A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department

December 2014 Issue #20

Gregory Park District Welcomes Pastor Montaque

T he afternoon of November 1,

2014 was an historic one for the

Gregory Park district of churches

as it marked the installation of a

new Pastoral family to the district. There

were smiles, greetings and hugs as mem-

bers from both churches in the district

gathered at the Waterford SDA Church to

welcome their new Pastor. Some faces

were bursting with excitement while oth-

ers were quietly pondering the moment,

for when new members are added to

one’s family the expectation, anticipation

and joy cannot be muted.

The Installation service began

with Pastor Onell Montaque and his wife,

Lori-Ann being formally escorted into the

sanctuary. They were seated in the front

row with members of their family seated

close by. These family members included

the parents and sibling of Sis. Lori-Ann

and the siblings of Pastor Montaque. The

solemnity of the moment was fully re-

flected in the words of the Opening Hymn

‘Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus King

of Kings!’ This appeared to be the senti-

ment of the entire congregation as the

sanctuary was filled with lusty singing.

Officers from both the Gregory Park and

Waterford churches led out ably in the

Prayer, Welcome and Scripture Reading.

Among the Conference person-

nel in attendance were Sis. Mary Cole,

Pastor Valbert Walker, Sis. Renee Mal-

colm, and Pastor Kevin Danvers. Sis.

Mary Cole and her husband are the par-

ents of the Pastor’s wife, Sis. Lori-Ann

Montaque. Pastor Kevin Danvers was the

officiating Conference Representative. In

his stirring remarks, he highlighted the

fact that the greatest need of the Church

is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The

emphasis on spiritual growth and unity of

the members will be reflected in visitation

of every member and fulfilling worship

experiences in which our churches will

become houses of prayer. “Prayer has to

be our priority if these goals are to be

achieved,” Pastor Danvers insisted.

Pastor Montaque and his wife

were escorted to the Platform by Elder

Whittingham (Waterford) and Elder Joan

Pusey (Gregory Park) respectively. Wel-

come was extended to Pastor Montaque

by Elder Williston Patterson while Elder

Angela Chambers extended welcome to

Sis. Montaque.

The litany of installation was led

by the Conference Representative, Pastor

Danvers. This was followed by Installation

prayers offered by Elder Wayne Harrison

and Pastor Billy Watson.

In his first sermon as District

Pastor, Pastor Montaque proclaimed the

omnipotence of the almighty, Creator

God. “God does not need us to be God”,

he declared. However, God has called us

out of darkness into light to carry on a

ministry of reconciliation in which we both

show and tell God’s love to others.

Through this service of commit-

ment and consecration, a new Pastor and

his wife were welcomed into the Gregory

Park district. Punctuated with beautiful

singing and vibrant presentations, the

installation ceremony symbolized only a

changing of the guard, for the mission

and the message remain the same.

Pastor Onell Montaque presents his first sermon as District Pastor

Elder Wayne Harrison offers prayer during

the service

Issue #20

From the Pastor’s Desk

How important is dress to God?

Scenes from the Quarter

Publications

The Light/Adventist Resources

Health as a Lifestyle

News

Calendar of Events

Five Years of the

Light

Women’s Banquet 10 Days of Prayer

The Light

Onel Montaque Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of Churches

G od has preserved our lives to the point where in a few

days from now we will see the curtains closing in on

the year 2014. Undoubtedly we can say that we have

all been blessed. An eventful year is almost behind us and we

are standing on the brink of a new year. A new year carries

with it opportunities, challenges and successes. Life is not

void of any of the three possibilities mentioned in the previ-

ous sentence. These possibilities add excitement and unpre-

dictability to our lives.

Membership in God’s church is also accompanied by

all three possibilities. It therefore means that it is an exciting

experience to be a member of the church of God. God’s peo-

ple will inevitably be jubilant and live in expectancy, because

each day we encounter all three possibilities; we receive op-

portunities to serve, and service is a fertile ground for chal-

lenges. Challenges on the other hand rightly managed will

ultimately supply the sweet taste of success.

