Baptist%20reporter%20 %202006%20january

BOLDER, DEEPER ENGAGEMENT

W

– 156th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

herever you are on the spiritual radar, the 156th General Assembly of the Jamaica Baptist Union scheduled for February 22-26, 2006 will bring you face to face with the imperative of Boldness in Mission – a principle which should be a recurring reality in our lives.

Your position on the christian-sonar might be that of a mission weary pilgrim - your passion for souls has become humdrum, lackluster and too matter-of-fact.

There is also the possibility that you are a young christian who feels that witnessing can wait until you have grown stronger in the Lord. Is boldness in mission an unfamiliar and hurdle-pitted terrain in your christian journey, from which you keep shying away?

The upcoming Assembly will meet you at your point of greatest need. Under the theme “Extending our Commitment: Reaching New Possibilities – Boldness in Mission”, the upcoming Assembly, slated for the Boulevard Baptist Church and the National Arena, promises to be a positively memorable experience in the lives of the JBU family-members island wide, international visitors and everyone who avails himself/ herself of the opportunity of attending the 5-day conference.

The Reverend Karl B. Johnson, General Secretary of the JBU is Rev. Norva Rodney optimistic that this Assembly David Jellyman Lecturer will not only be one of the biggest gathering of WHAT’S INSIDE Jamaican Baptists, but one with a farMessage from the reaching impact. “We President............................... 2 expect the event to be highly inspirational General Secretary’s and informative as Report................................... 3 Jamaican Baptists seek to discern Reports................................. 4 afresh the mind of Missions................................ 5 God and dedicate ourselves anew to News from the Churches...... 6 His Cause,” states Mr. Johnson. “This Window on the Word............... year we launch a new .................... 12 two-year thematic emphasis - Boldness Regional and in Mission which International News.............. 14 is a call for deeper Assembly Agenda............... 16 mission engage-ment and enlargement.”

Erica James-King

Outgoing JBU President Rev. Jonathan O. Hemmings explains that the main vein running through the Assembly is a move “to rediscover God’s direction and leading” in the lives of individuals and the denomination over the next few years.

As in previous years, the programme for the Johnathan Hemmings, President Assembly is crafted to JBU and Preacher of the Opening and Closing Services. achieve maximum benefit from its offerings. On Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., the same day of the Opening Service at which the President, the Rev. Johnathan Hemmings will address the Assembly theme, the first plenary will begin. The Opening Service is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

At the plenary on Wednesday and Thursday, several reports will be presented and discussed including the General Secretary’s and Treasurer’s, Mission Agency, Youth Department, Women’s Federation, Brotherhood, Christian Education Department and Steering committee.

An important step in touching lives through evangelism or witnessing is ‘visioning the mission’. That step will be explored on Thursday night during the Worship Service, which will be conducted by the JBU Mission Agency.

The following night’s Worship Service will see the Rev. Calvin Matthews giving the charge, which features the five-word affirmation for Christians: “Not Ashamed of the Gospel”.

There is no truer or more thorough litmus test for our Christian walk, than our attitude to reaching the lost and touching lives inside and outside of the kingdom of God. Christians will get a chance to tap into God’s strength and leading on the course of life-transformation as Rev. Norva Rodney walks them through ‘Mission & Community’ during the David Jelleyman Lecture on Thursday at 10am.

The Rev. Everton Jackson, Pastor of the Calvary Circuit of Baptist churches, will be the Bible Study teacher at the Assembly.

There will be daily Bible studies, the first beginning on the Thursday, and it is hoped that they will serve as a major focal point of the meetings.

Under the amended Baptist Rev. Everton Jackson, Constitution of 2004, the Bible Study Presenter.

Executive Council is elected

biennially and the Saturday morning of the Assembly will therefore witness the election of officials (except for that of the President who was elected last year). President Elect, the Rev. Karl E. Henlin, pastor of the Gregory Park circuit, will be among the new Executive members installed at the Assembly.

Elaborating further on Rev. Calvin Matthews the format and structure - Preacher, Friday Night of the week’s programme, Service Mr. Johnson indicated that much effort has been made to have a balance between ‘business’ and teaching/training opportunities. In keeping with that there will be a number of workshop sessions on the Friday. Workshop topics include Mission & Evangelism, Mission & Youth, Mission & Culture, Mission & Children as well as Mission and Justice.

These seminars, the JBU envisions, will strengthen both the corporate and individual worship experiences.

Space has been carved out as well to give visibility and expression to the work and witness of the JBU’s ecumenical and fraternal partners. At 2006 General Assembly, the focus will be on the Baptist World Alliance and it is anticipated that its General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Denton Lotz will be the main presenter at that session. Dr. Lotz will also preach the sermon at the Sunday morning service on the theme ‘Confidence in the Gospel’.

A major highlight of the 156th General Assembly should be the Official Opening and Dedication of Dr. Denton Lotz, the new, multi-million dollar JBU BWA General Secretary, Sunday Administrative Centre. The new twoMorning Preacher. storey building fills the need for more spacious and modern, state-of-the-art facilities for the organization.

The 156th General Assembly of the JBU is a vehicle for Christians to lead a deeper and more impactful life through the power of the Holy Spirit - a chance to reaffirm their role, worth and work in reaching the lost and suffering. Matthew 28:19, 20 reminds us of this Great Commission “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

Page 2 - January 2006

EDITORIAL

The President’s Message

A

s this is the first publication of the New Year, I would like to use this opportunity to wish all our constituents and readers the very best and pray that your lives will be attended by God’s prosperity all the year round. This publication also represents the last in which I will be making these expressions as President of our beloved Union. I would therefore like to place on record my profound thanks to God and the entire Baptist family for the privilege to serve and for the wonderful support received. I have every confidence that the Union under the leadership of the Rev. Karl Henlin, who will be inducted as President at the 2006 General Assembly, will continue to extend our commitment and reach new possibilities to the praise and glory of God. We are now into the second half of the first decade of this millennium and we are forced to remark yet again on how quickly time has sped by. With this we need to recognize that many of the opportunities that beckoned us at the beginning of the millennium are now speeding and passing us by. While this may be true for us as individuals, it is certainly true for us as a denomination, nation and an international community.

As a denomination I am not sure to what extent we have sought for, and experienced, renewal in congregational life. As a nation the experiencing of greater consensus, and by extension, greater collaboration on important issues facing us still seem to be eluding us even though there have been some tentative steps in this direction.

The international community is yet to demonstrate the resolve needed to break the back of poverty and to eliminate the scourge of diseases, many preventable, which is causing countless unnecessary deaths.

On the other hand, many of the challenges that brought us into this millennium have remained, some have intensified and new ones are being experienced, inasmuch as every new day has its own challenges.

It is against this backdrop that we prepare to engage in another General Assembly - that time when as Baptists we meet for reflection, worship, training and covenanting.

The obvious emphasis that will be placed on Mission during this Assembly will make it to be the subject for our reflections, the theme of our worship, the area for our training and the issue of our covenant. That we need to renew our commitment to, and involvement in mission at this time, cannot be overstated. I would therefore like to challenge us to begin to prepare for this important emphasis by sharpening our awareness of, strengthening our resolve and committing more of our resources to engage in this enterprise. By so doing, we will be positioning ourselves to more readily grasp the opportunities that will come our way and to better address the challenges that we face from time to time.

These opportunities and challenges are the natural out workings of extending our commitment to attain to new possibilities.

Editorial

I

n February 2003, as a denomination, we began a decade long exploration of the overarching theme, “Extending our Commitment: Reaching New Possibilities.” This arose in light of the double need to respond to the changes and challenges in our post-modern society at the beginning of the new millennium, and at the same time deepening our impact, effectiveness, relevance and reach as a denomination. It was felt that there was a primary need for us and for the rest of the society to recover an awareness of the implications of the otherness of God for our lives. Thus for the first year the sub theme and fervent plea was for “Holiness in Life.” A subsequent need recognised was for us to achieve better development and utilization of our God given human and material resources, hence the entreaty for us to be faithful in our responsibilities under the rubric of “A Call To Stewardship.” This emphasis lasted for two years, from 2004-2006, in keeping with the constitutional change from an annual to a biannual programme review period, which was made at the Annual Assembly in 2004. The third need attended to in this first triad under the theme is the need for mission to be brought back to the centre of the focus of the Union, and is the concern of the upcoming Assembly.

Preparations for this the 156th General Assembly are therefore taking place under the theme “Extending our Commitment: Reaching New Possibilities – Boldness in Mission.” The present climate in our society of escalating violence, economic instability and political uncertainty suggests that we need to engage in mission with boldness and without delay, despite the odds. We should not be detained by lack of resources or reluctance on the part of anyone. It means then that all of us ought to be willing to get on board and affirm that we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, searching out and living out the application of the Mission to culture, justice, evangelism, children, youth and all of our life in the world. This affirmation will become visible as we commit ourselves to serving the cause and staying the course in this Assembly and beyond.

In all this we need to look to Jesus as our model in mission. From the very beginning, Jesus had a very clear understanding of his mission. He was sent to those on the underside of life. He entered mission filled with the Spirit, led by the spirit, and anointed by the Spirit. As such even when the odds were seemingly against him, Jesus was consistent in his actions and teachings. If we are to experience Boldness in Mission, we too will need to be empowered and sent by the Spirit. In Jesus’ case this was not about hype and emotionalism. It was about ongoing openness to the Father through the Spirit and ongoing obedience to the Father by the power of the Spirit. It was about proclaiming liberation and acting to free persons from oppression. To those who were suffering he showed compassion. To those who were oppressing he stood in confrontation. We will have to be similarly open to the gift of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit so that through Boldness in Mission we may engender the transformation that is needed.

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

It is my confident hope that the time spent over the last two years focusing on Stewardship would have Rev. Johnathan Hemmings p r o p e r l y prepared us for this shift in emphasis to Mission. The truth is that the two are inextricably bound up with each other and the lessons learnt in one will help in the practice of the other.

As the Rev. Dr. Burchell Taylor challenged the last Assembly in Bible Study, there is an “unforgivable debt” we owe and that is to share the Good News. It is with this awareness that we, not only seek to fulfil our stewardship responsibility, but also seek to carry out God’s Mission in and to the world. I am confident that the new Mission Centre to be opened during this Assembly will be a lasting tribute to the faith and faithfulness of our generation and will serve to motivate and facilitate bold Mission endeavours for generations to come.

May the spirit of power, love and of self control that has been given to us make us bold in the things we undertake as we execute the Mission of God in the world.

THE JAMAICA BAPTIST REPORTER Official Publication of the JAMAICA BAPTIST UNION 6 Hope Road, Kingston 10.

Telephone: (876) 929-4555, 926-7820 Fax: (876) 968-7832 E-mail: info@jbu.org.jm Website: www.jbu.org.jm PRESIDENT Rev. Johnathan Hemmings GENERAL SECRETARY Rev. Karl Johnson ASS. GEN. SEC - Youth & Training Rev. Peter Harding ASS. GEN. SEC - Finance & Property Miss Lilieth Jones EDITOR Rev. Merlyn Hyde-Riley

REPORTS

Page 3 - January 2006

From the Desk of the General Secretary

Rev. Karl B. Johnson

“A

nd it came to pass…” are words which are applicable to many things in life! By the time you read this article it will be so of the year 2005 and will be so, if the Lord tarries, of the year 2006! Like other years there were certain events/happenings that have defined 2005 and many welcomed the New Year with the hope that these things will not recur again, at least not in their life time.

