Adventist leader in Jamaica challenges men to be more than agents of procreation

September 23, 2014 | Mandeville, Jamaica | Nigel Coke/IAD

Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica addresses men the Men’s Convention at the North Caribbean University Gymnatorium in Mandeville, Jamaica, Sep 6, 2014. Images by Nigel Coke/IAD

Head of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, Pastor Everett Brown challenged Christian men and those in the wider society to be agents of positive change in society and not just agents of procreation.

In addressing the gathering of approximately 3,000, most of the them men, during a Men’s convention at the NCU Gymnatorium in Mandeville earlier this month, Pastor Brown asked if they really knew who they were, what their purpose in life was and their role and responsibility towards family, church, and society.

Pastor Brown, then posited that a man’s real purpose as head or leader in the home, church or society is not just to provide, protect and perform.

“We are not defined by our ability to produce the cell which is essential to procreate life,” said Pastor Brown. “We are not defined by the number of children we are able to father, the salary we earn or the power and authority we have.”

Members of the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church Men’s Choir sing during the Men’s Convention.

“We are men created in the image of God and, If you choose to take on the role of husband and father you are expected to carry out the duties of a husband and father, but a man’s purpose in life goes far beyond his role as husband and father, he is the priest of his family.”

As Brown considered the morale state of the Jamaican society he posited “Could it be, that one of if not the main reason why our church and society in general have descended into the state of affairs that obtains is because our men have separated themselves from God and consequently have neglected to carry out effectively our role as Christian men?”

Studies have shown that without a strong male figure at home, children suffer and often become delinquent, referred Brown.

Call for Good Men
Brown called on all men to be good men and be there for their family not only during special occasions but also in times of need.
“Men should be there to give support at the birth of his child, there when they are sick, there when they have to deal with the issues of life, there when they fall, not just when they are on stage at graduation collecting their diplomas.”

More than 3,000 attended the special Men’s Convention earlier this month in Mandeville, Jamaica.

“A good man,” he continued “is a spiritual man, an agent of Grace, and agent of positive change, he is selfless in his service, morally not always perfect but responsible. A good man will be faithful to his wife and family. They will not abuse and exploit young boys and girls to fulfill their own depraved desires. They are committed and hardworking, and will pay their taxes to the government to be used for national development. We need more good God fearing men.”

Pastor Brown added that the change he hopes to see will not come through physical strength or financial wealth, from the seat of power or the halls of learning, but when our boys and girls start to imitate us as we imitate and reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

“That change will come when we value and respect each other, when we begin to genuinely forgive each other, when we are patient and compassionate with one another.”