The membership of the Gregory Park Church experi-

enced the annual challenge between the months of Septem-

ber and October to elect suitable officers to serve the church

for the year 2015. The members of the church stood up to

the task and persons were nominated and voted and those

persons who have accepted the challenge are now prepared

to serve as officers of the church for 2015.

I am convinced that the Holy Spirit guided this proc-

ess because nothing happens in God’s church without God’s

permission or by His doing. Sometimes like Israel we lose

sight of God and become bent on having our own way and

being the loving God that He is, He sometimes allows us our

hearts desire as similarly He gave Israel a king when they

demanded one. We know the unfortunate conquences that

followed their decision to choose a king to lead them over

God.

The fact that God was involved in the election proc-

ess suggests that God is in agreement with the team chosen

to serve the church for the ensuing year; He certainly has

allowed it. If God is in agreement it therefore means that we

are therefore obliged or duty bound to work with those se-

lected until God’s purpose is fulfilled.

God’s purpose for His people in each locale, varies: it

could be that a particular individual is the best person suited

for the Job, it could be that God places someone in a particu-

lar position to teach them a lesson, or teach you a lesson, or

it could be that he/she is there to reveal to the church their

true colours, for whatever reason God allows someone to

hold an office in His church He has never made a mistake.

If God is in agreement with the person/s chosen,

then why give those who serve a hard time? If those who

serve do less work than desired, the best thing to do is to

consult with Him to whom we are all accountable and wait

until the annual challenge returns next year. For now every

officer needs our fullest support.

Every member of the church is accountable to God

for the opportunities and challenges we enjoy by virtue of our

membership in his Body. The truth is that God has called all

of us to function as a member of His body. We are all part of

this organism which is called the church. The organism is only

alive and well when all its parts are working. So whether we

hold an office or not we are expected to serve.

I am convinced that there is enough work in the

church for every member to be occupied. Like the living or-

ganism each of its parts has a specialized function. We do

not expect nor do we believe that each member of the church

can perform in every capacity, hence there are multiple minis-

tries in the church. Specialize if that brings comfort. The ideal

to be attained is that every member of the living organism

called the church must be working for the good of the organ-

ism. I encourage every member to get involved in at least one

of the many ministries of the church. Next year the emphasis

in mobilizing the membership of the church will be on minis-

tries and not on departments. Our objective is to have all

members active and involved in one or more ministries.

With the guidance of and help of God, who we be-

lieve is actively involved in the affairs of his church, His will,

will be done.

Here are the keys to successfully fulfill the will of

God. First we must seek to know his will through prayer and

bible studies; second we must surrender daily to the will of

God. And finally we should never forget that we are ultimately

accountable to God for all that we do or fail to do.

These keys will open the door to a successful and a

spirit filled 2015.

The Pastor’s Desk

The Light

Five years of The Light

To GOD be the Glory...Great things he hath done

Thanks to everyone who has read, written in, shared or supported The Light over the past 5 years

Issue #1, March 2010 Issue #7, September 2011

Issue #13, March 2013

Issue #11, September 2012

Issue #15, September 2013 Issue #17, March 2014

Issue #20

Elder Cavan Davis and the church say goodbye to Pastor

Blondel Cambell and Sis Maxine Campbell, Saturday

October 24, 2014

Pastor Onell Montaque and Elder Davis conduct a baby

blessing service during Divine Hour, Sabbath November 7,

2014

Shauna-Kay Miller, Filicia Morrison, Georganne Thomas and Terence

McLaughlin perform the closing song before the close of AY service,

Sabbath November 28, 2014

Sammaur Miller, Jade McGann, Michca-Mae Bonner, Zudie-ann

Grant and Devroy Peart sing during the installation service for Pas-

tor Montaque at the Waterford SDA Church, November 1, 2014

The Light

Issue #20

“The Wrinkle Free Woman – Putting Starch in your Life” – the

banquet’s powerful theme which sometimes evoked a smile

or a chuckle, then curiosity, then awareness among the

women from the Women’s Ministries of the Churches in Port-

more who streamed into the Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday,

December 7th 2014.

