President's Page : Administration : Departments : Districts : Christian Education : Home


Home/ Pentecost and More 2008


 

'Pentecost and More' Neted Over One Hundred and More in NJM


One Hundred and Fifteen (115) precious souls were baptized on the 'Day of Pentecost' in North Jamaica Mission, thus making it the highest number of baptisms recorded in one day in this region. This was as a result of the 'Pentecost and More' event hosted by the West Indies Union Conference and spearheaded by the Inter-American Division. The grand celebration service of the 'Day of Pentecost' was held on Sabbath, March 15, 2008 at the National Arena, located in Kingston, Jamaica.


The increase in baptism - in comparison to last year's Pentecost and More experience where seventy-four (74) persons were baptized in a day - can only be contributed to the approximately twenty-seven (27) campaigns conducted across the Mission in all fourteen (14) districts. The evangelistic efforts all brought forth a grand total of 591 souls added to the church between January 1 and March 25, 2008. West Indies Union Conference has reported that 3,300 persons has been added to its membership thus far.


With Salem church being the main site for the Mission, Pastor Michael H. Harvey, President of North Jamaica Mission, dedicated the church's new 8' x 10' projector screen, and greeted the members. In doing so, he said, "The Pentecost and More experience has been inspirational; it has caused many members who had become lethargic about evangelism, to come alive. However, there are still those who need to be more involved. We continue to pray that more of our members will become witnessing Christians so that many more lives can be impacted with the gospel of Jesus Christ on a consistent and sustained basis." He also gave commendations to Pastor Wilton McKoy and Evangelist Kooran Haystings who did a tremendous job in the Stettin District, where a total of 66 precious souls were baptized through their efforts.


The growing congregation at Salem Church watched the well-organized proceedings taking place at the Arena, and participated in the programme as it flowed. Across North Jamaica Mission, approximately 3,000 persons from eight pastoral districts watched the programme live via satellite, while four churches comprising of approximately 1,600 persons viewed the delayed broadcast via cable on 3ABN or Hope TV. At the appropriate juncture, each district conducted its baptismal service. From the main site, ten (10) precious souls were baptized at the Flavors Beach in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, by Pastor Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, Pastor of the Salem District of Churches.


Sis. Janet Hunter, a candidate who was baptized from the main site, accepted the Advent message through the campaign conducted at Queen Hythe by Evangelist Oral Parchment, along with the members of the Discovery Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sis Hunter, in describing her 'new birth' experience said: "It is a hard feeling to describe but I can tell you that I am feeling 'light', like a burden has been lifted from my heart." In relating her journey towards baptism, she had this to say, "I had plans to start attending church but everytime I tried, something happened. Then I moved from Kingston to Queen Hythe, St. Ann and God did something wonderful. I no longer had anymore excuses for not attending church because the crusade came right next door to me. So even if I could not attend the meetings the messages could still be heard. I am praising God right now for what he has done in my life."


Commenting on the overall 'Pentecostal experience', Bro. Earl Haye, a member at the main site, said,"It is very good. The experience was rich and highly spiritual."

At the close of the live broadcast, many members rocked and swayed to the singing of the song, 'These are the days of Elijah', sung by the East Jamaica Conference Mass Choir.


In reflecting on a few campaigns held across the Mission:
The St. Ann's Bay Church, along with Pastor Michael H. Harvey, evangelist for the Mission of Mercy Gospel Campaign in Seville Heights, St. Ann, culminated on Sabbath, March 15; a total of 37 precious souls have been added to the fold. The members and assistant Pastor, Omar Oliphant, are happy for the 'new-born babes' in their family.


The Vice President and Health Ministries Director of West Indies Union Conference, Pastor Milton Gregory, closed off on Sabbath, March 22, 2008 under a big tent in Warsop, Trelawny, located in the Spring Gardens District. Pastor Carlington Hylton, the district pastor reported that 45 precious souls have given their lives to God through baptism from this campaign.


Pastor Donald Smith, Ministerial Secretary of North Jamaica Mission and Pastor of the Falmouth District noted that 22 persons were baptized from the recently concluded campaign held in Falmouth, Trelawny. Pastor Desmond Robinson, ADRA Director of West Indies Union Conference was the evangelist.


Twenty-one (21) persons were baptized from North Jamaica Mission at the National Arena on the 'Day of Pentecost'.


The baptismal figures for North Jamaica Mission for Sabbath, March 15, 2008 are as follows:

PASTORAL DISTRICTS

NUMBER BAPTIZED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (INCLUSIVE OF THOSE BAPTIZED AT THE NATIONAL ARENA)

St. Ann's Bay

  19

Salem

  13

Brown's Town

  11

Alexandria

  5

Bamboo

  10

Claremont

  4

Ocho Rios

  6

Exchange

  13

Moneague

  5

Duncans

  4

Falmouth

  4

Reid's Friendship

  10

Spring Gardens

  24

Stettin

  8

TOTAL

  136


 
 

  © 2006 North Jamaica Mission of Seventh Day Adventists

 Email: contactus@northjamaicamission.org | 1-876-972-8594 | Fax: 1-876-972-8608