of life. We are sojourners shaped by vicissitudes and by the opportunities that life affords. We are sojourners molded by our brokenness and helplessness. We are imperfect beings though created in the image of God. Our imperfections remind us that we are prone to error, prone to mistakes, prone to wander and 18

JBUMA Chairman Johnathan Hemmings told the Assembly on Saturday that the manual was being fine-tuned for distribution. He further expressed hope that the manual would mitigate spiritual lethargy and inspire Christians toward renewed service. Chairman Hemmings also reported that plans were afoot to stage a mass evangelism initiative this year, also a part of the Mission 2020 project. The Chairman further reported on the initiative to identify suitable land in Haiti for the three congregations in that Member State. To date, the Ocho Rios Baptist has contributed J$3 million. Chairman Hemmings made an appeal for all local churches to help the agency raise another three million toward the initiative. am God’s servant who desires to be nothing less and nothing more than what God wants me to be. I am grateful to God for the companionship of a husband and the encouragement of a son; for the nurture of parents and the support of siblings; for the guidance of the leadership of the Jamaica Baptist Union and the fellowship of colleagues; for the partnership of a circuit of churches; the loving support of other family members and friends; and oh, how grateful I am to God for you – sisters and brothers – your prayers, your show of support in tangible and intangible ways.

Members of the Parkway Baptist Church that we constantly need to be guided by the Holy Spirit of God who journeys with us along this path of life to help, to give counsel, and to sustain us. This moment in history is testimony of God’s activity in the life of God’s people. It is also testimony of God’s creativity in the life of

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

God’s people, especially in the lives of all of us who are integral parts of this our beloved Jamaica Baptist Union. I am a sojourner on the path of service for God’s sake. I am an imperfect being who makes the effort sometimes unwillingly to respond to the calling of God for this time. I

Yes, we are sojourners, God’s imperfect servants but along this journey God goes with us and along this journey God in God’s wisdom gives us countless opportunities to partner together so that God’s work will be done in ways we will not be able to comprehend and so that God’s name and God’s name alone will be honoured and glorified.

Sunday School

Examination Awards 2017 Roshene Pierrie Hopewell Baptist

SECOND

YOUNGER CHILDREN

ADULTS

Arianna Salmon Balaclava Baptist Krista Callam Bethel Baptist HWT Najwa Russell Grace Baptist

Camille-Ann Thomas-Rodriquez Bethel HWT Jacqueline Lewis Grace Baptist Patricia Meikle Grace Baptist Rema Brown Brown’s Town (CBA) THIRD PLACE AWARDEES

Valrie Marston THIRD

FIRST PLACE AWARDEES

OLDER CHILDREN Zahra Powell Bethel HWT Amanda Taylor Bethel HWT Devonne Gayle Brown’s Town Baptist Ashleigh Jarrett Edgewater Baptist Raheem Spencer Gregory Park YOUTH Jaffiya Bromfield Old Harbour Bay Ariel Stone Sydenham Baptist Shyan Edwards Brown’s Town Baptist YOUNG ADULTS Tori Williams

Brown’s Town Baptist

ADULTS Nicola Llewellyn-Mckenzie Ocho Rios Jennifer Redway Brown’s Town (CBA) SECOND PLACE AWARDEES YOUNGER CHILDREN Mark Sherman Bethel, Bog Walk Justen James Salem Baptist Pertesha English Ewarton Baptist Keela Vallentyne Mt. Charles Baptist Annalisa Smellie Mamby Park Baptist Marc Bucknor Mona Baptist OLDER CHILDREN Ruthann Johnson Sydenham Baptist YOUTH Rheanna Kerr Hopewell Baptist Gabrielle Thompson Zion Hill Baptist Britanie Hanson Elderslie Baptist Daniel Parkes Mamby Park Baptist Toshaunae Norris Orange Park Baptist Lori-Ann Grossett Mamby Park Baptist YOUNG ADULTS Delano Mighty Giblatore Baptist

YOUNGER CHILDREN Jhenae Pryce Bethel Bog Walk Mekhi Stone Bethel HWT Moya-Lee Cameron Bethel HWT Daniel Barnett Brown’s Town Neil Dillon Angels Abbigel Nicely Sydenham Baptist Nikolai Senior-Cranston Bethel Baptist HWT Deslianna White Linstead Baptist Alexi-Ann Lindsay Mamby Park Baptist Savindi Amarakoon Mona Baptist Josiah Scott Phillippo Baptist OLDER CHILDREN Chadrick Thompson Bethel Bog Walk Annaliese Senior-Cranston Bethel HWT Taryn Williamson Brown’s Town Baptist Rhyjannah Spencer Gregory Park Baptist Brianna Brown Waugh Hill Baptist Krissie Palmer Troy Baptist YOUTH Jason Lewis Mona Baptist Ayanna Barrett St Ann’s Bay Baptist Danesia Edward Grateful Hill De-Andrea Malcolm Burchell Baptist YOUNG ADULTS Zavion Edwards Giblatore Baptist Kellaray Miles Sligoville Baptist ADULTS