The beautiful ambience created a relaxing, soothing

setting for the evening’s proceedings. Women from the Greg-

ory Park, Braeton and Greater Portmore churches made up

the bulk of the attendees, though there were sisters from

other churches also in attendance.

The elegantly attired women truly enhanced the

beauty of the setting as their radiant smiles and beautiful

colours adorned the room. The scene was one of splendour

and dignity, totally befitting daughters of the King.

The banquet marked the end of year activity for the

Women’s Ministry. The women had worked hard throughout

2014 and a social activity to end the year was another of the

department’s objectives being met. It was a social activity

with a strong spiritual emphasis. As the women basked in the

beautiful, regal ambience, there was no mistaking the fact

that they got more than physical food.

There was a strong spiritual undertone to the ban-

quet. The women were reminded to put the ‘starch’ of faith,

prayer, sweetness, kindness, concern and caring in their lives

since God’s image must resonate through their lives in all

circumstances.

Sis. Dannie Barrett-Clarke masterfully guided the

program through the various activities. She kept the audience

smiling and appreciative. The special music was of an excep-

tionally high calibre. There were also giveaways and jokes and

an opportunity for the women to rekindle old friendships and

start new ones.

The Guest Speaker, Sis. Sharon-Mae Shirley gave a

heart-to-heart talk with the women, exhorting them to take

care of themselves physically and spiritually, in order to truly

represent the King of Kings.

As the evening’s proceedings came to a close, one

could sense the deep spiritual resolve. As the women commit-

ted their lives anew to God, the following verses printed on

their programs seemed to reflect everyone’s sentiments.

Arise, Woman of God

Rise up, o woman of God

In what He has given you,

The things God has laid on your heart,

Rise up, go forth, and do

Unlock what God has placed within, the potential you have

inside. The world is waiting for your release

To expand your wings and fly.

Arise in your God-given gifts, for this is your finest hour

Arise in the Lord’s holy might, ignited and empowered

For God is calling you to come forth, to impact this world for

Him, don’t hold back or limit yourself, let His power arise

within

And take His message to the world, to those who have lost

their way

For you can surely make a difference, if you’d hear His voice

and obey.

Rise up, o woman of God

In what He has given you, the things God has laid on your

heart,

RISE UP, GO FORTH AND DO!

Women’s banquet ends year on High Note

Issue #20

How important is our dress to God?

In Romans 12:1 Paul’s heartfelt request to the brethren in Rome is captured in the words, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a liv-ing sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Based on the known traditions it was under-stood that as a sacrifice, the highest standards were required for it to be acceptable to God. The issue of dress has been one that has had numerous discussions in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and to date, there is no definitive position. Differences in culture might militate against being able to present such a stance. But wouldn’t it have been included in the Ten Commandments if it were that important and not left to be so unclear, cloudy and at times a source of discord? However, on an individual basis, should dress be considered as being important to God? After many discussions, research and introspection, I submit to you that our dress is of equal value in our service to God as is faithfully observing the Ten Commandments because of the following reasons: 1. We are a Royal Priesthood: There is a sense of belonging when we are reminded of who we are such as 1 Peter 2:9 “We are a chosen generation, a holy nation, a royal priesthood...” This pleasure should not stop at ascribing the texts to ourselves but should transcend into action. God used 43 verses, 1,277 words to outline the peculiarities in dress that were required of the priest in his ministry. No lesser attention should be shown today by those of us who are ‘happy’ to consider ourselves a royal priesthood. Too often the response is that ‘I’m wearing this because it makes me look good’ or ‘because I like it’. Instead of seeking to gratify self in wearing the latest fashion let us seek to dress modestly in our ministry to God

