the light issue #17
DESCRIPTION
The Official newsletter of the Gregory Park SDA ChurchTRANSCRIPT
A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department
March 2014 Issue #17
Page 2
A speaker excited about Christ! A message centred on
Christ! A revival for Christ!
The Jesus the Only Way series of revival meet-
ings held in March 2014, reflected the heartfelt desire of
every true worshipper for a closer walk with God. It is no secret
that “a revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and
most urgent of all our needs” (Selected Messages, bk.1, p. 121)
The Evangelist, Elder Lionel Robinson, of sister church
Waterford SDA, could hardly contain his excitement about God
and His goodness. Every message presented revealed his enthu-
siasm and love for God. Accompanied by his beautiful wife, Elder
Robinson delved into God’s word and spoke with authority on
topics such as ‘The Biggest Informer in Christian Pen’; ‘21st Cen-
tury Madness’; ‘No Puppy Love’ and ‘PUSH’. These messages
were delivered with passion and zeal, informed and reminded
listeners of the life changing truths in God’s words.
The meetings were held Sunday, Wednesday and Friday
nights in addition to Sabbath Service. Sunday and Wednesday’s
meetings were conducted in the church courtyard, ensuring that
even more persons in the immediate vicinity of the Church would
also receive the message. God’s word as also delivered by Elder
Cavan Davis who ably stepped in on March 26 in the absence of
the Evangelist.
The Music, Health, Family Life, and Youth Departments
were among those who worked along with the Personal Ministry
Department to ensure the success of the meetings. The beautiful
singing and health tips and family life tips along with the powerful
messages were aspects which will linger in the minds of those
who attended. Also etched into the minds of the listeners are the
words of the theme song ‘Worthy is the Lamb’, the fellowship
song ‘We are United in Jesus Christ’ and the departure song ‘Our
God is an Awesome God’.
The meeting came to a close on Sabbath March 29th.
The preacher was emphatic in his message ‘Tell hell I am not
coming”. The male group, ‘Inspiration’ from Braeton enriched the
service with beautiful singing. The series had ended and but the
nuggets of truths spoken by the preacher remain. These truths
include:
‘You being saved is dependent on Christ; you being lost
is dependent on you’
‘Many books can inform you, only the bible can trans-
form you”
‘When life knocks you down on your knees, you’re in a
perfect position to pray’
‘Prayer is not a spare wheel that you pull out when in
trouble. It is the steering wheel that guides our lives’
‘If you are in the company of Jesus, prepare yourself for
a storm’
The month of Revival was not without fruit as along with
each member’s personal recommitment, two precious souls were
added to the family of God through baptism. God is indeed an
awesome God.
Revival declares, Jesus the Only Way
Elder Robinson
delved into God’s
word and spoke
with authority on
topics such as
‘The Biggest In-
former in Christian
Pen’; ‘21st Century
Madness’; ‘No
Puppy Love’ and
‘PUSH’.
Issue #17
The Pastor’s Desk Church Pastor Blondel
Campbell brings greetings
and reflects on the first
quarter of 2014
Youth Retreat 2014
Women’s Weekend The Women of Gregory Park Experience a
weekend of prayer and praise which included
International Day of Prayer
Scenes from the Quarter
Metro Mission 2014 Metro Mission 2014 is a part of the Global
Seventh-day Adventist Church’s campaign
to evangelize the major cities of the world.
Jamaica Union Jamboree
SMS Messaging Service
Black Adventist Pioneers
A brief profile of three
SDA Pioneers who broke
new ground for
Adventism
Publications
Adventist Resources The Light
Health as a Lifestyle
News
Calendar of Events
3
8-9
14-15
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
16-17
18
The Light
BLONDEL Campbell Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of Churches
P raise the Lord! God continues to be faithful and true to
us in spite of ourselves. Let us give him thanks for His
leading in the life of the Church over the past years and espe-
cially in this stage of earth’s history when the signs all indicate
that his coming is even at the door!
