November 29, 2010 – Mandeville, Jamaica…Lawrie Henry/WIU
The historic sixth quinquennial and final session of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists got underway at the Northern Caribbean University Gymnatorium in Mandeville, Jamaica, Nov. 28, 2010.
Amidst the high level of anxieties and expectations, Keynote Speaker and President of the Inter-American Division Pastor Israel Leito, used the opportunity to urge the hundreds of delegates and guests to keep humble in the sight of God so He can use them for His eternal good. Referencing Mark 4:30, he said “If we can understand the kingdom of God, then most of our work is done”.
“It is because of our lack of understanding that we go around doing it our way, finding ways that are not pleasing to God to deal with His Church and His Kingdom, continued Pastor Leito. “No human best is good enough for the Church. We must realize that the best that we can do is not good enough, unless it is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Humility, this is it – be ready to be used by God’s Spirit, be ready to submit yourself to God’s leading – this is what it is all about. It is not what you can do, it is what the Lord can do through you. We must learn to submit self and let the Lord rule.”
In reference to the reorganization of the union Pastor Leito said, “We come to this point in the history of this glorious union; the West Indies Union who has done so much, has given so much. Nearly all unions in this Division have had a direct or indirect relationship with Mama West Indies Union. If we are reorganizing…it is not a matter of me taking my bundle and as the prodigal son, going to waste it. It is for me to say ‘Praise the Lord.”
Pastor Leito noted that the West Indies Union had far reaching impact in the Division. He asked that the new configuration be handled with responsibility. After this Session, which ends on today, the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the territories of the former West Indies Union will be carried by two new Fields: the Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU), and the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission (ACUM).
The JAMU will comprise five Fields, namely: East, West, Central, North and North-East Jamaica Conferences, and the ACUM will comprise four Fields: the Bahamas Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the Cayman Islands Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Mission.
The session continues through Nov. 30 and a ceremony of separation followed by the business session will highlight the day’s activities.
