PM Urges Church to Help Heal Nation

MONTEGO BAY — Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, has called on the Christian church to continue to share the gospel of Christ and to let His word permeate all corners of the society to bring about total healing and restoration.

The Prime Minister's appeal came at the official opening of the 11th International Convention of Adventist Laypersons Services and Industries (ASI) on Wednesday            

August 17 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

In a message, read by Secretary/Treasurer of the ASI Jamaica Union, Princess Lawes, Mr. Golding noted that Jamaica, like many other countries, faces with social ills, and much needs to be done to restore discipline, order, peace and security to the country and its people.

He said the church, as a body, represents a critical social arm of the society and has an integral role to play in healing the nation. “Their role cannot be discounted whether the denomination is Baptist, Anglican or Adventist,” Mr. Golding stated.

He commended the Adventists and the laypersons for the role they continue to play in helping to uplift the nation and wished for the group a successful convention.

Meanwhile, State Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Hon. Shahine Robinson, who brought greetings, urged the delegates, through their deliberations and prayers, to explore solutions to the country’s economic and social problems.

She also commended the ASI for making Jamaica the place of choice to host the international convention.

The ASI is the business and professional arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church world-wide. Delegates from North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean are attending the four-day convention, which is being held under the theme:  ‘Messengers of Hope’.

The event will feature more than 30 exhibition booths, along with motivational presentations, empowerment seminars on investments and healthy lifestyle.  

By ALDEEN CAMPBELL, JIS Reporter