The Church is still a blessing as it carries forward its
mandate of preaching the gospel to ‘all the world’ which repre-
sents the communities of Gregory Park. In preparing the church
for such an important mandate, the Personal Ministry Depart-
ment spearheaded a ‘revival’ to re-energize the members for
active duty. To God be the glory for our young Elder and Pastor in
training – Lionel Robinson for the remarkable job he did in pre-
senting to us God’s messages of love. Our members were truly
blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and more so our visi-
tors a few of which answered the call of the Lord. To the ‘babies
of the Gregory Park family’ keep your focus on Jesus who is the
author and finisher of your faith. Yes, we are living in challenging
times but remain ‘anchored’ in Jesus and He will lead you safely
to our eternal destination. Well done family members for your
support not only by your presence but in your prayers as well.
We have been re-energized by Elder Lionel Robinson
and therefore ready for the ‘rigors’ of MM14 – Metro Mission
2014 – ‘a vehicle’ bringing hope to the major cities of our coun-
try. I am encouraging every member to get on board the MM14
train plying the Portmore/Greater Portmore domain; by praying
for our evangelists, Bible workers, visitors; that the Lord will
move in a mighty way through His servants and rescue souls
‘shackled and burdened by sin’ into the liberty of our Saviour. As
you pray allow the Holy Spirit to move you to add your financial
support as well and be out in your numbers from the start on
April 27 to the final climax on May 25. Every able bodied saint is
needed for the success of this mission into the enemy’s camp.
Therefore as we pray and give financially let us also give our-
selves to the Lord.
As the Church prepares for this big evangelistic event,
the heads of departments have been busy with ensuring that the
members are fed spiritually during their special days. I must
make special mention of our Women’s Ministry and Family Life
Departments for reminding us of the important roles that our
women and families play in carrying out the gospel commission.
We were indeed blessed by the messages and encouraged to
see our women and various families being led by the Spirit of
God in such an awesome way. Thanks to the leaders and the
team members of these departments for a spiritually enriching
day.
The families of God are not only increasing spiritually
but also physically as we say congratulations to Brother and Sis-
ter Wilson on the new addition, baby Blake Christian Wilson and
Sister Lavern Grey for her bundle of joy, Zenovia Danielle Grey.
Let us continue to pray for God’s leading in their lives.
When our Lord calls us into His service; His call in-
cludes those skilled in the art of construction as well and we give
God thanks for our ‘skilled saints’ who came out to assist in the
raising of the wall of the side of the church. Thanks for a job well
done for the Lord.
Let us continue to pray for our Elders, Leaders and
other Officers that they will be led by the Holy Spirit as they minis-
ter to the Church and not to be forgotten are our youth who will
be going on their Youth Retreat sometime in August. Let us pray
that as youths they will be strengthened to continue to serve our
God.
With Christ as our focus let us remain steadfast in the
face of the various challenges that assail us and proclaim the
third angel’s message as we onward march to Zion the beautiful
city of our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God con-
tinue to pour out His blessings upon us all.
Editorial Committee
Melissa Brown Marjorie Stone Fiona Dyer Wilson Damian Wilson
Issue #17
Do you
know the morning
watch text for today
or the reading for the bible year?
Do you want to be kept
informed of announce-
ments and Church
notices?
Make sure you
are a part of the
Church’s SMS Mess-
aging Service.
Messages will be
sent directly to your phone
The service is
absolutely free to
all members of the
church
To be added to the SMS
Messaging Service,
submit your contact
details to Ceraphia
Roper, Melissa Brown or
Jean-Mark Davis
GPSDACHURCH
Bible year readings
(March 9-15) Deut
30:31, Deut 32:34,
Josh 1-4, Josh 5-8,
Josh 5-11, Josh 12-
15, Josh 16-18) Faith
can move mountains.
