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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

Where are they Now? Natalie Holness

Contributed by Sardia McIndoe

IMPACT has been featuring some of our past presidents. We caught up with another one of our amazing presidents and long serving JBUYD Executive members, Natalie Holness. Here’s a snippet of the roles she was involved in as part of the JBUYD and what she’s been up to since active service at the National level:

What capacities did you serve in for the JBUYD and at which point(s)?

I served as Treasurer during the period 2013 –2015. I then moved up the rankings to Chairman for the period 2015 –2017 and then Immediate Past Chairman with responsibility for Promotions for the 2017 –2019 term. However, I only served until May 2018 due to migration.

What would you say were the most memorable/ impactful moments you had as part of the YD?

There are so many memorable moments. I have been participating in the YD from my days as a camper until I became a Camp Counsellor and served for a few years from about 2004 -

2008. I enjoyed every camp, meeting new people and being able to impact the lives of the campers in my dorm as well as overall. I also attended the youth conference and rally over the years, they just could not miss me as it was my opportunity to worship, fellowship, see my friends from Camp and enjoy the various competitions. I then became one of the main MCs for youth rally and this was just

another great reason to attend rally and bring the vibes and

energy with Peart Rose over the years. When the roles Treasurer, Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman came in, I enjoyed being on the different execs. It was great meeting different people and travelling to the different parishes, whether it was

for visitation/invasion or rally eliminations. I remember marching to Duncans Square from the JBU Conference Centre (Nutshell) and to Ocho Rios Town from Ocho Rios Baptist Church on several occasions including when I served on the JBUYD Executive (2013 2015 and 2015 2017). This I believe impacted the

surrounding communities and we were able to show our position as it relates to violence against women and children as well as spreading the gospel. I also enjoyed being at every General Assembly whether it was in Kingston or Montego Bay. It was great seeing everyone and

Volume 18, Issue 3

participating in the different sessions and listening to the captivating sermons. The annual YD trips to Paradise that were introduced in 2016 also provided great fellowship opportunities and it was different from other gatherings as here we were able to just have fun and fellowship all day, even as members of the

executive. The Rev Chef Competition was new in 2016 with a repeat in 2017 and it surely left its mark as it was a joy to see pastors competing, making exquisite dishes. Finally, as much as how I do not like attending meetings, I looked forward to the JBUYD meetings

whether it was an Officers or Executive meeting or even the JBU Executive meeting. There is just something about coming together and planning or discussing impacting the lives of others through ministry while having fun doing so. To this day, the Baptist people that I have worked with are the most hard

working and creative people I have ever met and I have not regretted a day spent being a part of the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department.

Since leaving active service in the YD, what are some of the other areas of Christian witness which you have been involved in (if any that is)?

While being in active service in the YD I was also active at my local church which was Mamby Park Baptist Church until I migrated to Canada in 2018. I was part of the Praise Team, Prayer Ministry, Youth/Senior Choir and Drama Ministry. In Canada, I am currently not as active at the church I attend. However, I do participate in the Bible Study sessions and Prayer Meetings held. I will be joining the Praise Team once we return to regular services.

Do you have any encouragement to give to the

current and incoming members of the YD?

Enjoy every moment as you serve in the various capacities. Learn what you can and remain committed to the work of the Lord, you will be surprised at how the skills and knowledge gained come in handy. It can be challenging and discouraging at times, however, always trust God to carry you through and do not be afraid to ask for help when needed. Do not look at being a part of the YD Executive as work but look on it as ministry. So many opportunities arise to impact the lives of others at your local church, at the parish level, as well as nationally so make use of every opportunity.

If you could give one message of hope in this season to all those being affected by COVID19, what would it be?

Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be again; there is nothing new under the sun”. God is still in control, no matter how challenging or hopeless things might seem. This is not the first pandemic and it may not be the last. Keep trusting God to protect you and your family and continue serving him and you will all rise again. He is our deliverer and He

will never leave us nor forsake us.

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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |