Inter-American Division (IAD) Associate Treasurer Juan José Morán exhorted attendees at the 7th Quadrennial Session of the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) to never underestimate the power of God to move in our personal, national and ecclesiastic situations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the session at Camp Verley on July 6, Morán acknowledged that many events, both jubilant and horrific, mark the end times.
“Many people are watching the FIFA World Cup and rooting for their teams. Some are sorry that Brazil lost,” he said, with which some audience members agreed. He continued, “But there are also many people suffering…The last report that I heard from the Venezuelan earthquake said there are over 3000 deaths, some of those are SDA members. There are many crises, but we can be sure that God is with us in them and we have to decide to be with Him.”
He anchored his message in the account of the Syrian siege of Israel found in 2 Kings 6 and 7. Scripture records that the siege created a devastating famine for which the King blamed the prophet Elisha and threatened to kill him. The prophet, however, demonstrated faith in God’s control and declared a miraculous deliverance within 24 hours, which happened as he said.
Morán said the same God was presiding over the session.
“We are here to elect new officials in this session. To propose new plans in order to develop and to live the mission. We won’t be able to do it without giving everything to God. We are not in control, God is in control of His church. With or without us, God will finish the work.”
Speaking in Spanish with translation by Dr Olivia Valentine, he encouraged delegates to grow in faith and give everything to God for His direction.
CJC president, Pastor Nevail Barrett, concurred.
“Delegates, for these two days you carry the responsibility of representing your church in a sacred process of electing leaders who will serve for the next four years. Let us therefore, with much prayer allow the Spirit of God to lead us…May his will be done and His name glorified,” Barrett said.
He declared the session officially open and ready for business.
SDA church representatives included Jamaica Union (JAMU) officials: president Glen Samuels, executive secretary Dr. Karl Archer, treasurer Dr. Adlai Blythe and community services, stewardship and cross-cultural mission director, Adrian Cotterell.
CJC representatives included executive secretary, Howard Grant, treasurer, Roxwel Lawrence and benefactor, Winston Crawford.
The ceremony was also attended by several civic leaders.
Dr. Shernette Powell, zone chair for West Central St. Catherine and justice of the peace representing Custos Rotulorum of St. Catherine, Icylin Golding, noted that the SDA church is a valued partner and anticipated the conference’s continued service to the parish.
Other officials included Deputy Commissioner of police, Richard Stewart, Jamaica Constabulary Force chaplain, Dr Gary Budhoo-Fletcher and Deputy Superintendent of the National Police College of Jamaica, Richard McPherson.
The conference selected its largest delegation ever this year. Of the 522 delegates, three represented the following newly organised churches:
- Silent Hill SDA pastored by Anthony Dowding, organised March 7, 2026 with 64 members.
- Ritchies SDA pastored by Kevin Richards, organised April 18, 2026 with 26 members
- Mexico SDA pastored by Blondell Campbell, organised April 25, 2026 with 23 members
The delegates voted for dual modality voting, which means utilising both the new electronic system and the traditional card system.
The session is convened to elect the administration for the next four years, to make plans, constitutional changes and recommendations. The theme is ‘I Will Go: Living the Mission’.
A first-time feature is the exhibition area containing booths which showcase Adventist businesses and institutions in the CJC.
This 7th quadrennial session coincides with the conference’s 65th anniversary year, having been founded in 1961.