Returns to Portland
The Light
Group photo from 2009 Youth Retreat at Jamaica Crest Resort
The main building on the property
The pool area
One of the rooms at the Resort
After a meticu- lous search for a suitable loca- tion for this year’s Youth Retreat, the Adventist Youth Council has settled on Jamaica Crest Resort for their annual three-day outing. Youth Retreat will run from August 1-3, 2014, after a break in 2013. “We believe that we have selected an ideal property that offers both value for money and the kind of comfortable, relaxing environment with the necessary amenities to make for a Retreat everyone will enjoy,” insists Adventist Youth Leader, Ceraphia Roper. “We also wanted to en-sure that we could accommodate anyone who is interested in attending, at a price point that was fairly reasonable especially when compared to previ-ous years,” she explained. The Jamaica Crest Resort, which was also the site for the 2009 Retreat, offers a laid back tropical retreat setting with old-fashioned charm and hospitality. The property is located seven miles east of historic Port Antonio at Fairy Hill in Portland on seventeen acres of tropical paradise, surrounded by lush green gardens, and lawns. Other amenities include pool area, large conference rooms, modern/updated rooms, ample green areas for games and recreation, and dining facilities. While details are finalized by the Council and new and innovative ideas take shape in the months leading up to the Retreat - a number of usual plans and activities will be a part of the weekend including: spiritual/Christian workshops, board games, physical and social activities and ban-quet dinner. “We want our young people to start planning early, put your funds aside or turn them over to the Youth Department so you can book your space and ensure that you are a part of what promises to be a memo-rable and exciting weekend,” the AY Leader concluded.
Issue #17
“Prayer opens our lives to God’s cleansing power. During prayer, the Holy Spirit X-rays our souls. We see hidden sins and defects in our character that keep us from being the powerful witnesses He longs for us to be. Prayer draws us into an intimate relation-ship with Jesus. In prayer, we open our minds to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We seek His wisdom, not our own”. “Just as the Berlin Wall fell as God’s people prayed, so the walls that keep us from an intimate experience with Jesus fall as we plead with God” (Finley 2010) Prayer is a privilege which Christians embrace daily as they face life’s challenges. The women look forward to Interna-tional Women’s Day of Prayer with great anticipation. It is an annual event which provides women with the opportunity to strengthen their prayer life as they are empowered by God to serve in his vineyard. The Women’s Ministry Department of Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist Church planned a weekend of activities to celebrate International Women’s Day of Prayer. The women organized community impact to allow church members to go into the community, sensitizing persons to the events planned as well as the upcoming Revival series ‘Jesus the Only Way’. The weekend of activities began with a vesper service on Friday, March 28th. The evening was shared by sister churches in Portmore. The women from Newlands, Braeton, Greater Port-more, Tent City and Portmore SDA turned out in their numbers to share in the rich experience of praying together and sharing testimonies of God’s goodness. The evening’s programme was moderated by Sis. Janet Able-Simpson. The Women’s Ministry Director at Gregory Park, Sis. Janet Gordon, welcomed all present. There was beautiful singing from Newlands SDA as well as from Sis. Claudette Thompson of Tent City SDA. The beautiful singing and testimo-
nies from sister churches touched every heart as worshippers sat transformed by the compelling details of God’s mighty acts on behalf of His children when they pray. Sis. Carmen Griffiths and Sis. Victoria Henry, both from the Greater Portmore Church left no uncertainty as to the power of God and His goodness to us. The charge for the evening came from Sis. Mckoy- Chambers. She was a powerful presenter who allowed God to use her once again to proclaim His words. The worshippers were spellbound as she delved into God’s word and lead us into exam-ining the theme ‘He Lifts Up My Head’. Sabbath, March 1, 2014 was equally spiritually refresh-ing. The prayer focus was maintained throughout the morning’s proceedings as members and visitors walked to the altar to lay all before the Lord. One could sense the presence of the Lord in His sanctuary on His holy day. It was a spiritual feast available to everyone who hungers and thirsts after righteousness. The Divine Hour message was presented by Sis. Sackeria Hinds of NCU, St. Ann. We were fed the bread of life as she shared with the Church from the scriptures. The AY segment was entitled ‘The Golden Years’. The guest presenter was Sis. Walters, a nurse from the Berea SDA Church. She examined a number of issues relating to Women and aging. She explained how other family members, by being aware of the changes, could be more sensitive and understanding. Vesper was conducted by Sis. Jacqueline White. It had indeed been a well spent International Women’s Day of Prayer. Let all continue to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonian 5:7) for ‘when we pray, God hears more than we say, answers more than we ask, gives more than we imagine…In His own time and His own way’.
