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New Pastor Installed at Reid's Friendship
The Trelawny warmth that could be felt at the Adventist Church in Reid’s Friendship was no match for the pride that permeated the entire church for Pastor Omar Oliphant who was installed for the first time on Sabbath, September 5, 2009 as the new pastor for the Reid’s Friendship District.
The youthful pastor was taking over from Pastor Wellesley Gunter who pastored the district for two years.
Pastor Michael Harvey, President of the Mission who installed Pastor Oliphant said in his opening sentences, “This is an historical occasion, as we are witnessing the passing of the baton from Pastor Wellesley Gunter who has given over 40 years of outstanding service to the church and in particular as he served this district, has now made way to a new beginning for Pastor Oliphant.”
Pastor Wellesley Gunter gave selfless service to the Mission since its inception in August 2002, serving as Secretary, ASI Secretary/Treasurer, and Senior Pastor. On April 14, 2007 he was appointed as Senior Pastor of the Reid’s Friendship District. Since his retirement in December 2007, he was asked to continue with his pastoral duties until August 31, 2009 when he took up active retirement.
The President described Pastor Gunter as a man of wisdom who has been keen and diligent in his service to the work of God. He spoke of his evangelistic achievement in obtaining a century in 2008 and in 2009 in the Reid’s Friendship District. He also expressed that it was a great privilege to have worked with Pastor Gunter.
Before his installation address entitled, “God Must be Dreaming” the Kingston-born, Omar Oliphant also gave gratitude to Pastor Gunter for his sterling leadership, wealth of knowledge and guidance in the affairs of the church. He continued with his message highlighting that, “God has a plan for our lives, and His plan is not for us to become complacent, rather God’s plan is for us to grow and become mature Christians. Mature in unity, love, truth, knowledge, trust, and faith.” He also added that as members of God’s church we should be so united in Christ that we come alive and realize the dream that He has for our lives.
It is to this end, Pastor Omar Oliphant, a third generation Seventh-day Adventist whose call to service began as a Senior Youth Leader, was ordained as an Elder at the age of 17 at the Newport Seventh-day Adventist Church. In August 2006 he graduated from Northern Caribbean University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Theology and Mass Communication.
In October 2006 he was employed to North Jamaica Mission of Seventh-day Adventists where he served the St. Ann’s Bay High and Preparatory School during the 2006-2007 academic year as chaplain, teacher and guidance counselor. He also simultaneously interned at the St. Ann’s Bay District of churches, then Alexandria, and for a short while at the Reid’s Friendship Districts. Pastor Oliphant is a soul winner and has been involved in 8 major campaigns all of which he has witnessed over 80 persons being baptized. He is happily married to Sharette Kirby.
A warm reception from the Elders and members of the Reid’s Friendship district was given to Pastor Oliphant and wife Sharette, as together they move forward in a new chapter in their ministry.
Pastor Oliphant and wife, Sharette
Article by Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher
Photos by Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher
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