By Lawrie Henry
Pastor Glen Octavius Samuels was elected as President of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists during its Third Quinquennial Session held on February 17, 2026, at the Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church.
After being recommended by the nominating committee, his election was ratified by a vote of 113 to 40 by delegates.
When called to the podium, Samuels, in a gesture of humility, stooped to wipe dust from the shoes of his predecessor, Pastor Everett Brown, who in turn laid his hands on Samuel’s head in blessing.
“I am just my mother’s son,” said Pastor Samuels, who often hails his mother’s strong, godly influence on his life.
He acknowledged that the work ahead is great, but that God is leading.
“God has his work in his hands. He is in charge of all of us. We commit ourselves to Him to lead a church in a nation that is yearning for more than what is,” he said.
He also expressed his need for divine guidance and the church’s support.
“I’d like to thank you for your prayers. If you used to pray for Pastor Brown 7 times a day, pray for me 21 times,” he requested.
He was congratulated by the President of the Inter-American Division (IAD), Pastor Abner De Los Santos, who committed to working directly with him as he adjusted to his role as union president.
Samuels comes to the role having served as president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Jamaica since 2014. During his decades-long pastoral ministry, he has also served as District Pastor, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director, Executive Secretary,Ministerial Secretary, and Personal Ministries Director of the West Indies Union Conference, among many other notable roles and achievements.
He is the evangelist for the long-running ‘Footprints of Hope’ Series, which he has presented locally and internationally. Notably, the Series was conducted as an evangelistic effort for the Inter-American Division from January 15 to February 25, 2022, resulting in the baptism of 4, 213 persons.
On October 19, 2017, he was recognized by the Government of Jamaica and conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for outstanding contribution to Religion and Community Service.
Samuels holds a Bachelor of Theology from West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University), and a Master’s in Theology from Andrews University, Michigan, USA.
He is supported in ministry by his wife Durcella, and their three beautiful daughters: Gleneika (Faith), Glenadene (Hope), and Glenella (Charity).
47 comments
God be with you Pastor Samuels as you come into the new role
Please to you man of God.
Congratulations 🎊 Pastor Glen O. Samuels.
God’s richest blessings be yours forever.🙏🙏💗💯
May God’s richest blessings continue to bless you and your family and those you serve in the mighty name of our soon coming king
May the Gid of the universe filled you with with vision, may he give you the knowledge that you so need in these challenging times
To God b the Glory. Praying fir you & your family Pr Glen, and the entire Chc Family in Jamaica.
Congratulations 🎊 Pastor Glen O. Samuels.
God’s richest blessings be yours forever.🙏🙏💗💯.
I am so happy and blessed to know an up standing , God-fearing man like Pastor Samuel can be hand picked by God to hold a position in such a time like this. This news is so welcome Sir Samuel you are a welcoming spring in a thirst dry land. I am thanking God today for a news like this. May your tenor never end, God be with you Sir, a vessel of Honour , I really thank God for you. Prayers are up for you.
Congratulations to you Pastor Samuels happy for you. I am not a Seventh Day Adventist but I know you through your wife who is a Bethlehemite like myself . I listen to your Sunday morning services and realize that you are an anointed man of God. Keep up the good work.may G continue to bless you and family, richly.
Congratulations man of God you have helped in building the kingdom of God
Congratulations let God be your guide. When God talks listen he will make the path clear
let God be your guide. When God talks listen he will make the path clear
let God be your captain. May the voice of God be audible to your ears and you actions be an example to thoughts you lead
Yes, indeed Pastor Samuels is the man of the hour! May God richly bless him in this expanded role!!
May God continue to bless you abundantly Pastor Samuel’s, you’re God humble servant and you will always in our prayers
May God continue to bless you abundantly Pastor Samuel’s, you’re God humble servant and you will always in our prayers
Congratulations pastor Samuels
Congratulations man of God! God has placed you in this world to save soul and that is exactly what you are doing. May the Lord continue to bless, keep, and strengthen you to continue to do the work that He has summoned you to do. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!
Well done. We looking at the GG
Im not surprise. He is one of the best of the best man of God, to serve in this capacity in these last day event. We have to pray and he has to pray more than ever before, and ask God to give him health, wisdom, faith, courage and right judgment to execute this
Position in Jesus name. I trust and pray that the lord will continue to bless him and family. RIDE ON!!!!