’
Sis. Sackeria Hinds
- Marjorie Stone
”
“
The Light
MM14 coming to Caymanas/Portmore Area
M atthew 9:35 says; ‘Jesus went through all the towns
and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaim-
ing the good news of the kingdom and healing every
disease and sickness.’ The buzzword in the local
Adventist community right now and for much of this year is
‘MM14’. Metro Mission 2014 is a part of the Global Seventh-day
Adventist Church’s campaign to evan-
gelize the major cities of the world.
Kingston has been selected
as the major city being targeted by the
Jamaica Union, the largest urban
populated city in Jamaica. The cam-
paign which is dubbed “Hope for the
Cities” has been well underway for
months now throughout East Jamaica
Conference with meetings in Barbican
Square and the National Heroes’ Cir-
cle.
MM14 will also involve major
evangelistic campaigns in major cities
and towns across Jamaica. Each local
conference is expected to identify the main city/town in that
Conference, while there will be smaller meetings around the
Conference. For the Central Jamaica Conference, Spanish Town
has been identified as the main thrust for the Conference. Other
campaigns will be held in Portmore, Old Harbour, Mandeville,
Linstead and Frankfield.
While MM14 was officially launched on Sunday, January
12, 2014 at Half Way Tree Square, the Portmore phase will run
from April 27 to May 25 with Pastor Alton Williams under the
theme, ‘Hope for the City: Operation
Rescue.’ The site will be at the Cay-
manas Gardens open lot, between
Surrey Meadows and Independence
City. The lead-up to the Crusade will
be supported by outdoor meetings
across the districts in Portmore, in-
cluding a meeting at the site during
AY on Sabbath March 22. .
. In an open letter to the Churches
in Jamaica Union, Union President
Everett Brown said that “This initia-
tive requires the full support of every
member of the church to join us in
praying for the success of this programme, and to participate in
the mission to the cities and towns by making a special contribu-
tion to defray the expenses of conducting the initiative.”
This initiative requires
the full support of every
member of the church to
join us in praying for the
success of this pro-
gramme
MM14 Road March and Launch in the Capital City (January 12,
2014)
Final Sabbath of the Footprint of Hope Series, A MM14 Pro-
gramme with Pastor Glen O. Samuels (March 1, 2014)
Pastor Everett Brown
Issue #17
Church Treasurer, Orrett Davis and other (skilled) men of the Gregory
Park Church lend their time and talent towards raising the wall to the
right of the Church - Sunday February 9, 2014
Pastor Blondel Campbell raises his hand in praise following the presenta-
tion by Pastor Roy Dennis, Family Life Director of Central Jamaica Confer-
ence - Sabbath February 15, 2014
Jaydene Brissett attends to a ‘customer’ during Hair Daycare, a
fundraising event of the Adventist Youth Department, Sunday
March 9, 2014
A group of young people at Camp Verley at the “Equipping Our-
selves for Service: Youth Leadership Training 2014”, February
23, 2014
A section of the Women’s Choir during International Women’s Day of
Prayer, March 5, 2014
The Light
Damian and Fiona Wilson,
holding their son Blake
Christian Wilson and Sis
Lavern Grey with her daugh-
ter Zenovia Danielle Grey
during the Blessing for both
children on Sabbath March
15, 2014. At the altar are
friends and family members
supporting the parents.
Members of the Youth Choir perform an item during a
meeting of the Revival (top left) while Evangelist, Bro Lionel
Robinson gestures to the outdoor congregation during his
presentation (right).
◄ The Children’s Choir lift their voice in praise during
Divine Service on Sabbath March 22, 2014
Issue #17
A certain Hollywood writer/director is cred-
ited with saying, “If you want to make God
laugh, tell him your plans.” This isn’t be-
cause God delights in making light of our
own plans, but just how those plans often pale in
comparison to the loftier ones He has for our lives.
In 2004, Tajloi Cunningham, a former member
of the Gregory Park SDA, who also sang on the Youth
Choir for a while, left Jamaica to continue his educa-
tion abroad. But somewhere in that process he re-
ceived and responded to a higher calling. “I com-
pleted high school and then went on to Walla Walla
University where I began studying aviation and
earned my private pilot’s license. But while enjoying
my career choice God persuaded me, under drastic
circumstances, to give it all up to do Theology. I have
now graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Theology with an Aviation and Biblical Languages
Minor.
