Home/ Leaders' Council 2009
Church Leaders Encouraged to Give More during Economic Crunch
Over three hundred local church leaders, along with the Officer and staff of North Jamaica Mission were encouraged to 'give more' to help those who are facing harsh economic constraints across the Mission.
The call came from Pastor Michael H. Harvey, President of North Jamaica Mission of Seventh-day Adventists on Sunday, January 11, 2009, during its annual Leaders Council held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brown's Town, St. Ann.
Pastor Michael H. Harvey
Pastor Harvey, who is also the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director for the Mission, informed the congregation that, "Many are suffering among us and, as a church, we must look within our pews to identify these persons, and while we pray for them, we must be able to put something in their hands."
In light of this, Pastor Harvey informed the congregation that the West Indies Union has recommended that a special offering be lifted in each church on Sabbath, January 24, 2009. "This will go towards those who are in desperate need in our church and community. We must take special care of the jobless, the homeless, and the indigent. Hence, those of us who are in a position to, must give more to help our brothers and sisters," he added.
For the first time in the year 2008, on October 23, the Mission sparked new and added interest as the Day of Kindness was celebrated, which is an initiative organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. Pastor Harvey also noted that this day will be celebrated once more in the Mission on October 8, 2009.
Do Not Panic !
In support of the appeal to give to those who are facing challenges, the members were also told "Not to panic" in the harsh economic crisis, but instead "turn to God, our only hope of strength and leadership."
In quoting from the Sunday Observer dated January 11, 2009 under the caption "Economic Crunch bites church", Pastor Joseph Smith, one of the Vice Presidents and Personal Minstries Director of West Indies Union -keynote speaker at the Leaders' Council- said, "The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in as much as we recognize that there will be economic challenges, we are not frightened by what is happening. Therefore, the members need not become alarmed." He further states, "The church is not having a problem, but we are taking the necessary precautionary measures
and diverting resources to strategic areas so that we can address the needs, should they arise."
Pastor Joseph Smith
In speaking to the concerns and many questions, Pastor Smith said, "Workers are insecure about losing their jobs and will ask, 'What happen to me? Will I survive this harsh economic climate?' And many will compromise their faith in order to survive." "Well", Smith continued, "As church leaders, this is where you step in. Tell them, not to put their trust into what is happening, don't become perturbed, don't worry.
It is now time to counsel, fast, pray and to trust Jesus now more than ever. He is a miracle-working God and He will see you through!"
Restructuring for Results
In light of the economic climate where many organizations are downsizing, the North Jamaica Mission has chosen to restructure and improve the quality of its offerings. Pastor Harvey announced and introduced Mrs. Sophia Webley-Simms, newly appointed Associate Director for Human Resources and Office Management. According to Pastor Harvey, Mrs. Webley-Simms will be responsible for: the protection, maintenance and security of all the organization's assets; evaluate staff training needs and provide on-the-job
and other training opportunities; evaluate staff performance; evaluate organizational procedures and processes, recommend, and implement changes to ensure that the organization is functioning efficiently.
Appreciation
With a baptismal goal of 1,125, President Harvey highlighted with joy the surpassed baptismal figure of 1,181, a surplus of 56. He also congratulated the seven centurions in the Mission: Pastor Wellesley Gunter, Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, Dudley Hosin, Carlington Hylton, Garth Geddes, Nathanael Gracia, and mentioned himself, topping the list with 148 precious souls.
In addition, the Mission will be hosting the North Jamaica Mission Executive Banquet on July 18, 2009. This event is planned to show appreciation to our workers, lay workers, and members in North Jamaica Mission who have given selfless service to the work of God.
Photos by Dyhann Fletcher
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