2. It signifies being true to our vows: Solomon said “when thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it, for he hath no pleasure in fools, pay what you have vowed, better is it that thou shouldest not vow.” Ecclesiastes 5:4-5. This was not the first time the seriousness of making a vow was pre- sented (Num 30:2, Psalm 50:14). One vow that all Seventh-day Adventists Christians have made publicly which I daresay requires ‘public’ obedience is “Not to wear ornamental jewel- lery such as rings, earrings, bracelets and painted faces (lipstick and rouge). (Taken from the Baptismal Pledge Card.) Many may view the issue of dress as insignificant, however, because it was a vow made unto God, it is now of equal value to Him as the Ten Commandments. However, persons willingly choose to dishonour this vow as the use of make-up and wearing of jewellery seems to be the norm. Even as indi- viduals dishonour their vows on a personal level, the church seems to be supporting this violation as persons so adorned are continu- ally used in the services of the church. Mascara is derived from the Italian word maschera meaning mask and when we further analyse the names used for the other “beautification” products, it indicates intent to cover up, add to or enhance how God has made us. This action is synonymous to what our fore parents sought to do when they disobeyed God. David said “I am fear- fully and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14 and this should guide our acceptance of who we are but should also underlie our deepest desire to ho our our vows. 3. We are ‘New Creatures’: I accept that on our own we have no control over our sinful nature (Ps 51:5) and sin has the effect of causing us to be blind to the beauty of God’s creation including ourselves. Having chosen to follow Christ, however, Paul assures us that we are now ‘new creatures’ (2 Cor. 5:17). It is incumbent on us to find-out what is required and to so do. There are nu-merous biblical references that indicate the necessary

The Light

Contributed by Julia Campbell

Pathfinder Director, Tent City SDA Church

preconditions when God intended to deliver His people or to pronounce a blessing. Often times it included get-ting rid of false gods and dirty clothes and to dress differ-ently. (Gen 35:4, Ex 19:10, Ex 33:1-6). As ‘new creatures’ there should be no difficulty in identifying a Seventh-day Adventist by dress. As Seventh-day Adventists young ladies and young men we needn’t search far to understand how we are to pre-sent ourselves. Paul while at Ephesus gave Timothy this counsel, “women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shame-facedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls or costly array (1 Tim 2:9). This instruction still remains rele-vant and applicable to us today.

As we view world events both locally and glob-ally, there should be a recollection of bible prophecies even the signs of the times as presented by Jesus (Matt 24:14). More than focussing on dress reform is the need for a heart reform.

As members who should be growing daily in Christ and seeking to be obedient to His will it is time to reflect: Is wearing this dress (make-up, nail polish or ring) worth it? Am I living like a new creature but more than anything else am I being true to the vows I made to God?

The Central Jamaica Conference is encouraging churches in

in the Conference, to joint The ‘Plant-A-Tree. This initiative is

in response to the imperative of spiritual growth and unity

and such is a metaphor for both. Each Youth Department is

being asked to consult with their Pastor and Board in acquir-

ing a suitable place on the church compound to plant a fruit

tree that will bear within a year.

This tree should remind the youth and the mem-

bers of the church of three things:

The tree of good and evil in the Garden of Eden; Like

the tree in the garden, temptation is always lurking; and

youth should be constant in prayer lest they fall

The tree Christ died on – the cross; just in case they fall

at the tree of temptation, they can run to the cross,

where there is forgiveness, healing and power

The tree of life, this world is not their final destination

and since it is temporary, they should focus on inherit-

ing the new earth which will contain the tree of life.

The planting and maintenance of the tree should unite the

youth toward one common goal; salvation and service!

The Youth Department of Gregory Park SDA Church will

be joining this every important initiative on January 25, as

they seek to watch our spiritual lives grow and flourish.

Youth Department to join

Plant-a-tree initiative

Coming up in the next issue

We look at the History of General

Conference

Countdown to Youth Retreat

Scenes from Officers induction, Youth

Day and a report from OSAY

Issue #20

PUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONS of the Quarterof the Quarterof the Quarter

To get copies of these and other SDA Christian Literature: Speak with your local Publishing Director

Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre

Kingston, 74 Constant Spring Road.