Natural disasters visited our world with seemingly renewed venom and for those of us living in these parts we will never forget the kind of hurricane season we had. Our thoughts and prayers are still with the peoples of Pakistan – who endured a massive earthquake; the United States – whom the name Katrina will haunt for

a long time to come. Interestingly, it was not only the physical effects of Hurricane Katrina that affected our neighbours to the North but the response, or lack thereof, that dealt a severe blow to the reputation and psyche of the world’s most powerful nation.

The death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005 and the subsequent election of a new Pope became major media events during the year. Fortunately, our Roman Catholic brethren did not allow the media to set their agenda and they brought the convictions and traditions of their faith community to the fore of the world’s eyes with refreshing simplicity and impact. We thank God for the life and witness of John Paul II and pray God’s blessings upon the papacy of Benedict XVI. Baptists will remember 2005 as the year when the worldwide Baptist movement marked one hundred years of togetherness and witness in its Congress held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, July 27-31. Jamaican Baptists were well represented at the Congress at which it was duly recognized that the centre of Christianity had shifted to the two-thirds world. It was a special moment for the Caribbean and Jamaica as there are now

two vice presidents from the region in the persons of the Revds Vincent Wood (Barbados) and William Thompson (Bahamas). Jamaica’s own Neville Callam, himself a vice president during the preceding quinquennium, was the keynote speaker at the session in which the new President of the Alliance, the Rev. David Coffey and the new Executive Council were installed. Our prayers are with Mr. Coffey and his team for a successful sojourn in office.

Yes, 2005 has come and gone and as people of faith we commit to standing firm in, and remaining faithful to, the God who has brought us to this place. These are challenging and troubling times but we will not lose heart because we know that God is able to keep that which we have committed to Him. We are determined to avoid the trappings of an idolatrous existence and we pray that the grace of God will keep us firmly in the hollow of God’s hands.

In a few weeks time the 156th General Assembly of our Union will be with us and we will launch a new two-year thematic thrust – Boldness in Mission. We wait with pregnant anticipation to see what the Lord will call us to be and do for Him through

the Assembly. At this Assembly a new team of leaders will be elected to serve until 2008 and we crave your prayers that the representatives will be led by the Holy Spirit in the choosing of these persons.

Allow me to say a word of thanks to our outgoing President, the Rev. Johnathan Oliver Hemmings for his ministry in that Office over these two years. He gave himself wholly to the work and sought at all times to put the cause of Christ and the interests of the denomination first. Unlike other years in our most recent past, his successor is already known, namely the Rev. Karl Edmund Henlin, pastor of the Gregory Park circuit of Baptist churches.

Let us continue to remember our brother in prayer as he prepares to assume the office of President.

Our ministerial family has been facing certain health challenges and we wish to place before you our brothers Fritzner Dunois and Renford Maddix (the latter being gravely ill at the time of writing).

We pray that they and their families will sense God’s presence during this difficult time of their lives.

May the blessings of the triune God be yours during 2006!

VISIT TO SOME NEW CHURCHES Longville Park Baptist Church

Angels Baptist Church

Chapelton Baptist Church The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

Page 4 - January 2006

REPORTS

Faithful to God’s unchanging Word in our ever changing world The 21st National Youth Conference & Rally Dave Collymore

“C

onference and Rally 2005 which was held from Thursday Nov-ember 24 – Saturday November 26 was a wonderful experience”, declared the youths that were in attendance. Despite the inclement weather that accompanied the conference, we still managed to have an awesome time, where approximately 100 youths and youth workers gathered.

The Conference this year was held under the theme “Faithful to God’s unchanging word in our ever changing world.” The Conference commenced on Thursday with Rev. Karl Henlin of the Gregory Park / Glade circuit of Baptist Churches, leading us into a very interesting bible study session.

Friday November 25, 2005 started off with worship and the speaker was Third year Student Pastor at the United Theological College of the West Indies, Bjorn Burrows.

The day continued with a presentation by Joseph Kerr on parliamentary procedures, which was followed by the first half of our business meeting where reporting was done.

The second half of the business meeting commenced shortly after, where the new executive of the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department was elected. The Conference saw for the very first time a national executive elected to serve for a two (2) year term. The election results were as follows: The Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department National Executive Committee Chairman Dave Collymore (Waterford) National Committee Chairmen Vice Chairman (Youth Fellowships) Tina Jackson (East Queens Street) Vice Chairman (Young Adults) Oniel Simpson (Trout Hall) Vice Chairman (Student Affairs) Lance Fisher (Browns Town / Mona) Vice Chairman (Uniform Groups) Bobby Williamson (East Queens Street) Secretary Sheryl Josephs (Denham Town) Assistant Secretary Sanchia Merchant (Refuge, Trelawny) Treasurer Carlene Green (Trinity, Morant Bay) National Commission Chairmen Discipleship Racquel Buckly (Leith Hall, Morant Bay) Cultural Damon Chambers (Paradise, Crofts Hill) Zone Representatives

Zone 1 - Dorett Duncan (Belle Castle) Zone 2 - Andre Daley (Greater Portmore) Zone 4 - Damion Green (Grace, Oracabessa) Zone 5 - Simone Samuels (Lucea) Members at Large Ronn Albert (New Haven)

the President’s Trophy, being the parish topping the most areas of the competition.

All too soon the competitions were over but indeed it was an event to be remembered. We as youths of the Jamaica Baptist Union will strive to be Faithful to

God’s Unchanging Word in this our ever changing World by touching hearts and with God’s help, changing the lives of our fellow youths, in other words, Reaching, Renewing and Rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Brotherhood 70th Anniversary Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Dukett Duncan (Burchell) Gabrielle Elliot-Williams (Phillipo) Melody Samuels (Mona)

The evening continued with three concurrent workshops and conferees and everyone had the opportunity to attend at least two of these work shops. This was followed by a very lively and energetic presentation on “Why should I wait” by David and Juliet Grant.

Our delegates’ concert later in the evening was chaired by Otis Robinson (Tarrant) and Ronn Albert (New Haven).

Delegates and executive members alike took to the stage to show off their diverse talents as they brought the Conference celebrations to a close.

On Saturday November 26, 2005, hundreds of others from across the island joined the conference delegates at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church. The worship session was moderated by the new Chairperson of the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department, Dave Collymore.

During the worship, there was a special life changing drama presentation by the Grace Oracabessa Drama Group. We then launched our Vision Statement “Faithful to God’s Unchanging Word in our ever changing World”, our motto “ReachRenew-Rejoice” and our theme for the year 2005-2007 “Touching Hearts – Changing Lives”. The new executive was then installed and dedicated.

The much anticipated rally competitions came shortly after and the winners of the competitions were as follows: Choral Singing Seniors - Bethel Baptist (HWT) Choral Singing Juniors - Grace May Pen Choral Speaking - Grace Oracabessa Public Speaking - Moneague Dance Seniors - Bethel (HWT)/Hopewell Hanover Dance Juniors - Edgewater Bible Quiz - Barbican Craft - Hopewell Fine Arts - Greater Portmore Culinary Arts - East Queens Street

Congratulations to Zone 1 – Portland and St. Thomas who received the prize for the most improved zone and to Kingston and St. Andrew who went home with

S

aturday, November 5, 2005 was again a special time in the lives of the Men of the Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood, when they came from as far away as St Thomas in the east and Westmoreland in the west to fellowship and celebrate the 70th Anniversary Banquet and Award Ceremony which was held at Starfish Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny.

Beginning with registration of over 320 guests at 6:00 p.m, welcome was extended by Bro. Lorenzo Bogle, President of the Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood. This was followed by prayer done by the Rev. Zereal Williams and the serving of dinner and entertainment by musical selection, which was done by Mr. Seymour Heron.

The Guest Speaker was the Rev. Jonathan Hemmings, President of the Jamaica Baptist Union who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to address the Men of the Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood, their Families, and Friends on achieving this memorable 70th milestone. He also congratulated the Brotherhood for the establishment and strengthening of the branches at the local level and the way these branches were serving the congregations as well as others in the various communities.

He commented on the number of scholarships being awarded through the Brotherhood to the young people and the attempt made at instituting and maintaining an effective mentoring programme to provide the youngsters with a positive role which many of them are desperately in need of today.

Before the Rev Jonathan Hemmings, President of the Jamaica Baptist Union addressed the audience, greetings was done by Mrs. Olga Griffiths, Jamaica Baptist Women’s Federation President, and Miss Stacey Lalor, Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department Representative.

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

Egbert Russel, (Mandeville Baptist), receiving his award from Olga Griffiths.

The pre-sentation of Awards to 15 members of the Brotherhood who were recognized and honored for their contribution to the work and development of the Brotherhood and the Jamaica Baptist Union Denomination was the highlight at the afternoon ceremony. They were specially recognized for their contribution in the area of Mission and Evangelism, mentorship programme and organization of youths into productive tasks and for providing Scholarships to assist the youth with the development of their education.

Bro. Joslyn Gibbs responded on behalf of the awardees and thanked the Executive Officers of the Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood for their thoughtfulness in recognizing them for service. After which the presentation of a gate prize sponsored by starfish Hotel was made available to Mr. And Mrs. Edgar Watson who will spend a week end free of cost at the hotel.

It was a blessed time of fellowship which ended with the vote of thanks done by Bro. Leslie Wright, Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood and the singing of the National Anthem.

MISSIONS

Page 5 - January 2006

the jamaica baptist union and mission in panama

A

s the Jamaica Baptist Union continues to focus on the theme, Boldness in Mission at its Assembly meetings in 2006, I would like to share briefly the Jamaica Baptist Union’s involvement with missions here in Panama. I will first share the concerns of the First Isthmian Baptist Church which I currently pastor and secondly, take a look at the broader picture of the state of Baptist work in Panama in relation to the JBU’s contribution. I pray that this information will serve to stir you as readers to pray for the ministry of Baptists here in Panama.

The First Isthmian Baptist Church in Mission The First Isthmian Baptist Church was established on the Atlantic side of Panama in the city of Colon in 1910. This was the first Baptist Church in Colon as well as on the Atlantic side of Panama. The church came into being through the assistance of the Jamaica Baptist Union and its Missionary Society which responded to a call from persons of West Indian descent who were working with the Panama Canal and who were in need of spiritual guidance.

At its inception the church was named The Colon Baptist church. It was later renamed the Cristobal Colon Baptist Church and the Colon Baptist Mission in 1947 after the church had its first split due to a conflict with pastoral leadership involving a Southern Baptist preacher named Wilfred Jones. Some members left with Wilfred Jones to form the now Bethany Baptist Church. The Colon Baptist Mission being left pastorless sought assistance from the Jamaica Baptist Union and in 1950, the Rev. and Mrs Sylvanus Scarlett arrived in Panama to take up the challenge of pastoring the Church. On June 20, 1950 the church was renamed The First Isthmian Baptist Church with Rev. Scarlett being its first pastor and president. Rev. and Mrs Scarlett served the church for 36 years before retiring and returning to Jamaica in 1986.

