Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Prayer Conference 2009 took on an added dimension when the Central Jamaica Conference Prayer, Conservation and Publishing Ministries partnered with West Indies Union Book and Nutrition Centre in putting on this year’s conference. This event, the first of its kind, was held on the weekend of April 3-5 under the theme ‘Disciples Renewed through Knowledge and Prayer’, saw over 1,800 persons attending. The first two days of the programme was staged at Camp Verley, Spring Gardens, St. Catherine, while the last day, a grand book fair and baptism, was held on the grounds of the Central Jamaica Conference Office.

Central Jamaica Conference Administrators, Pastor Levi Johnson (left), Executive Secretary, Prayer and Conservation Coordinator, and Pastor Everett Brown, President, welcoming all participants, invitees and guests to Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009.

Pastor Everett Brown, President of Central Jamaica Conference, in giving the welcome stated that, “The theme for this special convocation speaks to the value of prayer, knowledge, and renewal in the spiritual development of a follower of Jesus Christ. Essential to a life of prayer is a clear knowledge of God, of His sacrifice of love for us, and of His plan to restore us in His image.”

This display of books put on by the Book and Nutrition Centre attracts a group of persons at the Book Fair held to close the Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference.

This year’s conference was planned to demonstrate the importance of using prayer and literature in the disciplining process. A number of specially planned features where used to bring this out including the concert of prayers, ‘Miracles of Grace’ (a segment where new believers had the opportunity to testify about God’s goodness and how He saved them), discipleship theme exhibits, panel discussion and key presentations on the theme.

Pastor Nevail Barrett (right) prepares to baptize one of two persons as Pastors (center) Carlyle Bayne, Everett Brown and Joseph Barrett do the pronouncement. This baptism was held on the grounds of the Central Jamaica Conference office to close the Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009.

Executive Secretary and Prayer Coordinator for Central Jamaica Conference, Pastor Levi Johnson, stated that, “The theme, ‘Disciples Renewed through Knowledge and Prayer’ indicates what should be our first and greatest need and request of God at this time – Spiritual Renewal.” He also remarked that spiritual renewal is only possible when the believer in Christ truly humble themselves and avail themselves to be used by God. “This is what discipleship means,” he said.

Pastor Carlyle Bayne, Director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries at the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, delivering the Word of God at Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009. He was the keynote speaker at Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009.

The keynote speaker was Pastor Carlyle Bayne, Director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries at the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He delivered two powerful sermons on what it means to be true disciples of Christ. Other presenters included Dr. Pablo Perla and Mrs. Anita Rodriquez, President and Manager respectively from the Inter-America Division Publishing Association; Dr. Joseph Barrett, Publishing Director for West Indies Union Conference; and Pastor Joseph Smith, Vice-President, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director for West Indies Union Conference.

Dr. Pablo Perla, President of the Inter-America Division Publishing Association, speaking to the attendees of Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009 about the importance reading and sharing Adventist Christian literature.

Pastor Derek Bignall, President of West Indies Union Conference, in encouraging the brethren sent his message as he was unable to be there, it stated, “Our knowledge of Jesus Christ tells us that prayer was an essential part of His life. When we follow His example, as did the disciples, we grow in our knowledge and relationship with Him. We tell others about Him and disciple them into this knowledge and saving relationship. By helping to save others we ourselves are renewed. When one who is knowledgeable about what is written in the Scriptures has a good prayer life, the Lord can use that person to do marvellous things to further His cause.”

A little girl admires a sketch by Mathew Voncross depicting families sharing the love of Jesus. The sketches were part of an art display mounted at the Book Fair to close Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009.

The Prayer Conference, though open to all, was planned with the new believers in mind. Over a thousand persons, baptized between 2007 and 2009, were present. Other invitees included the ASI Prayer Ministry, colporteurs, the publishing sponsors, prayer ministry coordinators and the elders in charge of conservation in the churches.

Mrs. Marie Halsall, General Manager for the Book and Nutrition Centre West Indies Union, present a plaque to the winner of the ‘Young Writer’s Award’. Beside her is Mrs. Patricia Henry for the Book and Nutrition Centre Mandeville Branch.

Mrs. Marie Halsall, General Manager for the Book and Nutrition Centre West Indies Union, stated that, “To embrace the call for renewal through prayer, literature and discipleship, is to recognize the need for a more meaningful prayer life whereby we can have a closer encounter with Him. As we seek to improve our knowledge from a constant study of the word, let us endeavour to share His word, so that we can experience that enriching and fulfilling relationship with God.”

Children happy at play in a bounce-about at the Book Fair held to close the Prayer, Literature and Discipleship Conference 2009.

Also in attendance were the Custos of St. Catherine Reverend the Honourable Sophia Azan, Pastor Edgar Eason from Harvest Ministries in Spanish Town, and Pastor Desmond Robinson Prayer Coordinator for West Indies Union Conference.

- Article and Photos by Pastor Kemar T. J. Douglas

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