Spanish Town, 58 Brunswick Ave

Mandeville, 5 1/2 Annex Drive,

Ocho Rios, Native Plaza, 58 Main Street

Montego Bay, 30 Church Street

Savana-la-mar, 6 Rose Street

Visit the Inter-American Division Book Store Website

at http://store.iadpa.org/

Or any other online book store such as Amazon or

Barnes and Noble

DESCRIPTION Fourteen inspiring sermons about what the Bible says about stewardship. It explores many of the questions we have about serving the Lord. Features: • Well-organized sermons • These can be used at church or for private reading. Dimensions: 15 x 22 cm • Binding: paperback • 120 pages

DESCRIPTION The author responds categorically the attacks made against the doctrine of the sanctuary and Ellen G. White. A critical analysis of the accusations made against the Adventist Church in the past, as well as in recent years. Best features: The most debated aspects of Adventist theology. • Ellen G. White and William Miller. • The role and function of a prophet. Dimensions: 15 x 23 cm • Binding: paperback • 176 pages

The Light

ISSUU is the leading digital publishing platform

delivering exceptional reading experiences of maga-

zines, catalogues, and newspapers.

Did you miss an issue of THE LIGHT?

Issuu now features The LIGHT See & read all 20 issues from your browser or mobile device

You may subscribe to The Light on Issuu by clicking

the SUBSCRIBE icon to be notified of new publications

To be added to the mailing list or request back issues, please

send an email to the address below.

Do you have a story, poem or something you would like to see in the Light? Please send us an

email and we will consider it for publication.

communications.gpsda@gmail.com

http://issuu.com/gp_light

Screenshots

Description

Hope Channel is a family friendly television network that

spans the globe. The network broadcasts to every inhabited

continent via satellite and is widely re-distributed by terres-

trial rebroadcast, cable, internet and direct-to-home TV.

This app is designed for Iphone and

Ipad.

$0.99

Updated: Mar 26, 2014

Version: 2.3

Size: 6.5 MB

Languages: English, German,

Spanish, Traditional Chinese

Seller: Stimme der Hoffnung

© 2010 Stimme der Hoffnung e.V.

/ Hope Channel

You can

download the

Issuu app on

your phone

Issue #20

Health as a Lifestyle

Health Wonders of Water

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Most healthy adults get enough to drink by letting their thirst guide them. But the exact amount you need depends on your size, level of activity, the weather, and your general health. You may need more water if you exercise or sweat heavily. Here are seven health wonders of water.

Stay Slimmer With Water Trying to lose weight? Water revs up metabolism and helps you feel full. Replace calorie-filled beverages with water, and drink a glass be-fore meals to help you feel fuller. Drinking more water helps amp up metabolism - especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.

Water Boosts Your Energy If you're feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes you feel tired. The right amount of water will help your heart pump your blood more effectively. And water can help your blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells.

Lower Stress With Water About 70% to 80% of your brain tissue is water. If you're dehydrated, your body and your mind are stressed. If you're feeling thirsty, you're already a little dehydrated. To keep stress levels down, keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a sports bottle and sip regularly.

Build Muscle Tone With Water Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body. When you're well hydrated, you can exercise longer and stronger without "hitting the wall."

Nourish Your Skin Fine lines and wrinkles are deeper when you're dehydrated. Water is nature's own beauty cream. Drinking water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your face look younger. It also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.

Stay Regular With Water Along with fiber, water is important for good digestion. Water helps dissolve waste particles and passes them smoothly through your di-gestive tract. If you're dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water, leaving your colon dry and making it more difficult to pass waste.

Water Reduces Kidney Stones The rate of painful kidney stones is rising. One of the reasons could be because people -- including children -- aren't drinking enough water. Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form the solid crystals known as kidney stones. Kidney stones can't form in diluted urine, so reduce your risk with plenty of water!

Source: webmd.com

Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on December 7, 2014

The Light

Health as a Lifestyle

1. Be realistic. Don’t try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead

try to maintain your current weight.

2. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and

prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help

partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk

walks twice a day.

3. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like

raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less

tempted to over-indulge.

4. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your fa-

vorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to

keep your plate balanced.

5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holi-

day treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and

enjoy.

6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and

induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and

sugar.

7. If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calo-

ries per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance

consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one

piece of pie!

8. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into

non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gin-

gerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t

all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing

games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.

9. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.

10. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes

lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incor-

porate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to

make them healthier.