Today there are three bilingual churches and more than eight Spanish churches and missions which have emerged through the existence of the First Isthmian Baptist Church in the Province of Colon. The church has produced many pastors and deacons, many of whom now serve other churches locally and abroad.

First Isthmian Baptist Church Rev. Luke N. Shaw, Missioner/Pastor

The link between the FIBC and the JBU has continued throughout the years. It should be noted that Mr. Simon Clarke, now serving as a deacon at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was the first person to be baptized at the FIBC by Rev. Scarlett. Currently the JBU is sponsoring the pastoral training at UTCWI of Mr. Rogelio Brathwaite, a member of FIBC. The church currently plays a very important role in ministering to persons of West Indian descent who speak only English as well as bridging the gap between those who speak Spanish, the official language of Panama. The FIBC in its commitment to mission and ministry, play a significant role in its financial and material contribution to both the Central Panama Baptist Association (English speaking Churches) and the Panama Baptist Convention.

In its missionary outreach the FIBC has established five missions on the rural coast of Colon, Panama: Rio Indio, Buena Ventura, Quebrada Leon, Palmas Bellas and Piña. These are all pioneer missions in the areas where they are located. There are currently four missions being sponsored

by FIBC as one was recently upgraded to a church.

The FIBC commits a significant portion of its budget to the sponsorship of these missions, Each of which is headed by a local leader who receives a stipend from the FIBC. They are also provided with a pastoral house. The youngest mission, Quebrada Leon, is presently without such a house as well as a permanent structure for worship.

The region where the missions are located is one in which the people live in poverty and accessibility to some of the missions, difficult. Below is a profile of each mission. All the missions have tremendous possibility for growth with greater material, spiritual, financial and personnel input. These missions are all Spanish oriented and are an average of 1 1/2 hrs away from FIBC in the city of Colon.

Buenaventura Established: January 1993 Leader: Rev. Amado Hernandez Membership: 20 (Avg. attendance 35) Location: 11⁄2 hours rowing one way up the Rio Indio River, 20 mins by motorboat. Boats are the only means of transport.

Needs:

Materials to complete the chapel, e.g. Zinc, blocks, windows doors etc.

There is no electricity. Gas lamps are used.

Biblical and Sunday School Literature.

Personnel for Vacation Bible School (Januarymid March).

Assistance to purchase a motor for the mission’s boat. (Approx. US$1,500)

reveals the pro-activity of the JBU and its missionary arm the JBMS, in responding to the needs of afro Caribbean people in Central America. It also reflects the subsequent weaknesses and failures of the Union and the JBMS in sustaining its missionary outreach to these areas.

Quebrada Leon Leader: Amado Hernandez Established: September 2003 Membership: 15 (Avg. attendance 25) Location: Three miles from the main driving road.

Accessible only by foot, horseback or 4x4 vehicle when dry.

Needs: l Building material to construct a permanent concrete structure which would replace current thatch structure. l Gas lamp, (no electricity). l Bibles and Sunday School materials. l VBS personnel.

The Beginnings Emancipation, Gold Rush, unemployment, railroads, bananas…All of these factors played a role in the beginning of the process which led to the establishment of Baptist witness in Panama. The aftermath of emancipation saw slaves moving away from the plantations, not willing to be resident labourers under the control of plantation owners. This led to the collapse of the sugar industry and a range of related industries dependent on sugar. The result was high unemployment. We will also remember that many of these freed slaves were members of Baptist churches in Jamaica.

In 1849 gold was discovered in California resulting in the Gold Rush. The Isthmus of Panama would serve as a major transhipment and transportation point to facilitate traffic from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast and eastern seaboard of the U.S.A. and Europe. A railroad was built across the isthmus of Panama in 1855. The success of this railroad led to the U.S.A. expanding its investments in Central America. Other railroads were built from the central highlands to the Atlantic coast port cities in Costa Rica and Colombia. Migrant labourers were used to build these railroads. Thus began the exodus of many Jamaican workers in search of employment. They took their Christian faith and Baptist identity with them.

Minor Keith from San Francisco U.S.A. was given large parcels of land by the government in Costa Rica in return for completing a railroad in Costa Rica. History credits him with the idea of planting bananas there but Lara Putnam, professor of history at University of Pittsburgh states “ ..it is more likely it was his Jamaican workers who brought the idea from Jamaica.” In the 1860s many more workers came from Jamaica to Bocas del Toro, Panama to work on Minor Keith’s booming banana plantations. In 1890 Keith and Lorenzo Baker formed the United Fruit Company to export bananas

l l l l l

Palmas Bellas: Leader: Gilberto Mejia Established: 1991 Membership: 20 (Avg. attendance 40) Location: Near to driving road with fair access to public transportation.

Needs: l VBS, and training personnel. l Sunday School materials.

Piña Leader: Gilberto Mejia Location: Same as Palmas Bellas above.

Membership: 22 (Avg. attendance 50) Needs: l Zinc and other material to complete roof for Sunday School annex. l Sunday School literature. l VBS personnel.

All the missions have regular worship services, Sunday Schools, Bible Study and prayer meetings etc.

Baptist Work In the Republic of Panama The Republic of Panama is seven times the size of Jamaica. It is a democratic republic and received its full independence in 1903. The country has a population of approximately 2.8 million persons.

Catholicism accounts for about 80% of the country’s religious population.

Currently Baptists in Panama averages 7,000 members or less.

The history of the Jamaica Baptist Union’s involvement in mission in Panama and Central America in general deserves special treatment. Such a history

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

continues on page 15

Page 6 - January 2006

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

rev. mcleod achieves a milestone Twenty-five years is a significant miletstone!

S

unday, October 16, 2005, saw the Rev. Basil Anthony McLeod, Pastor of the Mandeville Baptist Church celebrating his Silver Anniversary in the Christian/Pastoral Ministry.

Heavy clouds bursting with showers did not in any way deter the enthusiasm of friends and well-wishers who came to celebrate with us. In a most moving and inspiring service encapsuling musical tributes, dance, poems, reflections and greetings, the Lord was glorified.

The East Queen’s Street, Denham Town and Stewart Town Baptist Choirs were our guests and greetings were brought from various organizations — chief among them the Hon. Dr. Gilbert Allen, Custos Rotulorum of Manchester, the Rev. Karl B. Johnson, General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union, Rev. Caswell Burton of the Mandeville Ministers Fraternal and Mrs. Eileen Piggott of Westwood High School, Trelawny.

In bringing the charge, The Rev. Dr. George V. Simpson challenged everyone to celebrate with a thankful heart because of the grace of God and the salvation given to us by that grace and also because of the guarantee of God and

T

Mandeville Baptist 165th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service

O Rev. Basil McLeod

the satisfaction assured by that guarantee.

The Rev. Carlton Wilson, Superintendent Minister, led the Service which had numerous representatives of local churches, and several Baptist Pastors and families in attendance.

In response, Rev. & Mrs. McLeod engaged the congregation in their ministerial journey, referring to the challenges, and the successes that faced them along the way. They gave thanks to God for never leaving or forsaking them, and thanked all the Churches they were privileged to serve.

As the journey continues we pray God’s continued grace and mercy and attribute all to his divine providence.

Sarah Brown

n Sunday December 4, 2005, the Mandeville Baptist Church held its 165h Anniversary Thanksgiving Service. As part of the celebration, the building housing the Church Hall, Education Centre and other facilities was named and dedicated in honour of our late Pastor, the Rev. Donald Modest, whose vision and foresight led to the construction of that complex.

Our Preacher for the afternoon was none other than our esteemed President, The Rev. Jonathan Hemmings. He challenged us to hold on to our faith, give labour of love, maintain our stewardship (he noted that the late Rev. Modest was “professor” of Stewardship in the Jamaica Baptist Union) and never give up hope of our eternal destiny — “our pie in the sky’.

The unveiling of the sign “THE DONALD MODEST COMPLEX” was done by Mrs. Joyce Gordon and Mr. Clayton Modest, sister and son of the late Rev. Modest. The Dedicatory Prayer was offered by Rev. Hemmings.

Amidst songs of praise and thanksgiving, dance, expressions of greetings and goodwill, and the blessings of Almighty God, a rich fellowship was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

The Service was ably led by our Pastor, The Rev. Basil McLeod. The Anniversary celebration continued with a Fellowship Dinner held on Friday, December 9, 2005 at which The Rev. J. Oliver Daley was the Guest Speaker.

We give God ALL the glory, honour and praise. Great things He hath done.

shettlewood baptist church dedicated

he afternoon sun shone brilliantly and a refreshing breeze blew across the area as nature itself seemed ready to join in the celebration. Several scores of people packed the newly built chapel of the Shettlewood Baptist Church and overflowed into the tent erected beside it.

The date was Sunday, November 27, 2005 and the occasion was its official opening and dedication service.

After a four year building programme spearheaded by the Mt Carey Baptist Church and monitored by Deacon Charles, J.P., the celebrating congregation appropriately sang the hymn “Now thank we all our God”, as the choir and platform party processed to take their places against a regally bedecked backdrop of lavender and sky blue drapery at the western end of the building. Offsetting this is the imposing red cross of approximately twelve feet above which stands the stained glass in circular design depicting Jesus the Gentle Shepherd. To the eastern end of the chapel there is a shutter design atop of which sits a stained glass combination of the cross

and the crown.

Leading the service was the Rev. Godfrey Francis, Moderator of the St James Baptist Association and the Opening Prayer was offered by Deacon Noel Dawkins. The President of the J.B.U., The Rev. Johnathan Hemmings delivered the sermon based on Psalm 24:3. Other ministers included the Rev. Dr Heckford Sharpe who led the Acts of Thanksgiving and Dedication, the Revs Dr Prince Clemmings and Jeffrey Shuttleworth who offered prayers, Carlton Wilson, Leroy Sterling, Eric Edwards and Stivel Crossman.

Opening the main door was the most senior member of the Church, Leader Roland Leslie, J. P. while the Pulpit and Lectern were unveiled by Sisters Judith Dawkins and Gloria Whittaker respectively. Deacon Joan Simpson and Sis Loretta Barker unveiled the Communion Table while Sister Irene Alfred, a Peace Corp Worker unveiled the Communion Set. Despite a day long power cut, the lights were symbolically ignited by Deacon Leonie Vernon, wife of

Mandeville Baptist Church

the electrician Bro. Franklyn Vernon.

The Church’s Youth Department presented Psalm 150, while the Church and Circuit choirs rendered well received selections. Ms. Gail Simpson crowned the musical package with the solo “My Tribute”. The imposing structure by the side of the road midway between Montpelier in St James and Ramble in Hanover speaks of vision, dedication and an ongoing desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From humble beginnings under a bamboo/coconut bough shed, the present building is home to the Church which now has a membership of forty-

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

six and is the only public building in the immediate area of Shettlewood.

