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

Home/Prayer Conference 2009

Pastor Charles Brevitt, President of West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, reminded the congregants last Sabbath, June 6, that when you pray you will not always get what you pray for, because prayer is not just a ritual – it is a way of life. Pastor Brevitt was speaking at the North Jamaica Mission’s second annual Prayer Convention held at the Brown’s Town Seventh-day Adventist Church where Pastor Michael H. Harvey, President; Pastor Karl Archer, Secretary; and Elder Dane Ellis, Treasurer were participants in this spiritual event.

In speaking to the theme, “Renewed Discipleship through Prayer,” Pastor Brevitt explained that “Prayer is a personal encounter - it is an engagement with God. It is not just about asking or seeking; it is all about a relationship with God. But when it comes to an effectual and fervent prayer attitude, intent and motive are far more important than words. ‘Therefore’, he said, “An oily tongue is the least of the requirements for effective prayer.”

Faithfulness to God through the process of prayer becomes necessary in light of the fact that many are praying and attending church for the wrong reasons. A recent report in the Star dated May 8, 2009 disclosed that the pastor of a recently established church in St. Ann was beaten and chased from his community after his prayers of prosperity which he sold to members of his congregation failed.

Pastor Brevitt emphasized that, “I am not saying that you will always get what you pray for – thank God we don’t….. nor am I saying that the answer to prayer means everything will fall in place. On the contrary- God can be on your side and terrible things can still happen to you”.

In honing this point, Brevitt used the life of Job, from scripture Job 1:1-3. He indicated that Job lost - houses, cattle, children, money everything, except his wife. “However, through all this, Job ‘kept his head’, under the hammer of those staggering blows. And so his first reaction was worship – he bowed down – he prostrated himself before God and said, ‘Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ ”

“Now that is a relationship!” said Pastor Brevitt.
Pastor Michael H. Harvey pointed out during the Bible Class hour that, “While prayer is a discourse between man and God, this unique relationship, once practiced in a meaningful way, will propel the individual into sharing and witnessing more.” This, he says, is the essence of discipleship through prayer.

The Prayer Ministries Coordinator, Pastor Donald Smith, splendidly harmonized the day’s proceeding with meaningful prayers. Sis. Hirfa Minto and the North Jamaica Mission workers conducted Sabbath School; Pastor Fitzroy Bailey highlighting Miracles of Grace through testimonies and Pastor Czedale Smallwood closed the day with vespers. Specially invited guests, the Central Jamaica Conference ASI Prayer Ministries also participated with their special offerings of prayers and testimonies.