Gravy — Refrigerate the gravy to harden fat. Skim the fat off. This

will save a whopping 56 gm of fat per cup.

Dressing — Use a little less bread and add more onions, garlic,

celery, and vegetables. Add fruits such as cranberries or apples. Moisten

or flavor with low fat low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and apple-

sauce.

Turkey – Enjoy delicious, roasted turkey breast without the skin

and save 11 grams of saturated fat per 3 oz serving.

Green Bean Casserole — Cook fresh green beans with chucks of

potatoes instead of cream soup. Top with almonds instead of fried onion

rings.

Mashed Potato — Use skim milk, chicken broth, garlic or garlic

powder, and Parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.

Quick Holiday Nog — Four bananas, 1-1/2 cups skim milk or soy-

milk, 1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and

ground nutmeg. Blend all ingredients except nutmeg. Puree until

smooth. Top with nutmeg.

Desserts — Make a crustless pumpkin pie. Substitute two egg

whites for each whole egg in baked recipes. Replace heavy cream with

evaporated skim milk in cheesecakes and cream pies. Top cakes with

fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of fatten-

ing frosting.

Enjoy the holidays, plan a time for activity, incorporate

healthy recipes into your holiday meals, and don't restrict yourself

from enjoying your favorite holiday foods. In the long run, your

mind and body will thank you.

Source: Sutterhealth CPMC

by Greta Macaire, R.D.

http://www.cpmc.org/

TEN T IPS FOR HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING

Issue #20

News continued on next page

The Light shares the following news stories on religion from across the world, for the information of readers. Opinions ex-

pressed in these reports/stories do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Light, the Gregory Park SDA Church or the

Seventh-day Adventist Church

T he Adventist Development and Relief Agency has ap-

pointed an Ebola Response Coordinator in a move that

Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders say will help the

global denomination and its numerous entities re-

spond to West Africa’s Ebola outbreak.

In December, the agency hired Elizabeth Foulkes, who

previously worked on the international health team at World

Vision US, to serve in the newly-created position for a term

lasting at least three months.

Foulkes, who holds a master’s degree in global health

from Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, will coor-

dinate response efforts between the Adventist Church’s

Health Ministries Department, ADRA International, ADRA of-

fices throughout West Africa, Loma Linda University and Ad-

ventist Health International.

“We want to have a united approach, especially in

terms of utilizing the church’s networks in the affected coun-

tries,” said David Holdsworth of ADRA’s Emergency Manage-

ment Unit.

“This is a really interesting situation that no agency,

including ADRA, has ever faced before,” Foulkes said. “It’s

both a learning opportunity as a recent graduate as well as an

opportunity to pull different Adventist entities together to work

as a team.”

“There are a lot of people working on this, the General

Conference and unions and conferences and universities, and

I’m really just helping to facilitate all of those efforts,” she

added.

The Ebola outbreak this year has infected nearly

18,600 people and taken the lives of more than 6,900 peo-

ple, according to a December 17 release from the World

Health Organization (WHO). Most victims live in Guinea, Libe-

ria and Sierra Leone.

Ebola is spread through direct contact with bodily flu-

ids and tissue of an infected person. Those most at risk are

healthcare staff and family members caring for someone in-

fected with the virus, according to the WHO. Case fatalities

range from 25 percent to 90 percent depending on the

amount of treatment available.

Foulkes said most Ebola people affected by the virus

are not those infected with the virus. Ebola also affects citi-

zens who now have limited access to healthcare and food, she

said.

One of ADRA’s primary responses to the crisis so far

has been providing emergency food rations to those affected.

Also, ADRA’s Emergency Management Unit is coordinating

with the United Nations Food Programme and seeking educa-

tional grants from several governments, including the United

States, Germany and Denmark.

Already this year, various Adventist organizations

have responded to the crisis with hundreds of thousands of

dollars in supplies and equipment.

