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The curtains of Convention 2009 came down on Sunday, February 8,
2009, when members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches within the
parish of Clarendon were gathered together at the May Pen S.D.A.
Church.
Sis. Princess Lawes,
Assistant to the President of the West Indies Union Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists delivered a timely message to the brethren
reminding them of their need to depend on the Lord in a time such as
this. She reflected on the life of the Israelites in days of old,
when they doubted the power of the Holy Spirit while on the
battlefield for the Lord. Such an action she urged, was not to be
adapted by Seventh-day Adventists, however, in understanding the God
that rules over life, one will know that there is nothing that can
be done without His help.
On that note, Pastor Levi Johnson, Secretary, Conservation and
Prayer Coordinator of Central Jamaica Conference invited the
brethren to lift their hearts to the Lord in prayer and reminded the
brethren of their need to stay in close contact with the Lord
through the simple act of prayer, as His blessings are in abundance
to those who believe in Him.
The Pastors within the parish of Clarendon then gave a brief report
on their progress throughout the previous year. They further
highlighted their goals for 2009 and the blessings that they are
awaiting from the Lord.
Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Conference, then pointed out
to the brethren that having seen the blessings of the Lord in 2008,
each person needs to be rooted and grounded in faith and in Christ
as they build up the body of the Lord. He then highlighted the
significant progress of the Conference.
Harvest Ingathering 2008 was no less impressive in the year 2008.
Pastor Everett Smith, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
Director of the Conference was overwhelmed with joy having seen that
the Lord has richly blessed the project within the parish of
Clarendon. The parish surpassed its goal of $714,681.00 by 58% and
received some $1,127,463.00 to further the work of the Master. The
top ingatherer in Clarendon was Sis. M. Johnson of Birds Hill S.D.A.
Church, who collected $36,210.00. The most outstanding district was
Palmetto Gardens who went 149% above their initial goal.
Pastor Kemar Douglas, Associate Communication Director of the
Conference, gave the closing sermon on hope. He spoke to the fact
Jesus promise to give everyone his peace especially in times of
trouble whether it be health, financial, social or even death but we
must hold on to Christ.
Bearing in mind the focus for the first quarter of 2009 “It’s My
Time in 2009”, it is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to
continue to use us to further the mission of the Lord.
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