Hopewell

Raquel Alridge Boulevard Baptist CHURCHES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF PASSES FIRST

Brown’s Town

SECOND

Bethel Half Way Tree

THIRD Gregory Park & Linstead CIRCUITS WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF PASSES FIRST Browns Town SECOND Bethel Half Way Tree THIRD Gregory Park PROFICIENCY TROPHY - CHURCHES WITH 100% PASSES Elderslie Baptist Church Barbican Baptist Church Bethel Town Baptist Church Paradise Baptist Church Ebony Vale Baptist Church Waterford Baptist Church St. Paul Baptist Church Gregory Park Baptist Church Hanover Street Baptist Church Dover Baptist Church Longville Park Baptist Church Mandeville Baptist Church Mamee River Baptist Church Waugh Hill Baptist Church Tarrant Baptist Church Orange Park Baptist Church Friendship Zion Hill Baptist Church Standard of Excellence Class 2

Patricia Meikle Grace Baptist Douglas Downie Brown’s Town Velma Levy Brown’s Town (CBA) TEACHERS

FIRST SECOND THIRD

FIRST

Standard of Excellence Class 3

Michelle Blackellar Barbican Baptist

FIRST Gregory Park & Mandeville

Edge Water Mt. Carey Ebony Vale

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER | APRIL 2018

The Jamaica

BAPTIST REPORTER April 2018

Established 1874

Mutual Dependency, Body Builders Karah Whitter

Preacher for the morning service, Rev Eron Henry

Ishmale Williams, lead vocalist in the Combined Adult Choir

Members of the Montpelier Baptist Church present a dub poem

Baptists reconvened quickly at 2:00pm for the second closing service, led by Immediate Past President Devon Dick. And so it was in the morning, so it was in the afternoon, the National Arena was once again filled with believers eager to hear the history-making President, Karen Kirlew preach God’s word. President Kirlew addressed the subject, Mutual Dependency: Body Builders and referenced Numbers 11:24-29 and Ephesians 4:1-16. She prefaced her sermon by using the metaphor of bodybuilding and physical fitness to make the firm disclaimer that we should not “expect overnight miracles; building a body takes time, focus and consistency.”

Raheem Spence, Gregory Parkt Baptist , reads the New Testament lesson Rev Taniecia McFarlane leads the worship

President Kirlew then proceeded to remind us that the church is one body within which mutual dependency is at work. She added that partnership was “necessary for the advancement of the mission of God as in the Old Testament, Moses and the leaders, including Eldad and Medad, were partners with each other and partners with God. In the New Testament, Paul, the apostles and the church were partners with each other and partners with Jesus Christ.” The JBU president, made three salient points: The building of the body is dependent on our character and conduct; Christian unity in the body is enriched by the diversity of our gifts; and our focus on mutual dependency: body builders must reflect the reason for which we exist — to pursue God’s mission. This mission she added also requires us to live in partnership. She further urged every member of the Jamaica Baptist Union to see partnership as “a personal mission, and not the President’s mission, not the officers’ mission. It is everybody’s mission!” The President further called upon persons to reach out and help others in their communities and the wider Caribbean because “the unity of the body must reflect the Trinitarian

community: one Spirit, one Lord, and one God…as we are one body and one family.” The service was further enriched by the ministry of dub poetry by the Montpelier Baptist Church and the combined children’s choir, who sang a resounding interpretation of the Brooklyn Tabernacle’s We are United in Jesus Christ. During the service Rev Karl Johnson and his family were honoured for 25 years in the ordained ministry, and 15 years of serving in the capacity of General Secretary. Governor General of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen made expressions of solidarity, congratulated President Karen Kirlew and recognized the accomplishments of General Secretary Karl Johnson. We also celebrated the ministry of the Sunday school. Chairman of the Sunday School Committee reported that 1,732 candidates sat the examination, of which 93% achieved passes. Browns Town Circuit and Browns Town Baptist Church copped the first place as a circuit and church respectively. Seventeen churches were also presented with trophies for entering 15 or more candidates and getting 100%.