At a cost of approximately six million dollars, the project was aided by the First Baptist Church of Sarasota, Florida who gave help in cash and labour to complete the decking of the vestry area, painting the building and erecting the perimeter walls.

Pastor of the Church Rev. Dr George V. Simpson, proposed the vote of thanks which was followed by the doxology and benediction. The two hour long ceremony was a real blessing with a rich touch of celebration.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

Page 7 - January 2006

The Jamaica Baptist Union Diploma in Ministry and Discipleship (Lay Moderator’s Programme)

To be offered at two Centres Island wide Commencing May 2006

l

Calvary Baptist Church, Montego Bay ST. JAMES JBU Office 6 Hope Road KINGSTON 10

l

The Reason for the Programme

l

l

l l l

l

l

Any member of a church who has had some experience in church work that involves planning, leading, organizing teaching Any member of a church who has served in a leadership capacity in their church e.g. as a leader, Sunday School teacher, deacon, preacher Any member of a church who has sensed God’s call for greater service in the church

How do I apply for entry?

l

Complete an application form and have it endorsed by your pastor Send the completed form to the JBU Office or to Calvary Baptist Church, Montego Bay

l

Attend an interview (if requested)

l

How is the programme designed?

l l

l

The teachers are very qualified, committed and professional

What are the courses offered in this Diploma?

Faced with the challenge of a significant number of Circuits/ Courses offered include: Churches without Pastors, the JBU decided to develop a programme Introduction to Old Testament of training of lay persons who could act as moderators.

Introduction to New Testament Arts in Worship The programme was developed in 2004 by a partnership between the Methods in Evangelism Christian Education Department and the Mission Agency.

Mission in Context Introduction to Counselling Pastoral Care What are the Aims of the Programme?

Church Administration The programme aims at: Practical Theology developing leaders among the local churches Baptist Beliefs and Practices encouraging the spiritual growth of local church leaders Preaching developing a pool of qualified persons who could act as lay Conflict Skills and Management moderators/pastors

Who can apply for entry to the programme?

l

l

Students are divided into Clusters depending on their domicile.

Each cluster must meet for Group Study at least five times during each semester.

Assessments are done by tests, writing essays, group projects and presentations etc.

The programme is delivered by a combination of Home Study, Seminars and Group Study.

The programme lasts for four semesters. (Each semester lasts for fifteen weeks) During each semester, students will be required to attend a total of five whole-day seminars (the seminars are usually held on a Saturday)

Is there a cost involved?

The programme costs $5,500 per semester.

Some students will seek sponsorship.

Application forms are available from: JBU Office Attention: Mrs. Delores Facey 6 Hope Road KINGSTON 10 Calvary Baptist Church Montego Bay ST. JAMES or From your local Pastor or Church Secretary

Page 8 - January 2006

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

natoya peart A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

N

atoya Peart, a 17 year old Upper sixth form student at Manning’s School is an exceptionally brilliant student with an unflinching passion for academic excellence. To her, mediocrity is an affront in anything that she does. Her philosophy is “refuse to be satisfied with mediocrity when there is such a thing as excellence.”

Natoya entered Manning’s School in September 1999 after successfully passing her Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

She has consistently maintained an ‘A average’ and has placed first in her class at the end of each school year. In 2002, she was awarded “Girl of the Year Award– Lower School” (An award given for most outstanding all-round female student).

She strengthened her academic excellence by gaining distinctions in all eight (8) subjects she sat in the CXC examinations in 2004 namely: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish and Social Studies. She received the CXC National Awards for English Language and was unanimously selected as Valedictorian for her school leaving class that year. At this function, she copped the “Upper School Student of the Year Award” and obtained special prizes for Physics, Biology, Chemistry, English Language and English Literature, as well as the school’s “Award for Languages” (Outstanding Performance in Spanish and English).

In Lower Sixth form Natoya gained distinctions in Biology, Physics, Communication Studies and credits in Chemistry and Mathematics at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) level.

Natoya is not only academically focused; her strength of character and strong leadership qualities has allowed her to hold a number of leadership positions at school. These include: Form Captain, Students’ Council President, Students’ Council Secretary, Quiz Club Secretary, Quiz Club 1st Vice President, a member of the Manning’s School Challenge Quiz team, 1st patrol leader in Girl Guides, President of the Manning’s Girl Guide Company, Assistant Editor of the School Newspaper, an active member of InterSchool Christian Fellowship (ISCF) and Key Club. All these positions have afforded her the opportunity to use her initiative and enhance her capacity for growth and development. She has great organizational skills which were displayed when she co-organized a project for her school entitled the ‘Spirit of Giving’ which was well received by the school body.

The Jamaica Baptist Union Bookstore For all your:

Natoya Peart

Natoya is a Prefect at Manning’s whereby she helps to maintain discipline among students and is admired for her sound, independent and intelligent views on matters of importance. When she speaks there is no other choice but to listen. She has a calm dignified disposition and just an initial encounter with her will reveal that she is intelligent, articulate, shows concern for others and has a mature approach to getting work done and meeting deadlines.

Natoya was a recent nominee who was short-listed for the Prime Ministers National Youth Award for Excellence during youth month, November 2005.

This brilliant student is also actively involved in church activities. She is a member of the Sutcliffe Mt. Baptist Church and presently holds the positions of Sunday School Secretary and Youth Fellowship President. She regularly attends the Jamaica Baptist Union Camps and Conferences during the summer holidays and was once awarded Best Female Camper at Intermediate Camp 1.

Natoya also finds time to do volunteer work at the Savanna-la-Mar hospital during school break whereby she gets an opportunity to assist in the care of persons who are ill.

Natoya is the first of three children of the Rev. and Mrs. James Peart of the Sutcliffe Mt. Circuit of Baptist Churches, in Westmoreland. She wishes to pursue a career in medicine, with the hope of specializing in Oncology Research as she is determined to find a cure for Cancer.

‘With God nothing is impossible,’ she declares. “I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me.”

Communion Supplies Devotionals

Bibles Sunday School Supplies

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

Books on Theology and all other Religious Materials Visit us at:

6 Hope Road, Kingston 10 Telephone: 926-7820/929-4555 Fax: 968-7832 Email: info@jbu.org.jm

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

Page 9 - January 2006

Interview with Rev. Johnathan Hemmings, Outgoing JBU President Gillian Francis

Interviewer: Mr Hemmings, you have served the Jamaica Baptist Union as vice president for five years, and now you are ending a two-year term as president.

Please share some of the differences in the responsibilities of these two offices.

President: When you are president, you find yourself at the highest point of accountability. Yet, in both capacities you recognize that you are a part of a team and that responsibilities must be shared.

In spite of the shared responsibilities, the buck stops with you when you are a president. As a team leader, the level of responsibility is greater as you guide the policies and decisions in the Union.

The responsibility of president of the JBU takes on a kind of pastoral role which you do not sense as a vice a president. In a sense, you are a pastor to the pastors. The presidency demands more time away from home and from your church due to certain official duties which require much more travelling.

Interviewer: How have you been able to balance the demands in your roles as president, as a pastor, and as a husband and father?

President: At this point, I express my gratitude for the assistance of the Rev. Deonie Duncan who was extremely helpful, serving in the Ocho Rios Circuit for one year as president’s assistant.

Without assistance, the balancing becomes more difficult. As it relates to family life, balancing becomes a challenge, but one that is made easier with the understanding of family members. I do feel a greater sense of responsibility for my younger child, nine-year-old Gabriel, but both she and her brother, John, have been very understanding. My wife, Lois, has been a tremendous support. I also pay tribute to the congregations of the Ocho Rios Circuit for their understanding.

Interviewer: At the beginning of your service as president, what was your dominant concern about your responsibilities?

President: I think maintaining a balance in the situations mentioned before, and fulfilling obligations all around. One could easily have weakened the other. I commend the congregations, for which I am the minister, for continuing to hold their own. I value the vibrancy of the Bible studies in the Circuit I pastor and so I feared that would be affected, but the

vibrancy as been maintained and so has the attendance. My anticipated prolonged absences from my family have been less than expected. Of course, there have been the usual pitfalls that come with leadership, but I have found God’s grace to be sufficient in helping me to fulfil the role as president of the JBU. Interviewer: You have led a team of executive committee members, who are themselves leaders, what are some benefits derived from working with team members of varying abilities and personality traits?

President: The whole concept of team predisposes a leader to recognize the views of others so that you realize that all the competencies do not reside in you but that all are a part of a co-operative effort, with each person’s gifts utilized to accomplish the shared goals of the Union.

The counsel, advice and guidance from the members of the team, as well as the advice from, and consultation with, some past presidents have been very helpful. I could not have made it without their valuable assistance.

Interviewer: What are some of the needs in the Union that you have attempted to fill?

President: We are engaged in the task of kingdom building, and as a denomination, it is important to remain focused on the right thing. Our emphasis on mission, among other things, is intended for us to focus on what we are about and what we are to be. We have, therefore, developed a mission plan in an attempt to keep this focus. The Mission Plan will be launched at the 2006 Assembly.

Some circuits and churches have been disadvantaged as they are pastorless, and we have not been able to make much of a dent to mitigate this problem. There are not enough persons to fill the vacancies. We are conscious, though, that our concern should be for more than a numbers increase. We also have to look at the quality of service of the existing pastors and ensure that they remain focused. Economic challenges have caused some pastors to look elsewhere.

There is a challenge to ensure that leaders continue to work toward the spiritual and professional development of all pastors.

We have sought to address our pastoral problems through the superintendency programme, and I hope that the efforts will begin to bear fruit as our pastors utilize the many opportunities offered by the Union.

The churches will benefit to the glory of

God. We have also tried over the years to continue to get churches to think more responsibly concerning their resource utilization. For the last two years, the union has focused on stewardship. I hope that this will translate itself into better management of the resources we have for ministry.

Interviewer: What do you consider the most significant achievement of the Union under your leadership?

President: Some of what has been accomplished resulted from building on work that had been started by others.

The privilege of guiding the process of the new mission centre that will house the JBU administrative offices has been a challenge. I hope that together we have brought the project to a point where those who come after will continue it and bring closure. I also hope that the new centre will be utilized to fulfill the purpose for which it was constructed. It will certainly serve to push the work of our denomination to new heights.

Interviewer: Regarding the view that some individuals and churches perceive the JBU as a different entity from its churches, is this perception changing?

What is the reason for this?

President: Changing this perception may be viewed as a work in progress, but we will agree that perceptions do not change easily. We have embarked on a number of consultations and have been interacting with persons at different levels in our denomination, depending heavily on them to initiate a change in perception, and there are signposts that change is coming. The union really involves all of us. Take the administrative centre – we had indicated from the outset that this is a venture for every Jamaica Baptist to embrace. We hope it will be owned by all, and that it will bring about the realization that our denomination was never at 6 Hope Road, Kingston 10 but that it is spread throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica where ever Baptists are.

Interviewer: In what ways has your vision for the mission and the JBU Mission Agency realized under your leadership?

President: The Mission Agency remains the most dynamic arm of the denomination.

