News - Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica through its Youth Ministries department in collaboration with the Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA), held its first ever Youth Conference and Expo at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Mount Salem, St. James on January 13-14, 2024 where more than 700 youth and youth leaders participated.

Under the theme “Revived & Renewed”, the Conference also sought to celebrate exceptional youth leaders who have contributed significantly to their church and community. Ten youth leaders from the five Conferences comprising the Jamaica Union were acknowledged. Notable among the ten was 26 year-old Giselle Muir, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hopewell, Hanover in the church’s western region.

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Giselle holds her award from the Revive and Renew Youth Conference and Expo.[/caption]

Giselle's humble servant leadership style, fostered by her Sabbath School teachers and church leaders, propelled her to assume pivotal roles in the church such as Adventist Youth Leader, District Youth Federation President, and Parish Youth Federation Vice President.

In addition to her church responsibilities, Giselle, an invested Master Guide, is the founder of the Hands of Love Foundation, a charity that participated in various community initiatives. It provided back-to-school vouchers, feeding the homeless, conducting empowerment sessions, and assisting students with scholarship and scholarship applications. She was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for the parish of Hanover in 2022, as she seek to extend her positive influence, not only for her church and community, but also country.

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Hands of Love Foundation visits The Garlands Children’s Home in St James.[/caption]

"I am truly humbled to receive this award, as it was never about seeking recognition but about becoming a better person and uplifting those around me,” said Muir. “God has been my guide on this journey, equipping me for greater service, and this award is a testament to His faithfulness. The opportunities in youth ministry have not only honed my leadership skills but have also been instrumental in my spiritual growth. It's heartening to see how serving others has a ripple effect, positively impacting both personal and professional aspects of my life.”

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Giselle (right) hands over a hot meal to a homeless person in St James. This was done in collaboration with Street People Liberation.[/caption]

Muir works as a customer service representative at the National Housing Trust in St. James.

“Giselle Muir embodies the essence of the 'Revived and Renewed' theme, reflecting a spirit of selfless service, leadership, and a genuine passion for uplifting the youth and community,” said Pastor Dane Fletcher, Youth Ministries Director of Jamaica Union Conference. “Her remarkable journey and ongoing contributions make her a shining example of the impact one individual can have when driven by a deep sense of purpose and devotion to others.”

“All ten awardees collectively embodied the spirit of the awards: active in evangelism, participating in youth programs, leading community service projects, and maintaining a teachable spirit. We continue to celebrate their achievements and contributions, recognizing them as inspirational figures within the Seventh-day Adventist community,” Fletcher added.

The other awardees are:

Mario Jackson and Denielle Smith – East Jamaica Conference

Dedrian Jackson-Thorney and Renaldo Gordon – North Jamaica Conference

Shanique Campbell and Krisann Gayle – Central Jamaica Conference

Kimani Roache and Nakiesha Hamilton – North East Jamaica Conference

Leonel Bailey – West Jamaica Conference

The aim of having the recognition and awards was to affirm and encourage outstanding youth, highlight individuals who have excelled in evangelism, actively engaged in various youth programs, led impactful community service projects, and served as positive role models. The award criteria focused on youth maintaining a teachable spirit and promoting the well-being of all youth, ensured that the recognized leaders were not only accomplished but also inspirational figures within their respective conferences.