ADVENTIST CHURCH APPOINTS

EBOLA RESPONSE COORDINATOR ADRA TO MANAGE CHURCH’S RESPONSE

Elizabeth Foulkes, left, ADRA’s new Ebola response coordina-

tor, talks with Dr. Peter Landless, Health Ministries director of

the Adventist world church ([photo] Ansel Oliver, ANN)

Source: Adventist News Network, http://news.adventist.org/

December 18, 2014

The Light

O n Sabbath, December 20, 2014 the Youth Depart-

ment of Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) launched

O-SAY (Operation Save a Youth), a mission-driven pro-

gram for the youth and by the youth of Central Jamaica Con-

ference of Seventh-day Adventists.

The launch took place during the Sabbath afternoon

program of Camp Meeting and Lay Institute 2014 amidst

much fan fair and presentations by Adventist Youth (AY) Fed-

eration officers.

“O-SAY is a program planned by and for the youth of

Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in

response to the downward spiral devastation of other youths

in the community and nation.” According to the Youth Director

of CJC, Pastor Greg Baldeo, “O-SAY was inspired based on

ideas that were shared by the youth of CJC during a series of

consultations with the young people across the three parishes

of the Conference, captioned, ‘Let’s Talk Youth’”.

“During these consultations”, Pastor Baldeo shares, “the

young people expressed that they had a desire to be involved

in mission; not merely within the four walls of the church, but

they wanted to get involved in outreach activities.” Thus, the

idea of O-SAY was born.

The vision of O-SAY, is to have 4,000 youth converge

in Mandeville on Sunday, February 22, 2015. After a spirit-

filled devotion at Northern Caribbean University, young people

from across the Conference will engage in community out-

reach projects in various communities of Manchester. These

projects would have already been chosen during registration

for O-SAY.

Funding for these projects are provided through a

J$1,000.00 contribution by each youth who registers for O-

SAY.

C ome January 24, 2015, all eyes will be on Jamaica

when the Seventh-day Adventist community, will host

the first-ever Religious Liberty Festival at which they

see all religious organisations and civic leaders com-

ing together to celebrate freedom.

Pastor Glen Samuels, member of the organizing

team, said the event will be an avenue to thank past and pre-

sent governments for their contribution in sustaining religious

freedom over the years.

"We believe everyone should enjoy religious freedom,

even those who do not share the same doctrine. The freedom

to believe or not to believe without persecution is the right of

every human being, and we are looking forward to that day I

know this will get global attention," he declared.

"There are a number of countries around the world

who do not value freedom as it is valued here in Jamaica, and

we are really giving God and our leaders thanks for the protec-

tion of religious freedom," Samuels said. He also said that the

event will not prevent anyone from professing their beliefs.

"There are countries where the Islam faith is domi-

nant, but they do not hesitate when it comes to killing Chris-

tians, but as a church we have to take an opposite view and

protect the rights if every person," he said.

"One should not divorce religious freedom from our

belief in God. As a Christian Church, we have no shame in

saying that we believe in God, neither do we intend to stray

from the Scriptures. However God made all of us free, and as

result, each person should be allowed to worship God, accord-

ing to the dictates of his own conscience," he declared.

The Festival will be held on Saturday January 24,

2015 at the National Arena under the Theme: “Our Right...Our

Freedom...Let’s Celebrate!” Speakers will include Pastor Glen

Samuels, Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Jamaica Un-

ion Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Dr. John Graz,

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director, Adventist World

Church and Secretary General of the International Religious

Liberty Association (IRLA).

O-SAY Launched in Central

Jamaica Conference

AY Federation officers presenting to the Congregation during

launch of O-SAY [Photo by Hubert Swearine]

Written by: Damian Chambers,

Central Jamaica Conference Website—centralja.org

December 23, 2014

Religious Liberty Celebration

for Jamaica

Additional information from the Jamaica Gleaner

Published December 31, 2014

Issue #20

Thur 1 New Year’s Day

Thur-Sab 1-31 Year of the Pastor

Thur-Sab 1-31 Y.E.S.S., F.R.E.S.H. Growth launch at Convention

Thur-Sab 1-31 Local Church Sensitization by Federations

Thur-Sab 1-31 Local Church YESS! Fresh growth Launch/Tree

Planting Exercises

Sab 3 Soul-Winning Commitment

Sab 3 Personal Ministries Day

Sab 3 Vision One Million - Prayer and Fasting

Sun 4 Youth Federation Planning Retreat – May Pen

Church

Sun 4 CJC Youth Advisory – Clarendon (May Pen

Church)