Many of the Union’s new initiatives have been routed through the Mission Agency. I

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

am pleased with the kind of leadership the chairman and the director have displayed.

The Agency will continue to be a critical arm of denomination, providing training, identifying opportunities for mission.

Much of what we hope to achieve will be dependent on the capable leadership of the Mission Agency. Some changes are being contemplated to assist in improving its efficiency, and they involve identifying funding for projects. It is within the best interest of Union that the Mission Agency receives adequate funding and all other support to enable fulfillment of its mandate.

Interviewer: You are demitting office soon, how much more do you want to see the JBU vision effected in the life of the Union as it relates to outcomes expected from the churches/the people of God? President: Mission is what the church is about. We should continue on the mission path for us to be a truly mission-driven denomination. We can only hope that we become more efficient in garnering our resources and employing them in the work of the church and the kingdom, so the whole business of stewardship must remain a part of the church and of the arms of our denomination. The business of evangelism must always be developing and requires new and creative ways of making the love of God known to the numerous persons who need to know how much God loves them. In this regard, evangelism cannot be divorced from social action, even with the social deprivation and youngsters growing up under all sorts of psychological and mental diversities, especially in the home. The Church must be responsive to these situations in making the love of God known.

Interviewer: What are some of the challenges and/or constraints that you have faced these past two years?

President: Our structure as a denomination, and how they are understood by many can be a challenge and can present some constraints for leadership as we seek to affect the lives of our congregations and our pastors. I admit, though, that the structure provides certain advantages.

However, the way our denomination is constituted provides constraints. Some situations are crying out for intervention but you do not feel free to intervene simply because of how we are constituted, and also because of some persons’ perception continues on page 15

Page 10 - January 2006

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

Recognition & Commissioning Services For the Reverends

Lloyd Richards, Stephen Smith, Michael Cunningham, Roy McPherson, Cherrine Abrahams & Orville Vassel

T

he JBU has been publicly recognising and commissioning for service its Pastors in various com-munities, beginning with the Reverend Lloyd Richards to the recently launched Eltham Angels Circuit, held on Thursday, September 3, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at Phillippo Baptist Church. Reverend Dylan Toussaint, Moderator, St. Catherine Baptist Association, led the service. The act of commissioning was done by the Reverend Harry Jarrett; Superintendent Minister for St. Catherine. The Reverend Robert Campbell, Pastor, Old Harbour Bay Circuit of Baptist Churches was the guest preacher. Reverend Campbell’s charge was based on St. John 21:15-22 and titled ‘A Face to Face Encounter with Jesus.’ The Sermon was concentrated around three sub-themes: Commissioning to the Task; Concentrating on Christ and Commitment to Christ. Some of the words of challenge to Reverend Richards included Feed God’s Lamb, Feed God’s Sheep and Serve without Partiality and Favouritism. The rendition of “Here I am Lord, It is I Lord” was an appropriate response to a most challenging exhortation to Reverend Richards to continue in faithfulness and obedience to God’s call.

Reverend Richards, before pronouncing the Benediction, expressed gratitude to all who helped him along his journey. The recessional hymn ‘0 Let the Power Fall on Me’ ended the worship experience on a high note.

The Reverend Stephen Roy Smith’s commissioning could be described as a most overwhelming and inspiring worship experience held at the historic Hayes Baptist Church on Tuesday September 13, 2005. From the processional hymn to the recessional, the hundreds of worshippers who congregated from varying points in the country left inspired and challenged.

Rev. Stephen Smith being commissioned by Rev. Clyde Jennings (Superintendent).

Rev. Lloyd Richards being commissioned by Rev. Dr. Harry Jarrett (Superintendent).

Pastor of the Mona Baptist Church, Rev. Stephen Jennings delivered the sermon using 2 Corin-thians 2:16b as the text which reads: “And who is equal to such a task?”

Delivering the message Rev. Jennings pointed out that none of us are equal to the task at hand because we do not have the ability in and of ourselves. It is Christ who makes us able to perform that task to which he has called us as ministers and congregants alike. Turning to Rev. Smith, Rev. Jennings urged him to demonstrate humility, integrity, maturity and durability.

The spirit of humility he said, should guide Rev. Smith into being willing to stand with those who are crushed and oppressed not only in the church but the wider community. Many persons are hurting and oppressed by all kinds of development in the spirit of our age of individualism and needed someone to be there for them if even to listen. On the subject of integrity the preacher noted that this suggests that what one shows on the outside must be matched by what is on the inside. Therefore, as pastor, Rev. Smith will have to live up to that expectation.

Spiritual maturity was the next point that the preacher stressed and said it was a by-product of obedience by following the leading of the Holy Spirit. God’s way of developing us into mature leaders is sometimes done when He allows us to go through tough times. When tough times come our way it not time to give up the race for it is God who makes able endure.

And finally he spoke about durability. In his estimation this is related to one being willing to stick it out to the very end. Rev. Jennings lamented the fact that the Jamaica Baptist Union is suffering from the reality that many today are not staying in the ministry but are opting out. He used his father Rev. Clyde Jennings and the Rev. Sam Reid as examples of men who have stuck to the task, in spite of the numerous

challenges. The Calvary Baptist Choir support for one of God’s servants. Pastor powerfully sang ‘Order My Steps’ while for the East Queen Street Circuit of Baptist the Water Lane Circuit Choir delivered an churches, Rev. Dr. Roy Henry delivered inspiring medley. General Secretary of the the charge ‘On Being a Good Minister’ Jamaica Baptist Union, Rev. Karl Johnson and noted that people vary in their shared the statement of settlement. opinion about a good minister based on On Thursday, September 15, 2005, social, spiritual, economical and cultural the James Hill Circuit of Baptist Churches practices. Rating a pastor said Dr. Henry recognised and commissioned the Rev. can either be subjective or objective. Using Michael Dave Cunningham at the Mount 1Timothy 4:64 as the text, Rev. Henry said Zion Baptist Church, Clarendon . A Paul was calling Timothy to promote the warm and sincere welcome was extended truth of God’s word. Many today, said to all by Deacon Brenton Reid, Circuit the preacher, are falling away from the Secretary. The service was led by Rev. faith and have become the greatest critics Milton Bailey, Pastor of the Rock River of the Church. Some of those who are Circuit of Baptist Churches. confused have promoted their own ideas The Act of Commissioning was through the media by appearing on the executed by Rev Clyde Jennings, popular television programme ‘Religious Superintendent Minister for the parish of Hard Talk’. The preacher pointed out Clarendon and Deacon Viola Green of the that confusion does not only come from John’s Hall Baptist Church extended the without but also within. By virtue of Right Hand of Fellowship. this reality some persons are only driven The charge was delivered by Rev. by form and not content and he used Dr. Burchell Taylor, Pastor of the Bethel the occasion to issue a challenge to the Baptist Church, Half Way Tree. He Christian church not to replace content challenged everyone from the gospel with form. Pro-clamation of the gospel is according to St. Mark 9:33-34. Jesus one way in which the truth of God’s word heard his disciples conversing about will be promoted. Rev. Henry charged that “Who should be the greatest”, but when in preaching, one must live the word so he enquired from them, what they were that others will see Jesus in us and come to disputing about – they remained silent. know him for themselves. Reverend Roy When we refuse to allow Jesus Christ Henry urged the commissioned minister to be a part of our lives, we to guard those who God are facing a crucial crisis has entrusted in his care and we set ourselves on the as there are those who will road to failure. Anytime find ways of snatching there is anything in our them away. “As you serve, lives, our minds and our remember who called you lips that our deeds are to this task. It is God who involved in self perception, calls.” that we exclude Jesus Rev. Henry advised Christ from our lives and Rev. McPherson that as company, these things are he serves there will be never innocent. numerous challenges that As servants of Christ will confront him from we cannot have any secret time to time. Calling to compartments in our lives Rev. Michael Cunningham being memory the deaths of Rev. where Christ is concerned. commissioned by Rev. Clyde McPherson’s brother and Jennings (Superintendent).

Therefore, if we do, we mother in short succession, are misunderstanding our the preacher used those as priority and we will end up denying, examples. He also informed the Spring betraying and deserting Christ. Our Gardens Circuit of Baptist Churches that thoughts and deeds must be shared with they have a responsibility to stand by their the Lord and only what is shared with the pastor.

Lord is acceptable.

Speaking on behalf of the community, The Public Re-cognition and Com- Mr. Rudolph Brown remarked on how Rev. missioning Service for the Reverend Roy McPherson had already connected with McPherson was held on Tuesday October the community as though he were there for 4, 2005 at the Wilson Valley Baptist many years. Mr. Brown stated how they Church. The rain failed to dampen the greatly admire Rev. McPherson for his spirits of those who wanted to show their sense of humility and encouraged him to

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

continues on page 12

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCHES

T

Page 11 - January 2006

THE STORY OF GLADE

here are some persons here who may know, if only they were old enough, that this church, the Glade Baptist Church, is the former Claremont Baptist Church, having first been sited in the community of Claremont, just a few meters from here. The Caymanas Sugar Estates have long played a role in the history of this nation, producing through the efforts of our slave ancestors, sugar, that was shipped to the mother land and thereby increasing their wealth.

With the abolition of Slavery and the onset of free villages and other forms of communal living, the villages of Claremont and Glade became the residences for those who worked on the estates. The Baptists immediately established a witness on land given by the then owners of the Estate. An oral history of the times reveal that James Phillippo started the work and in time the church was to become part of the Phillippo Circuit and thus would in time be privileged to have among its pastors, Rev. Dr. Carter Henry and Rev. Dennis Millwood.

The members, who have remained to this day, testify of the regular visits made to the church by persons from the Phillippo Church and the Gregory Park Church and this, sometimes by the means of bicycles or even by walking. To this day, names such as Rupert McFarlane, Gilbert Stewart, Simeon Reid from Phillippo and Lester Johnson, along with a host of young persons from Gregory Park, remain on their lips. No history would be complete without remembering with gratitude, the leadership offered by Deacon Melhado and Bro. Pitt of blessed memory and Deacon Inez Duncan who remains to this day.

Approximately 25 years ago, the church moved from Claremont and found a home in the District of Glade, partly because persons had moved out of Claremont into Glade and the chapel now, finding itself in desert territory, suffered at the hands of vandals. A way had to be found to organize the witness in Glade. The home of Sister Moncrieffe became the meeting place for the brethren at Glade.

However, meeting in a house was becoming more and more inconvenient and so a building in the centre of the community, owned

by JAMAL, became available for the use of the church on Sundays.

This however, posed tremendous challenges as the church soon discovered that both the stench and the sights that remained because of peculiar activities held on Saturday nights by the community, proved too much to handle by this pilgrim people, and again the decision was taken to find a new meeting place.

In 1988, a year after the arrival of a new pastor and two years after entering into a new Circuit relationship with Gregory Park, an agreement was entered into with a Miss Carmen Anderson for us to lease a portion of the land on which this building now stands, with the understanding that we could build no permanent structure. Soon the relationship with Miss Anderson

Rev.Karl Henlin

became so rocky and strained, that we received an eviction notice. The challenge once again was what would we do and where would we go.

