At 72, Roosevelt Franklin is one of the oldest delegates at the Fourth (Third Quinquennial) Session of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU). His presence is more than symbolic. It is a reminder that as the Church plans its future, it must honour the faith that built its foundation.
In a Session marked by digital voting, video reports, and strategic initiatives to engage a new generation, Franklin represents a living bridge between tradition and transformation. This year marks 60 years since his baptism in 1966 in Spring Gardens, Trelawny, the beginning of a Christian journey defined by steadiness, service, and commitment to mission.
A Lifetime of Service
After his early years in Trelawny, Franklin moved to Montego Bay and joined the Granville Seventh-day Adventist Church. There, he served in Personal Ministries and as First Elder for 20 consecutive years, a testament to the trust placed in his leadership.
His ministry extended beyond one congregation. He was instrumental in the start-up of a church in Pitfour, where he also served as First Elder. Over the decades, he has held leadership roles in at least three congregations. Today, he resides in Trelawny and worships at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church.