Mon 5 Workers’ Meeting

Tue-Wed 6-7 Pastors’ Retreat

Thur 8 Pan Jam Pastors’ Meeting

Sab 10 CONVENTION – Portmore (St. Catherine East)

Sab 10 Health Ministries Day

Mon 12 4th Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due at

CJC Office

Thur 15 “Let’s Talk-Youth” Weekly Radio Program Com

mences

Fri 16 Fruit, Vegetables and Grains Day

Sab 17 Tell the World: Spiritual Growth

Sab 17 CONVENTION – Christiana (Manchester North)

Sun 18 Children’s Ministries Coordinators’ Meeting – St.

Catherine

Sab 24 National Religious Liberty Festival/Religious Lib-

erty Day – National Arena

Sun 25 Women’s Ministries Directors’ Meeting – St. Cath-

erine (CJC Office)

Sab 31 Religious Liberty Day

Sab 31 CONVENTION – Lionel Town (Clarendon South)

Sab 31 Stewardship Emphasis

Sun-Sab 7-14* Christian Home and Marriage Week

Thur-Wed 1-28 Launch of Couples’ Club in Local Churches

Wed 4 General Conference Family Ministries Direc

tor Meets with all Pastors – East Jamaica Con

ference, Kingston

Sab 7 Tell the World: Church Planting Sabbath - At

least one new church planted in each Confer-

ence/Mission

Sab 7 National Couples Convention NCU Church

Sun 8 Commencement of IICM Training - Manches-

ter

Wed 11 Executive Committee

Sab 14 Youth Day – Conference-wide

Sab 14 CONVENTION – Grove Town Church –

(Manchester South)

Sun 15 Women’s Minis. Directors’ Meeting/Training

– Manchester (Mandeville Church)

Sun 15 Youth Leaders’ Council in all Federations

Wed 18 Ash Wednesday

Thur 19 Fruit, Vegetables & Grains Day

Sab 21 CONVENTION – May Pen Church

(Clarendon Central)

Sab 21 Health and Temperance Magazines

Sab 21 ‘Say the Text’ Launch – Manchester, St. Cath-

erine & Clarendon

Sun 22 FRESH GROWTH Rally O-SAY – (Jesus in

the Streets – Manchester) Conference-wide

Sab 28 CONVENTION – Mandeville (Manchester

Central)

Sun-Tue 1-31 Bible Boom/Bow/Challenge launch

(Conference-wide)

Fri-Sun 6-8 Special Needs Summit – Camp Verley

Sab 7* Women’s Day of Prayer

Sab 7*+ Adventist World Radio

Sab 7 CONVENTION – Spanish Town Church (St.

Catherine Central)

Sab 7 Spanish Town Convention (March Pass)

Sun 8 VBS Leadership & Workers’ Workshop

Sab 8 Adventist World Radio

Tue 10 Day of Prayer (Educational Institutions)

Wed 11 Executive Committee

Sab 14* Tell the World: Personal Outreach

Sab 14 Commencement of IICM Training - Clarendon

Wed 18 Prayer & Fasting (Women & Children) – Con

ference-wide

Thur 19 Fruit, Vegetables & Grains Day

Sun-Sab 22*-28 Youth Week of Prayer

Sun-Sun 22-April 19 Evangelistic Series – St. Johns District

(Pastor Barrett)

Wed-Sun 25-April 12 JAMU/Atlantic Union Partnership Evan

gelism

Sab 28 Sabbath School Community Relations Day

Sab 28 13th Sabbath Offering (North American Divi

sion)

Sab 28 Old Harbour Youth Rally & Conf. Social –

Old Harbour Church

Sab-Sab 28-April 4 Vision One Million Evangelistic Campaigns

January

February

March

*Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division

**One week before each “Mission To The Big City/Town Outreach” all night prayer meeting

on the Saturday night at the main church +Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division

# Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter

Central Jamaica Conference, First Quarter