God came to our rescue, because it was while we were still occupying land on which we were soon to be evicted, the ownership of the land passed to Mrs. Beverley Patrickson of Spanish Town, who immediately entered into an agreement with her inherited tenants. This offered to us a measure of stability regarding our tenure and it was now time to concentrate on ministry.

The church continued to struggle and saw only limited signs of growth. The truth is, the wider community at Glade paid little or no attention to the invitation from the church to come in. By 1990, with help from volunteers out of North Carolina, a small, wooden structure was erected and dedicated on February 10, 1991. Attempts were made to begin a Basic School, in conjunction with the YMCA, but after the departure of the Teacher, the school folded. However, a bright spark was on the horizon. The community began to see signs of change and progress in its social infrastructure. A new road was built, reducing the travel time from Gregory Park to Glade by some 40 minutes and this meant that more and more persons would soon be able to travel into Glade to assist the work. Soon after, what many could never have imagined, also took place. Electricity arrived and that allowed the church to move away from using motor car batteries and portable generators in order to provide sound and lights for its Evangelistic Meetings. With roads and electricity, the community of Glade began to attract additional persons into the community, as residents and the church began to prepare itself for the challenge.

Mission Team Much credit for the measure of growth that was to be experienced must be given to groups of persons from the Gregory Park Baptist Church who formed themselves into Mission Teams, led by the zealous Deacon Lloyd Codner and also the ever present Dorrett Spence.

New life came into the church, additional persons began attending, persons were baptized and in 2003, two children from the Sunday School sat and passed the Sunday School Examinations and in the process making history for the church.

New Land The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

In that same year, Mrs. Patrickson indicated that the land, on which we were domiciled, was being put up for sale with the price being $1.6m. It is a vast and centrally located piece of property, which we could not allow to slip by us, but the project of raising that amount of money was far beyond the ability of the Glade Church. Here we pay special thanks to the members of the Gregory Park Church who rallied to the cause and with their spirit of partnership and sacrifice, purchased the land for the ministry in Glade.

Partnership – Chancellor In 2004 the Glade Church entered into a Partnership with Chancellor Baptist Church, Virginia, U.S.A. through the auspices of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, which had itself established a Partnership with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Through that Partnership, the community of Glade has since been receiving an annual visit in which medical, optical and dental services have been offered. It was through that Partnership that the Chancellor Church offered a team of eight workers who came and assisted to re-construct the chapel. The original chapel was demolished and a new and expanded chapel was erected which also included for the first time, sanitary facilities. Funding for the chapel in which you are now seated was as a result of the generosity of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Rev. James Robinson, a friend of our church who resides in the U.S.A., and again the Gregory Park Baptist Church. Together, along with the support of the Glade Church, this building was constructed at a cost of approximately $1m.

We wish to thank the Revd. Luther Gibbs who gave oversight and also Mr. Benjamin Reddie and his team, who joined their efforts along with local workers from this District. Special thanks are in order to the Gregory Park Baptist Brotherhood who donated most of the paint used on the building and then completed the work of painting themselves. The result is what we are celebrating today.

The Future And now, what of the future? We are aware that much is expected of us as the future unfolds. We know that ours is the responsibility to carry the light of the gospel and to demonstrate in practical ways the love of God in a community where there are so many unemployed, unemployable and under-challenged people.

The possibilities are vast and already there are plans to begin a Basic School in the New Year. We are also exploring the establishing of an Income Generating Project in order to empower the citizens of the church and the community to fully utilize their God given gifts and talents. The land is vast, the opportunities are without limit. We have a mission challenge and a stewardship challenge. With such a history behind us, we can only conclude, “Hitherto hath the Lord led us.�

We give thanks for the past, we eagerly await the future.

Page 12 - January 2006

I

WINDOW ON THE WORD

YEAR END REFLECTIONS

t seems such a short time ago that the world hyped about the dawn of the new millennium and yet here we are at the end of the first half of the first decade of the twenty first century! Despite the ‘predictions’ of the self proclaimed ‘prophets’ who foretold what would happen at the beginning of the year 2000, things seem to be continuing on the regular path.

In 2005 world powers remain resolute in their search for domination and the establishment of what they deem best for other nations. The phenomenon of suicide bombers has attracted many more participants and the sense of personal/ physical security is on the down slide.

No one feels safe anywhere in the world anymore.

The continuing trauma of the confrontation in Iraq and Afghanistan, the struggle between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the devastation of hurricanes and earthquakes with the attendant loss of life and property, the dreadful death threat of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the ongoing destruction of the environment, all serve to remind us that these are perilous days.

On the Jamaican scene there are many signs of spiritual degradation. In a country that is not at war in the traditional sense of the word, we have seen an escalation of murders with the record breaking numbers

Rev. Dr. George V. Simpson

that exceed 1500 since the start of the year. The carnage on the roadways seems to be undoing all the planned programmes in road safety and numerous families are left mourning the tragic death of loved ones.

The numerous attacks on women and children have reached unprecedented levels while robberies and other forms of criminal behaviour continue unabated. At the same time it would appear that the political directorate is in a quandary as to how to bring the situation under control. Train more police? Build more prisons? Provide more arms? These are at one and the same time questions being asked and suggestions being given; but the answers and solutions do not reside in them.

There is need for more equity in society and people at all levels of national life must be made accountable for their actions. Courage to implement the provisions of the law seems to be lacking and this in turn has given rise to a lack of faith in our justice system.

Coupled with this are glaring evidences of corrupt practice in public and private life.

The rise of humanism and secularism, the discarding of spiritual values and Biblical truths which constitute the

foundation of our Christian faith, all tell a story of the rebellion that sin has engendered in the hearts of human beings. One by one the nations of the world are legalizing and placing their stamp of approval on same sex marriage and practicing homosexuals are being ordained at different levels of the Church.

The Biblical injunction, “so shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they two shall become one flesh”, is being brazenly thrown out as being no longer relevant.

This leads one to ask, “Has religion lost its soul?” Even if the answer be “yes”, the truth remains that “righteousness exalts a nation” and the Church of Jesus Christ will always prevail over the very “gates of hell.”

It is in the light of that reassurance that this reflection extols the fact that the Gospel is still being preached and faithful men and women of God are committing themselves to the ministry of reconciliation.

Recipients of Divine grace with their souls enlightened with wisdom from above are still declaring the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The Christian Church in many Moslem dominated countries has been under attack but the work continues; and one can confidently say that if the

Recognition & Commissioning Services continued from page 10

pay careful attention to the youths in the community.

The East Queen Street Baptist Church choir and the Spring Garden Circuit choir sang melodiously in what was an inspiring worship experience.

The Rev. Cherrine Abrahams was recognised and commissioned to the Roehampton circuit of Baptist Churches at the Mt. Carey Baptist Church, St. James on September 22. The service was led by Rev. Roy McPherson being commissioned by Rev. Basil the Rev. Godfrey Francis, McLeod (Superintendent). pastor of the Webster memorial Baptist Church in St. James.

The Rev. Dr. Heckford Sharpe, Superintendent of St. James and pastor of the Westgate Hills Baptist Church, executed the Act of Commissioning.

Rev. Devon Dick, pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, delivered the charge. His text was taken from 2 Corinthians 12:9, from which he explored three definitions for Grace; undeserved wisdom, unmerited favour and unused power. The Roehampton Circuit Choir and the Boulevard Baptist choir shared in the service through their ministry in music.

After much rains in the month of September, many of the faithful from the Bellas Gate Circuit were clearly worried, that the commissioning service, of their new Pastor, the Rev. Orville Vassell, would not go ahead as planned, for the 29th day of the said month; but God be praised, it did!

Promptly at 3:00pm, the service began to an already packed church. The leader of was the Rev. Dylan Toussaint, moderator of the St. Catherine Baptist Association and the preacher was the Rev. Donald Lawrence, former pastor of the grateful Hill Circuit of Churches. In his charge entitled “branches of the same tree- celebrating our Christian connection,” the Rev. Mr. Lawrence, took his text from 3John 1-14. He challenged those gathered, in particular The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

threat of worldwide communism “came to pass”, this also will “come to pass.”

Within our Jamaica Baptist Union, there is scope for much more participation in the reclammation of lost ground. Members who have been existing on the ‘fringes of the faith’ must begin to feel uncomfortable there, get involved because there is still much land to be possessed. At the same time one is heartened to see a good number of young people coming into the faith and committing themselves to ministry at various levels. These must be encouraged and given the tools necessary for those who labour in the Master’s vineyard.

The fulfillment of our stewardship responsibilities leaves us no alternative other than to strive to maintain the faith and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. At the end of the year we stand on the threshold of a new year. Indeed there are hopes and aspirations and the challenge of faithfull service remains. Confident of the promise of The Divine Presence which guarantees our protection, we go forward.

This is still the age of the Spirit and the mission continues. We will extend our commitment and reach new possibilities because THROUGH CHRIST, WE CAN.

the pastor and people from the Bellas Gate circuit to: l Ensure that there is progress in the truth —for the tree to be giving the best shade, each branch must be doing well. l Partnership in the truth: the source Rev. Orville Vassell he said, that gives one branch life is the same source which gives another. l Patterning in the truth: he made his point, by suggesting that a true branch must reflect the features of the plant — not like parasites getting support, but looking and producing differently.

Other highlights included greetings from representatives of the United Theological College, Yallahs Baptist Church, Grateful Hill Circuit and community as represented by the Tacius Golding High School. The Commissioning Liturgy was carried out by the Rev. Harry Jarrett.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARIES

Page 13 - January 2006

MOSES BAKER: PIONEER BAPTIST MISSIONARY TO WESTERN JAMAICA Presented by Rev. Clement Gayle Jamaica Baptist Historical Society Annual George Leile Lecture (October 9, 2005 – William Knibb Baptist Church)

U

nlike George Liele, we know very little about Moses Baker prior to his arrival in Jamaica in 1783, about the same time as Liele. As did Liele, Baker came as a result of the Revolutionary War. While Liele came as an ordained Baptist minister, Baker claiming to be an Anglican, confessed that, “As to religion, when I first came to Jamaica, mine was that of the world. I was much given to strong drink and to many other bad habits.” (Evangelical Magazine of 1803, the primary source of information about Baker and his work.) Baker gives the following account of himself. “I am from New York, in North America where my occupation was a barber. I was married September 4, 1 778 to Susannah Ashton, a mantua maker a native of New York by the Rev. W. Walters, agreeably to the rites of the Church of England, in which denomination I was brought up, and had learnt to read the scriptures and write a little. At the evacuation of New York in 1 783, I was with my wife and child obliged to come to the island of Jamaica. I am now a man well stricken in years, and very infirm.”

(Part of the letter in the magazine referred above). The letter reveals some important information about Baker.

His Anglican background, limited education, physical maturity and state of health. The fact that the letter was written ten years after his arrival in the island means that he undertook his missionary work when he was well advanced in years, and was not enjoying robust health.