Congrats pastor Samuel. Well deserved.
May the good lord continue to bless you and guard you in your new journey. Carmen from Indiana Glendale church.
Man of God, you have been called by God to do His work. He who has started a good work in you, will see you through to the end. Well deserved. I am happy for you. You have always been in my prayers and I will continue to do so. May the God of heaven continue to inspire, bless and strengthen you. Congratulations Pastor Samuels. One of my favourite Pastors.
May God’s anointing remain on him as he leads the church in the challenging times to which we have come. Blessings on him and his family .
Looking forward to his continued servanthood. God’s will be done.
I am happy for you pastor Glen samuels. May as you continue to do your work for the the heavenly king may he guide and protect you and your family as you gather souls for his kingdom. We will be praying for you. You deserve it
God bless you pastor Samuels, we will continue to lift you up before the lord,,by his grace and mercy you will be alright God bless you sir.
I want to serve with you pastor samuel
Definitely teach and preach on the importance of repentance getting baptized in Jesus Christ YESHUA Name Fully submerged in water and teaching on getting fully filled with the Holy Ghost And Fire Daily importance of daily prayer Bible study getting to know Jesus Christ YESHUA personal Relationship.
Congratulations to you Pastor Samuels happy for you. I am not a Seventh Day Adventist but I know you through your wife who is a Bethlehemite like myself . I listen to your Sunday morning services and realize that you are an anointed man of God. Keep up the good work.may G continue to bless you and family, richly. To
Congratulations Pastor Samuels. May God guide your in all your decisions as you take on this awesome responsibility.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Congratulations Pastor Samuels. Praying 🙏 for God’s wisdom and guidance as you lead in the Jamaica Union. Whom the Lord calls He empowers.
Congratulations Pastor G. O. Samuels. Praying 🙏 for God’s wisdom and guidance as you lead in the Jamaica Union. Whom the Lord calls He empowers. May God continue to bless you and your family.
I pray God Almighty cover you in your ministry and guide your step as you serve God and your fellow men. Stay humble and stay on your knees in prayer.
Congratulations Pastor Samuels. May God continue to bless you and guide you as you take on this awesome responsibility.
Congratulations to you Pastor Samuels. It’s our prayers that the Holy Spirit will continue to use you Sir in a mighty way as we near the coming of our Lord and Saviour – Jesus the King of Kings.
May God continue to bless you and family as well as your ministry 🙏❤️🙌
Congratulations Pastor Samuel’s, may the Holy Spirit stay with you.
Great is Thy faithfulness. God richly blessings upon you Pastor Samuel.
G-God-fearing L-Loving E-Exceptional N-Notable . These are some of the qualities that you possess.May the Lord continue to bless and keep you faithful healthy and safe.May continue to preach these messages until he comes.
Just saw this very wonderful blessed news on my phone. President Glen Samuel of the WJC is now the president of Jamaica Union of SDA. I presume you will be moving to Mandeville, Manchester. Very nice. Congratulations to you Mr. President Glen O Samuel. Continue to do what God has put you on this earth to do. I pray that God will continue to guide as you as you take on this enormous challenge. But God already knows that you are ready for it . Jesus please guide, instruct, and be with your servant. God bless you and your family.
Congratulations to my favourite Evangelist with the power of God using him in his ministry. May God bless you and your family. The Holy Spirit will help you lead with distinction.
I am just seeing this!I luv this!this pastor preaches like a Pentecostal peacher I would sit and listen to his sermons!wow!I feel so elated !Congrats Pastor Glen Sameuls!
G-God-fearing L-Loving E-Exceptional N-Notable.These are some of the qualities that you possess.May God continue to bless and keep you faithful healthy and safe.May you continue to preach these messages until He comes.God bless you.
What a devin honour. May the Almighty God continue to guide you to bring many souls to Christ. Congrats
Blessings Pastor Samuels, in your new assignment. Praying for you in such a time as this, that God will uphold you as you carry out His mandate
Gteetings Saints. I definitely endorse the man of GOD, Pastor Glen Samuel. He’s a man of integrity a messenger sent from the Most High; to preach the “End Time” Gospel. I salute you Sir.Bessings on you and your entire Family. Shalom.
Congratulations Pastor Samuels,, God continue to guide you. 🙏🙏🙏