I Will Go: Living the Mission

Delegates, leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the Inter-American Division (IAD) and the Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU), leaders representing the fields and institutions of the Jamaica Union, guests, workers, retirees, well-wishers; please accept our heartfelt greetings and welcome to this, the sixth quadrennial and the twentieth regular session of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. We believe that your presence and participation will enhance our experience as we conduct the business of the church. 

We are convening this meeting at a time when the Conference is celebrating 60 years of existence, having been organised on October 21, 1961. After 60 years, it is safe to conclude that “God Leads…”. 

The periods under the tenure of each president were not all bright days, but God always made a way. This period under review was fraught with many challenges, including a two-year COVID-19 pandemic, which caused hurt and changed our members, families, churches, communities, nations, and ministry forever. 

When it appeared that the pandemic was finally waning, a new war emerged on the international scene. We could see the carnage, depression, conflict, and confusion resulting, and the ripple effect on world economies is being felt today. Further, wars always precede famine. The Scripture says that there will be pestilence, war, and famine… (Matt. 24:6,7) The world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis. It behoves us, therefore, to look up, for our redemption draws nigh (Luke 21:28). 

Amidst the pandemic and mayhem, the good God of heaven and earth demonstrated that He is the provider for His people and His church. “God Leads…”  Therefore, we have nothing to fear for the future. 

As we prepare for the future, mission and nurture remain our priorities. We can no longer think of the congregation and membership as only those seated in the ‘pews.’ The pews today extend to the virtual space and the needs of members and non-members alike. 

I thank God for the tremendous leadership throughout the quadrennium of our former President, Pastor Levi Johnson, who was elected at the last JAMU Conference Session as Vice President of the said Union. Subsequently, it was a privilege for me to have been appointed on December 22, 2021, as the 9th president of this illustrious Conference. Thanks to the constituency and the Conference Executive Committee for the confidence reposed in me. By the grace of God and the commitment of every member, we will continue to build on the legacy of our former leaders and members who, through great sacrifices and love, built the Central Jamaica Conference. 

As delegates gathered at this session, I invite you to continue in prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to bathe everything we do so that at the end we will confess that “God Leads…,” and His name will be glorified. 

In His service, 

Nevail D. Barrett