Baker first settled in Kingston where he remained for three years. It appears that his barbering did not prove successful, so he moved to Liguanea where he engaged in farming on lands belonging to Lacelles Winn, a Quaker.

He also farmed lands in St. James.

Baker’s Conversion Baker gives a detailed account of his conversion. It not only gives details of his spiritual struggles, but insights of how the Baptist witness started by Liele, spread among the Afro Jamaicans. A group of members of Liele’s church, (the early evidence of Class House), was meeting in the Liguanea area and the members went from it, taking the gospel to the uncommitted. A group led by Cupid (who is Cupid?) paid a visit to Baker’s home. Observing that no grace was said at the meal, Cupid used this as his point of departure, in presenting the gospel to Mr. and Mrs. Baker. Though Cupid could not read, after two visits they succeeded in leading first Mrs. Baker and then Mr. Baker to Christ. In Baker’s own words : “That moment I formed a resolution that I would turn and serve God. From this time I frequently conversed with the old man (Cupid).

I now began to apply my heart to God. I prayed every day and night for the space of three or four weeks but, at the end of this time I became very much troubled, and tempted to imagine that I had done a very wrong thing in listening to the old man. At last I became so miserable, that no tongue can describe my state of mind. Struck with blindness I was obliged to be led about life like a child, but I continued to apply to God by prayer, and found

In a true sense Baker not only pioneered Baptist witness in Western Jamaica, but was the first to take evangelical Christianity to Afro Jamaicans in that region.

The work of George Liele and that of George Gibbs and others who sought to convert the slaves did not get further west than St. Ann. Methodism, which had reached Jamaica six years after Liele began his preaching, was up to this time, confined also to Eastern Jamaica. Indeed, Methodism did not reach St. Ann until 1817, Falmouth in 1818 and Montego Bay in the 1820s. As far as the Moravians were concerned, their work among the slaves was still largely confined to St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Their church at Irvin Hall established in I828 was the only Moravian church in St. James, and this continued to be the case for a long time.

Rev. Clement Gayle

that I daily grew in faith.” Having surrendered his life to Christ, Baker was baptized by Liele. Like the Apostle Paul, his conversion was followed by sudden blindness.

Move to the West Baker’s conversion and baptism were followed by a time of hardship and illness, and much of the responsibility for taking care of the family fell on Mrs. Baker. She approached Lacelles Winn and asked him for a plot of land on which she could cultivate. Winn responded by meeting the medical expenses of her husband and a job in St. James, “to instruct my Negroes in religious and moral principles.” After a year, Baker recovered his sight and was ready to take up Winn’s offer. In his own words, “I soon after wrote to Mr. Winn, that if he would procure my conveniences, I was ready to embrace his proposals.

He immediately sent up a boat, and also horses by land, with a servant and money to bear my expenses, leaving me to choose which way I would come. I preferred going by land and soon set off, with my wife and one female child, for Stretch and Set, which was then the name for Mr. Winn‘s estate, though it is now changed to Adelphi.

Here I arrive in February 1788 and soon had an interview with Mr. Winn.”

It should be noted that both in England and the Caribbean, Quakers were very sympathetic and helpful to slaves and championed their cause in the anti-Slavery Movement. Baker not only worked among the slaves on Winn’s estate, but on that of his fellow Quaker, Samuel Vaughn.

Thus began Baptist witness in Jamaica. Baker was not employed to start Baptist witness, but as a Christian, and a convinced Baptist, he interpreted Winn’s mandate, “to instruct my Negroes in religious and moral principles,” to include leading slaves to Christ and planting Baptist churches.

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

Confronting Africa Religions and Culture Baker, more so than Liele, had to face up to the challenge of African religions and culture. Bearing in mind that for over a century the African slaves were left free to practice the religions they had brought with them from Africa and carry out their cultural practices. Shirley Gordon in her book, God Almighty Make Me Free, maintains, “. . . the slave population had their own systems of beliefs brought from the African communities from which they came and adapted over the generations of slavery in the Caribbean.” She further points out that such religion gained recognition among the slaves, but especially the ancestral spirits helped them to cope with life in slavery.” (p.2) Baker in his visits to homes was showed bottles, horns and other things employed in the working of witchcraft.

He found that polygamy was still practiced. He had to deal with Myalism and obeah and so it was inevitable that he had to deal with some degree of syncretism. In spite of the challenges, Baker was able to maintain his Orthodox Baptist position. In the letter referred to earlier, he stated his beliefs. “We are of the Baptist persuasion, because we believe it agreeable to the Scriptures: we hold to the keeping of the Lord’s day throughout the year, in a place appointed for public worship, in singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hold to be baptized in a river, or a place where there is much water, in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit; and receiving the Lord’s Supper, in obedience to his command.” This statement of beliefs and practice confirms that Baker, in spite of the challenges, had not departed from what he had learnt from George Liele. However, we have to assume that elements of African religious practices remained among his members especially in the Class Houses. The work continued to grow, and by 1814 he reported a membership of 500 and a new work had started in Montego Bay (Burchell).

Page 14 - January 2006

S

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The Case for Church Planting

ome months ago I was present at an associational meeting where the JBU Mission Agency’s plan for church growth in the association was briefly discussed. Among other things, the plan promotes the planting of Baptist churches in a number of communities where none currently exists. I was surprised to hear several persons express the view that it would be a waste of resources to establish Baptist churches in localities which were already well churched and from which existing Baptist churches were accessible. Below are some reasons why I disagree with their point of view.

Gone are the days when persons, especially young people, are willing to travel long distances merely to attend a church of the denomination in which they grew up. Now many of those who do desire to go to church pick a church close to home, preferably no more than 10 minutes away. They are much less concerned than their parents with sticking to a particular denominational brand.

Baptists have lost many families that would probably have remained loyal to the denomination had there been a Baptist church nearby.

For the same reason, many persons who may not have been brought up Baptist, including some who have not grown up in a church-going tradition at all, would attend a Baptist church located in or near their community. Some of these persons in their search for meaning in their lives may receive Christ as Saviour. They then are transformed from being visitors on the fringes into active members of their new local church family. They feel a sense of excitement and significance in having contributed to the founding and growth of a new church.

When persons have to go a distance to church, they tend to be “morning-service-only” attendees. The church needs members whom it can disciple and train for service, and who will involve themselves in the church’s witness and outreach to the surrounding community. The

Rev. Authur Edgar

neighourhood church provides such opportunities.

The old confusion of “church” with “church house” still exists in the minds of many people. They do not think that a congregation deserves to be called a church unless it has a nice, permanent building. We need to recapture the New Testament concept of church as the company of believers regardless of where they meet. The church in China today is growing at an amazing rate. Yet most congregations meet in homes or wherever space can be found. The same thing is happening in Cuba. Therefore, let us not get hung-up on fine purpose-designed church buildings. Start with the space available – a home, a school, a community centre, or a shop front – and let the congregation decide when it is time to expend resources on a more permanent facility.

While we are not in competition with well-known, fast-growing denominations in Jamaica, we must note that they have never been deterred by the fact that there are already several churches in the area they decide to enter.

As long as there are people, especially unchurched people, there is room for another church. Somehow, I think the Lord enjoys the variety. The new cause may not grow into a mega-church, but a church of 200-300 persons is quite a viable self-supporting and self-propagating cause these days.

My observation is that new church plants stand the best chance to survive and grow when they are sponsored by an existing “mother church”. Here is an illustration of what could happen. A glance at a map of Kingston and St Andrew will show several large areas of the city that have no Baptist church. One such is the HavendaleMeadowbrook-Queensbury area. Another is the Maxfield Avenue-Hagely Park area. A third is the Mountain ViewVineyard Town area. As I write, the Bethel Baptist Church, Half Way Tree, has begun a mission in the Mountain View area. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if established Baptist

churches in areas adjoining the other above-mentioned and similar underchurched areas decided to sponsor a mission in these localities?

It would do wonders for those members whom the Lord would lead, and the mother church commission, to form the nucleus of a new cause. People who didn’t think they could preach, teach, pray, witness, etc. would soon discover that the Holy Spirit will “gift” and equip them for service. Their excitement will increase, as will their spiritual growth and new-found sense of purpose.

At the same time, other formerly under-utilized church members in the sponsoring church will come forward to replace those commissioned to the new mission. This is how the Holy Spirit works when a local church is focused on building the Kingdom rather than on building up itself.

We must never forget that the primary role of the church is to extend the Kingdom of God. As a denomination we have been on a plateau (maybe, even going downhill) for a long time. Perhaps a vigorous twenty-first century Baptist church-planting movement across Jamaica may be just the motivation we need to revitalize us and create a new momentum for growth.

When church planting really takes root, even the newlyplanted churches want to experience the excitement of becoming church planters themselves. Greater Portmore Church (a daughter of Bethel) and its daughter Hellshire, is a case in point.

Proverbs 11:24 could be a great text to inspire a JBU church-planting movement: “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more that is right, but it leads to poverty!” A good starting point would be for each of our associations and circuits to make a serious study of “Mission Plan”, the document circulated in 2005 by the JBU Mission Agency. We should then prayerfully seek God’s will as to what aspects of the plan He would have us implement at our local level.

New Associate Director of Communications for BWA Announced

R

Reprinted from bwanet.org website

ev. Eron M. Henry, an editor, pastor and lecturer from Jamaica, West Indies, has been appointed the new Associate Director of Communications for the Baptist World Alliance effective January 9, 2006.

As Associate Director, Henry will manage all facets of the communication programs of the BWA. These include: the design and management of the Communications plan of the BWA in consultation with the Alliance’s Executive Rev. Eron Henry and family.

Staff. He will direct all print and onHenry brings to this position with line media, to include the BWA website (www.bwanet.org); e-newsletters, the the BWA more than 18 years experience Baptist World, the organization’s quarterly in religious and secular media, starting publication and BWA News, the monthly in 1987 when he worked as weekly newsletter. He will also serve as the direct news columnist for the Daily Gleaner newspapers in Jamaica, West Indies. link to all media.

Henry will be part of the new BWA Currently, Henry is head of the Jamaica Advancement Team headed by Ron Harris, Baptist Union Media Commission which director for Advancement, and consisting is responsible for the denomination’s of ElizaBeth Wright, associate director of quarterly newspaper, (Jamaica Baptist Reporter), two weekly radio programs Development.

(Christ for Today and Youth Sounds), and

editor of the website Caribbean Reporter.

For six years, Henry was news analyst with Radio Jamaica for a nighttime talk show host with the former Radio WAVES. Henry has been the director of the e-publishing program at the Montego Bay Community College and up until

December 2004, served as Chairman of the Board of Management of the William Knibb Memorial High School, a Baptist school, with more than 1200 students.

He was also a part time lecturer with the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies, having taught New

continues on page 15

Caribbean Baptist Pastors Meet

cf: www.bwanet.org THE first ever Pastors Conference in the Pastoral Practice in the Caribbean, the Caribbean was held October 17-19 in the State and Future of Baptist Leadership island of St. Lucia in the West Indies, in the Caribbean Today, The Personal sponsored by the Caribbean Baptist Spirituality of the Pastor, and Theological Fellowship (CBF).

