Mandeville, Jamaica…Toni Harvey
After two days of departmental reports and discussions, the newly elected president of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU), Pastor Glen Samuels, delivered a final message to close the Fourth (Third Quinquennial) Session of JAMU, expressing gratitude, affirming leadership, and urging the Church to renewed mission focus. Speaking to delegates and members, Pastor Samuels began by paying tribute to the outgoing president, Pastor Everett Errol Brown, for his years of dedicated service.
“I would like to thank Pastor Everett Errol Brown, the man from Ramble. Thank you for the quality of leadership you have provided. Thank you for the gifts you have demonstrated that God has blessed you with.”
He underscored that the Church’s progress and stability were closely tied to the strength of its leadership.
“The Church remains grateful for the accomplishments of you and the team that worked alongside you over the periods you have served.”
Pastor Samuels also acknowledged the leadership of Pastor Abner De los Santos, who chaired the nominating committee, noting that the process was conducted with spiritual maturity and integrity.
“Over the past few days, God has blessed us with a mature and wise process. It was characterized by Christlikeness, honesty, and respect.”
He further commended the members of the nominating committee for their unity and Christlike approach.
“I would like to publicly say thank you to the members of the nominating committee for your Christlike counsel and guidance, and the way you conducted yourselves. I am proud to be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with this kind of leadership.”
Reflecting on the transition, he emphasized continuity in mission and collective responsibility.
“We thank all those who have given service, but the committee has chosen to ask others to carry forward the platform that you have built, because all of us are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.”
Mission Emphasis
Reaffirming the Church’s divine mandate, Pastor Samuels called delegates to remain steadfast in fulfilling its mission.
“God has a work for this Church that He is anxious to fulfill. God has a mission for this Church.”
With a strong evangelistic appeal, he challenged the Church not to become complacent.
“Can we be content with just 340,000 when God has willed that all should come to a knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?”
“While the world is our field, Jamaica is our responsibility.”
Drawing from Scripture, he issued a solemn charge to leaders and members alike.
“And I say to you what God said to Ezekiel: ‘Son of man, I have set you as a watchman on the walls of Zion. Hear the word from My lips and give them warning from Me. If you warn the wicked and they do not turn, you have delivered your soul; but if you fail to warn them… their blood will I require at your hand.’”
He reminded the Church that divine resources remain available to accomplish its mission.
“May Almighty God challenge us to know that His grace is still sufficient, His power is still available, and His desire is still the same. We will not rest until every valley is exalted. We cannot rest until the vision that John saw becomes our passion—that we will see a number that no one can number, of every nation, kindred, tribe, and people.”
Leadership Transition
Pastor Everett Errol Brown, who served as President for over 15 years, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead.
“I wish to express thanks and gratitude to the team who have worked with me over the past 15 years. It has been a journey,” he stated.
He formally passed leadership to Pastor Samuels with affirmation and confidence.
“It is my profound honor to pass the baton of leadership to one whom I have grown to respect, one with whom I have worked, and one whom I believe God has blessed and gifted.”
Pastor Brown also called on members to support the new administration through prayer and unity.
“As you have prayed for me and supported me over the years, I ask you to do the same for my brother and President, Pastor Glen Samuels.”
In a gesture of humility, he echoed the words of Scripture:
“Now I shall decrease, and he will increase.”
A Spirit-Filled Conclusion
The final evening concluded with a special season of prayer for the new administration, directors, and members of the executive committee.
In addition to the administrators, the following directors were appointed:
Pastor Joseph Smith— Ministerial Director
Pastor Dwayne Scott— Youth Ministries
Pastor Jermaine Johnson — Personal Ministries
Pastor Barrington McLean — Sabbath School
Pastor Jonathan Myrie— Communications,
and Elder Lorraine Vernal — Women, Children, and Adolescence Ministries.
Several director positions remain outstanding and are expected to be finalized by the executive committee in the coming days.
As the sun set on the second day of the session, the atmosphere was marked by reverence, unity, and renewed commitment. The proceedings were further enriched by uplifting music ministry and a spirit of dedication to the Church’s mission.
As the new administration assumes office, there is a collective resolve to advance the work of the Church with faithfulness, guided by God’s leading and empowered for service.
