The main evangelistic initiative for 2024, the ‘Back to the Altar’ and ‘All the Family in Mission’ was launched in the Falmouth and Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Churches on November 25 and December 9, 2023 respectively.
The initiative, organized by the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU) through its five Conferences is the plan of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (IAD) to revive family worship and inspire them to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Both launches were attended by various representatives from each Conference. The program began with the congregation engaging in a lively praise and worship session led by a praise team.
In an inspiring message, Pastor Everett Brown, President of JAMU, set the tone for both launches by underscoring the value of total membership involvement (TMI), urging all church officers, pastors, and members alike to engage in the initiative.
Brown explained “The initiative is structured to involve the entire church family, aiming to minister to families and impact communities in a holistic manner.”
His message provided a detailed and inclusive plan for the 2024 Evangelistic initiative, emphasizing the importance of unity and active participation from all members of the church. He also emphasized specific periods for targeted activities, such as dedicated periods for pastoral families, children, youth, and parents, to grow in their faith.
A significant portion of the program was dedicated to acknowledging the presence of the attending individuals from the various conferences. The leaders and representatives took part in a procession, marching in with their banners and were called upon to share words of welcome, and to signal their commitment to the initiative. This segment also highlighted the involvement and commitment of pastoral families, children, youth, and couples in the upcoming evangelistic thrust.
Pastor Joseph Smith, Ministerial Director of JAMU, outlined a comprehensive plan to engage every member of the family and the church in missionary work.
“The initiative aims to address the spiritual needs of families and the wider community. The call to action involves tangible acts of compassion and kindness to uplift the disadvantaged and oppressed in the community”, Smith explained.
“As the initiative gains momentum, it is poised to bring about positive results and transformation within our families, communities, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the wider society,” Smith added.
The presentation emphasized the four components of the initiative, beginning with ‘Growing in the Faith’ as the foundational focus. Pastor Smith highlighted the importance of spiritual growth and revival through Bible study, prayer, and active participation of pastoral families, children, youth, and parents, in dedicated periods of spiritual development.
Moving beyond personal spiritual growth, the initiative emphasizes ‘Serving Community’ based on the principles outlined in Isaiah 58:6-11.
Additionally, ‘Sharing the Faith’ was underscored as a vital aspect of the initiative, emphasizing the active involvement of church members in reaching out to others and uniting efforts with Pastors and church officers. A special commitment card was given to each member to sign and keep to commemorate their decision to participate in the initiative.
Finally, the initiative focuses on ‘Reaping God’s Harvest,’ with plans to impact over 500 churches across Jamaica Union, through baptisms and collaborative efforts across departments.
The departments involved include the family, children, youth and prayer ministries through the Back to the Altar initiative.
The IAD’s Union-wide reaping dates that will climax in baptism are:
Sabbath, April 27, 2024 in Honduras; June 29, 2024 in Guadeloupe; and September 28, 2024 in Jamaica.