Education for the Caribbean.

Vincent Wood, a Vice-president of Among the leaders was William the BWA and President of the CBF, said Thompson, General Secretary of it was organized “because many pastors the Bahamas National Missionary & and church leaders are very busy and Educational Convention and Vicenever have time to truly reflect, rest and president of the BWA; Burchell Taylor of regroup.”

Jamaica, a keynote speaker at the BWA The meeting looked at ways to Congress in Australia and Peter Pinder, help pastors to understand their mission General Secretary of the CBF and BWA and also enlarge the work of the CBF. Regional Secretary for the Caribbean.

Among the topics addressed were:

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

MISSIONS

mission in panama continued from page 5

to the US, employing many Jamaican workers.

Such a background is important to understand that Baptist witness in Panama started from the ground up.

The United Fruit Company had asked the Jamaica Baptist Union to send missionaries to the Plantations to help organize the workers among whom discipline seemed to have broken down. The migrant workers however saw the missionaries as advocates for them with the authorities who grossly ill treated them and also became a link to their families back home. In 1888 Joshua H. Sobey and E.J. Hewitt were sent on a fact finding mission to Costa Rica by the Union.

Horace Russell notes, “Sobey was moved by what he saw on his visit, and this induced him to return to Jamaica, to resign his pastorate in Montego Bay and offer himself through the J.B.M.S. for work with the migrant labourers on the Panama Canal and in the United Fruit Company Plantations.” It was out of this scenario that the first Baptist church was established in 1892 in Bocas del Toro, Panama by a Layman Gayle Brown beginning with five members. The church was named Beautiful Zion.

Sobey as mentioned above started the First Isthmian Baptist Church in response to another set of workers, those involved with the building of the Panama Canal.

From these two churches, Beautiful Zion in the North West of Panama and First Isthmian in North Central Panama, Baptist work spread in Panama.

Below is a list of pioneer churches established through the influence of the JBMS along with British Baptist help: Beautiful Zion (1892), Bocal del Toro, Rev. Joshua Sobey, Rev. T. H. Duncanson, Rev. W. D. Morgan, Rev. D.W. Morgan First Almirante Baptist Church (1914), Almirante Bocal del Toro, Rev. T.H. Duncanson, Rev. D.W. Morgan, Rev. W.D. Morgan Clavary Baptist Church (1908), Panama City, Rev. S.M. Loveridge Changinola Baptist Church (1909), Bocal del Toro Colon Baptist Church now First Isthmian Baptist Church (1910), Colon Panama Rev. J. Sobey,Rev. Sylvanus Scarlett, Rev. Luke Shaw et al Bethel (Farm 4) (1916), Bocal del Toro First Paraiso Baptist Church (1928), Paraiso, Panama City Rev. Fabian Walters Bethany Baptist Church (1947), Colon Cativa Baptist Church (1958), Colon

**(pastors indicated are those directly related to the JBU)

These churches are still active today.

It is to be noted that while the JBU along with the British Baptists, pioneered most of these works, they were not sustained for long. Many of the churches exist today because of the later involvement and financial assistance of the Southern Baptist Home and Foreign Mission Boards. Most Baptist churches in Panama, apart from those listed above are fairly young with the first Spanish Baptist Church being established in 1943. The Southern Baptist has played a significant role in the development of Baptist work here in Panama. They had the economic advantage as well as the advantage of the Canal Zone

Page 15 - January 2006 when the USA had control of the Panama Canal up to 1999.

The Panama Baptist Convention was established in 1959, through the support of the SBC. Rev. Scarlett was instrumental in assisting with its establishment. Today the Panama Baptist Convention is made up of 12 Associations and over 110 churches with an active membership averaged at 3,000. The following statistics, based on a report of the Convention for the years 1995- 2003, reveal something of the state of the Panama Baptists: 1995 46

2003 15

91 145 $ 41,288

101 16 $ 16,782

Number of Ordained Pastors Number of Churches Lay Leaders Cont. to Coop Plan

I have just shown figures for the years 1995 and 2003, the years in between have shown a steady decline in all areas of ministry. One of the factors contributing to this is that the USA had gradually been pulling out of Panama in preparation to hand over the operation of the Panama Canal to Panama. Many West Indians who worked with the US government had the option of retiring and migrating to the US with the exit of the US. The SBC also scaled back its operations in Panama. Many of the churches, used to being pampered through SBC’s help, now experienced a great economic and leadership vacuum upon the exit of the US. The churches of the Panama Baptist Convention are now learning to cope on their own. The Seminary for training pastors is not yet functional and there are few trained, ordained and experienced pastors in the churches. Many of pastors have bi-vocational ministries as few churches in Panama can fully sustain a pastor, due to the country’s 40% extreme poverty level Indeed the

New BWA Director of Communications continued from page 14

Analysis, English and Communication and Forms of Journalism.

Since 1988 Henry, an ordained minister in the Jamaica Baptist Union, is a Pastor of the Falmouth Circuit of Baptist Churches.

Henry has a Master of Journalism degree from Temple University in the United States where he studied Media Management, Non-fiction Writing, News Editing and New Reporting. He received a special journalism award for academic achievement at Temple University. He has both a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honors) in Theology from the University of the West Indies, and a Diploma in Ministerial Studies from the United Theological College of the West Indies, both located in Kingston, Jamaica.

An Award-winning journalist, Henry says, “Working with the Baptist World Alliance will be my greatest delight.”

He is married to Dawnette and they are the parents of Joyvell (12) and April (8).

Denton Lotz, BWA General Secretary, said, “It is with enthusiasm that we appoint Eron Henry to this position. He possesses the skills and experience for which we have been looking. The Committee felt that the Lord has led us to Henry. We are thankful and pray God’s blessings upon Henry as he moves to the Washington office in January, 2006.”

The Jamaica Baptist Reporter

harvest is ready but labourers are few. Added to this, the immigration laws as well as the Catholic influence in Panama, makes it difficult for foreign missionaries to effectively work in Panama without a strong economic base.

Let us pray for Baptist witness in Panama, for the leadership of the Convention, the leadership of the congregations the economic situation facing many and for the unity of the believers. This autonomy of the local church which is emphasized as a strong point among Baptists, is like a demon among the churches here. The basic unity of organization shared by Jamaican Baptists is lacking here in Panama. Within an Association such as ours, one may find differences of language, ethnicity, economics, doctrines (e.g. SBC or National BC orientation) among other things; and many persons are not willing to make concessions in working together for the greater cause of Christ.

What is the JBU’s response? I beleive we have an unfinished task. The cries have been coming to us from Cameroon, Haiti, Turks and Caicos Islands and Panama among other places. Perhaps even locally there may be cries of help, cries for us as Jamaican Baptists to renew our commitment to mission. I view the time I have spent in Panama as being part of the answer to such a cry. The lessons I have learnt have helped me to see that the JBU has a mission from God to renew its mission engagement in a serious way.

As the 2006 General Assembly convenes under the theme: “Extending Our Commitment: Reaching New Possibilities – Boldness in Mission” it should challenge us and demand of us to move from the table of talk concerning mission to the actual task of mission, to move from preaching mission to the practice of mission.

We have the resources and the structure to do more in mission as a Union. My prayer is that we will be open to the challenge of being bold in mission. Jamaica Baptist Union, Panama needs you, the Caribbean needs you, to continue your involvement and to finish the task.

Interview with the outgoing JBU President continued from page 9

of that intervention. The unavailability of resources human and financial resources affects so many other things.

Interviewer: What recommendations do you now have for our union of churches, and the local church or circuit?

President: As people of God, striving to bear witness to a great and wonderful God, whatever we do and say must be out of our deep conviction of the love and power of God. This conviction should attend whatever we do in His name. I hope that as a denomination, at the different levels, we will demonstrate greater confidence God’s ability to do all things. This should encourage us to attempt all things, casting aside faithless cares and fears. We need to realize that the resources God has given us can be fully utilized only by faith - much of what we have we won’t even see but we must believe. I encourage us all to continue to trust and support our leadership.

Thanks to our people for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I have confidence that our denomination will continue to grow and develop under God.

156th general assembly draft agenda WEDNEDAY, FEBRUARY 22

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

TIME

REGISTRATION

8:30 am - 12:00 nn

GATHERING

MINISTER’S CONFERENCE

9:00 am - 12:00 nn

DAVID JELLEYMAN LECTURE Leader: Rev. Marvia Lawes Speaker: Rev. Norva Rodney Subject: Mission & Community

PLENARY SESSIONS

1:00 - 4:00 pm

REPORTS General Secretary Finance Christian Education Department Jamaica Baptist Youth Department Jamaica Baptist Union Brotherhood Jamaica Baptist Women’s Federation DINNER OPENING Leader: Speaker: Subject:

SERVICE The General Secretary - Rev. Karl B. Johnson The President - Rev. Johnathan O. Hemmings Boldness in Mission

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

8:45 - 9:00 am

WORSHIP/BIBLE STUDY Leader: Rev. Dr. George Simpson Speaker: Rev. Everton Jackson Text: Is 6:8-13 Subject: Mission against all odds 4:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 9:00 pm

SECTIONAL MEETINGS

2:00 - 5:00 pm

DINNER

5:00 pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

TIME 7:30 - 8:30 am

PLENARY SESSIONS

MEMORIAL ACT/REMEMBERING

8:30 - 9:30 am

GROUP DISCUSSIONS/WORKSHOPS

9:45 - 11:30 am

WORSHIP Leader: Rev. Dr. George Simpson Speaker: Rev. Everton Jackson Text: Acts 4:15-20 & 1-22 Subject: Mission - The Only Choice

LUNCH

12:30 - 2:00 pm

GROUP DISCUSSIONS/WORKSHOPS SPECIAL PRESENTATION Celebrating Fraternal Partnership: Baptist World Alliance

2:00 - 4:00 pm 4:00 - 5:00 pm

DINNER

5:00 - 7:00 pm

WORSHIP SERVICE Leader: Rev. Karen Kirlew Speaker: Rev. Calvin Matthews Subject: Not Ashamed of the Gospel

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 WORSHIP SERVICE Leader: Rev. Valenting Wallace Speaker: Rev. Dr, Denton Lotz Subject: Confidence in the Gospel LUNCH SERVICE OF COMMITMENT Leader: Mrs. Sylvia Henry Speaker: Rev. Johnathan O. Hemmings Subject: Serving the Cause/Staying the Course

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

12:30 - 2:00 pm

WORSHIP SERVICE Leader: Mission Agency Speaker: Subject: Visioning the Mission

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

10:00 - 11:30 am

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

WORSHIP Leader: Rev. Dr. George Simpson Speaker: Rev. Everton Jackson Text: Matthew 10:1-13 & Mark 6:6b-13 Subject: Mission without Delay

TIME

7:00 - 9:00 pm

TIME 9:00 am - 12:00 nn 12:15 - 1:00 pm

LUNCH

1:00 pm

OPENING & DEDICATION OF NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE

5:00 pm

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

TIME 10:00 am - 12:00 nn

12:00 nn 2:00 - 4:00 pm

A section of the crowd at last year’s General Assembly