Tajloi now worships at the Berean Fellowship
for which he was a student pastor from 2011-2013,
and the Walla Walla University SDA Church in Walla
Walla, Washington State.
Young Cunningham is a part of a family that is
deeply entrenched in Gregory Park Church history as
his grandfather, Keith Wright, is one of the early mem-
bers of the Church. Of his memories of Gregory Park
that meant the most to him, he says were Bible Class,
where he learnt and gathered so much information
about the Bible. Since leaving Jamaica he has vis-
ited three times. However he has not been able to
keep up much with the happenings at his home
church as other relatives and close friends also left
over time, but he has been able to keep up with gen-
eral happening in Jamaica.
Comparing the worship experience he says
“both have great music but the main difference
would be in the type of music. At Gregory Park the
music was more conservative with a lot of hymns
while both Berean and the University Church are not
quite focused on that. Berean is more of an African
American gospel type with up-beat music and some
hymns while the University Church is more classical
music and some hymns. Often times the University
Church will have an orchestra. All are friendly
churches. Gregory Park stands out from the other two
in terms of preaching and sermon content.” he
opines.
As for future plans Tajloi says he intends to
continue his schooling at Loma Linda University where
he will be doing a Master’s of Science in Chaplaincy.
“My goal is then to become a Chaplain in the United
States Air force for 10-15 years after which I will seek
to become an evangelist or a church pastor. I also
want to start a food service for the poor and the
homeless.”
Tajloi Cunningham
The Light
Black Adventist Pioneers Part II Last year we introduced you to six black Adventist Pioneers who made significant con-
tributions in their respective areas or opened doors for others. Again, in acknowledge-
ment of Black History Month (February) we introduce you to three more such persons.
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into
slavery in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in
1826. After going to court to recover her son, she became the first black woman to win such a case
against a white man. Sojourner Truth was named Isabella Baumfree when she was born. She gave her-
self the name Sojourner Truth in 1843. Her best-known extemporaneous speech on gender inequali-
ties, "Ain't I a Woman?", was delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.
During the Civil War, Truth helped recruit black troops for the Union Army; after the war, she tried un-
successfully to secure land grants from the federal government for former slaves.
1843 was a turning point for Truth. She changed her religion and adopted her chosen name.
She became a Millerite Adventist in 1843, attending several Adventist campmeetings and set out
preaching. However she left the Millerites for a time after Jesus did not appear in 1844. Later in 1846
she re-associated with the Millerite group that became known as Seventh-day Adventists.
James Kemuel Humphrey was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, on March 7, 1877. He at-
tended elementary school in the parish and graduated from Colbert College, where he distinguished
himself as an exceptional student and eloquent speaker. On December 19, 1900, he married Viola
Anderson of Kingston, Jamaica, embarking shortly thereafter on a career as a Baptist minister.
Always painfully aware of the plight of people of African descent in the “New World,” Hum-
phrey left Jamaica in 1901 to visit Africa. On his way there he stopped off in New York City, where he
was converted to Adventism. Humphrey joined the Seventh-day Adventist church, walking away from
the Baptist ministry, itself a significant step. He aborted his trip to Africa, deciding to remain in New
York City, where his wife joined him the following year.
Humphrey’s meteoric rise in the Adventist Church continued through the 1910s. Humphrey
continued to hold tent revivals in New York City, and by 1920 his church, the First Harlem Church, had
about six hundred members. Humphrey was asked to serve in more leadership positions in the Greater
New York Conference, and by the end of 1922, four Black churches were in the Greater New York Con-
ference, all of them under the supervision of Humphrey. The delegates from his church were often the
only black delegates in the Conference Sessions. Humphrey baptized over 300 persons between
1920 and 1927. The First Harlem Church was the largest SDA denomination in the Greater New York
Conference and Humphrey was pastoring both it and its daughter church, Harlem Number 2.
Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, USN (Ret.) is a modern day pioneer. Born November 1, 1948, Black is the
62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. He was elected to this position on June 27, 2003, becom-
ing the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to hold this office. The Senate elected
its first chaplain in 1789. .
He served for over 27 years as a chaplain in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of rear
admiral and ending his career as the Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy, the senior chaplain
of the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. He officially retired from the Navy on August 15, 2013
In 1995, Black was chosen from 127 nominees for the NAACP Renowned Service Award, for
his contributions to equal opportunity and civil rights. .
