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The Singles’ Ministries
Retreat, held on the weekend of October 19-21, 2007, created a new
chapter in the history of the Central Jamaica Conference.
Approximately 150 singles of all categories gathered together at the
Nutshell Conference Centre, Duncans, Trelawny in quest for spiritual
development and fellowship. The Singles Retreat was held under the
theme “Wrapped Up In Jesus Our Friend”. As part of its objectives,
it provided an environment for singles of all categories, to
strengthen their spirituality, as well as a forum for interaction,
thus creating relationships that are healthy in Christ.
Pastor Anthony Reid
The weekend activities
began with a devotional charge by the Family Ministries Director
(CJC), Pastor Anthony Reid. He sought to lead hearts and minds to
the point of ensuring that a relationship with God is created, as
this will allow for the acceptance of themselves as a gift from God.
As the Sabbath morning broke through the clouds all present gathered
together for “Morning Glory”, a time when thanks and praises were
lifted towards heaven for a new day and the opportunity to be alive.
Sis. Pauline Gayle-Betten
Having lifted praises in
songs to Jesus, the weekend’s main presenter, Mrs. Pauline Gayle
Betten, Lecturer at Northern Caribbean University Behavioral Science
Department, an ardent Seventh-day Adventist and advocate of young
people further grabbed the attention of the singles on Sabbath and
Sunday, as she explored the following issues:
1. Improving My Self Concept: Foundation for Healthy Relationships
2. How to Cope with Loneliness
3. Understanding My Sexuality.
Drawing from her own experiences and that of others Mrs. Gayle-Betten
illustrated and equipped the attendees with information on these
selected issues relevant to their needs. The information conveyed
was also vital to the livelihood of singles in today’s society.
Pastor Errol Thomas
Pastor Errol Thomas lent
his expertise in conveying very essential factors that would allow
each person to improve their spirituality. This of course called for
a recommitment of their lives to the service of God and the
maintenance of a deep spiritual connection with the Creator.
Pastor
Ivor
Harry
Pastor Ivor Harry, Youth
Director of the Conference also presented on the topic “Searching
for My Missing Rib”. This topic was indicative of the fact that as
singles, one must not be so comfortable in his/her current state of
mind. Instead one should make an effort to explore or find a life
partner that possesses the true qualities of an Adventist with the
leading of the Holy Spirit. He also urged the singles to make the
time to occasionally visit the various churches within the
Conference so as to widen the visual find of a probable life
partner.
In light of the fellowship and interaction with each other, the mode
of socialization was exceptional as the singles happily embraced
some 5-6 hours of games and excitement on the eve of Sunday morning.
This aspect of the Retreat was deemed as the “climax” as the Social
Coordinator for the weekend, Ken Wright, sought to refresh their
spirits and invigorate their bodies by wholesome recreation with the
purpose of forming new friendships
Pastor Dudley Hosin, Family Ministries Director of the North Jamaica
Mission on the closure of our weekend, left individuals with
powerful thoughts that will be long remembered. He indicated that as
the formation of these and other friendships are made it is vital
that the existing relationship with God be richly enhanced. By so
doing the trials and temptations that are faced daily will be easily
overcome, as the devil knows just what elements he has to deal with,
and he displays his infernal wisdom in various devices to entrap
souls to their ruin.
Singles’ Retreat 2007
has certainly set the trend for a new era in the life of the Central
Jamaica Conference. Singles are quickly becoming the majority in
most churches, and we urge you to revisit and create opportunities
that will allow for the utilization of your talents and ministry to
others who are still in need of that relationship with Christ. As a
result of this retreat the singles were reminded, that no matter
what status is owned in life God gives strength and wisdom to lead
productive and joyful lives. May we all be sensitive to the
particular needs of each other and lend a helping hand in glorifying
God with our lives, as diverse as they may be.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF
SINGLES RETREAT 2007!!
-Article by Alethea Brown / Photos by Kemar Douglas
- Kemar Douglas /CJC |