In 2002, he received the Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from the
Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred
on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream - Realizing the Vision", for military excellence. .
Black is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He is married to Brenda Black, née Pearsall and to-
gether they have three sons.
Rear Admiral Barry C. Black
James Humphrey
Issue #17
PUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONS
of the Quarterof the Quarterof the Quarter
To get copies of these and other SDA Christian Literature: Speak with your local Publishing Director
Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre
Kingston, 74 Constant Spring Road.
Spanish Town, 58 Brunswick Ave
Mandeville, 5 1/2 Annex Drive,
Ocho Rios, Native Plaza, 58 Main Street
Montego Bay, 30 Church Street
Savana-la-mar, 6 Rose Street
Visit the Inter-American Division Book Store Website
at http://store.iadpa.org/
Or any other online book store such as Amazon or
Barnes and Noble
In this issue of Publications of the Quarter,
we introduce you to a new piece of read-
ing material on the works of
Ellen G. White
Read more about this seminal piece of work in the
Church News Section on page 17
Everything About Ellen G. White in One Resource
This masterwork brings together hundreds of articles that
describe the people and events in the life of Ellen White, as
well as her stand on numerous topics and subjects including:
Doctrine and Theology
Health and Lifestyle
Life Events
Places
People
Everything from the hymns Ellen White loved to the homes
she lived in are covered in heavily referenced articles. You’ll
find a detailed chronology of her life and extensive articles on
her ministry, her theology, and her statements in the light of
advancing scientific knowledge. Whether you’re preparing a
sermon, teaching a class, or finding answers to personal
questions, this single resource has the answers you need.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jerry Moon
Jerry Moon is an expert in Adventist studies and topics related to
Ellen White. His Ph.D. dissertation dealt with the interaction of W. C.
White and his mother. Moon is currently the chair of the Church
History Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Semi-
nary. His previous books include W. C. White and Ellen G. White: The
Relationship Between the Prophet and Her Son and The Trinity (with
Woodrow Whidden and John Reeve).
Denis Fortin . Denis Fortin served as dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theologi-
cal Seminary from 2006 to 2013, where he currently is a professor
of theology. He is an expert on Ellen White’s life and work and since
1995 has shared with Jerry Moon the teaching of an influential
course on issues in Ellen White studies. His previous books include
Adventism in Quebec: The Dynamic of Rural Church Growth, 1830-
1910.
By Jerry Moon, Denis Fortin
ISBN: 9780828025041 | 1504 pages | Review and
Herald Publishing | Copyright 2014
$US 69.99
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Issue #17
Health as a Lifestyle
REWARDS OF EXERCISE 1. Better Mood
Cranky? Get moving. Exercise makes you feel happier. When
you work out, your body makes endorphins -- "feel-good"
chemicals in the brain. You can actually start to feel better
within a few minutes of moving. But the effects of regular ex-
ercise can last for a long time.
2. More Energy
You might not expect it, but using energy to exercise gives you
more get-up-and-go. Sometimes when you're tired, the last
thing you want to do is move. But when you exercise regularly,
that fatigue goes away and you find yourself with a lot more
pep.
3. Good Night's Sleep
Get regular exercise to help you fall asleep faster and sleep
more soundly. The harder you exercise, the more likely you
are to have a good night's sleep. It doesn't matter when you
exercise, as long as you don’t have trouble sleeping. If you do
have problems, though, work out earlier in the day.
4. More Confidence
You just walked a mile or ran your first 5K. Success like that
can boost your self-esteem and make you ready to conquer
anything. Exercise makes you feel good about yourself.
5. Less Stress
Exercise calms your body and your brain. When your body
works hard, the levels of stress hormones -- like adrenaline
and cortisol -- drop. Stress and anxiety fade away, especially
after aerobic exercise.
6. More Productive
Want to be more efficient at work? Take a break and get
some exercise. In one study, people who got moving in the
middle of the day were much more productive when they went
back to work. They also were happier and got along better
with their co-workers
7. Weight Control
Exercise and diet work together to keep your weight healthy.
Whether you want to lose some inches around the waist or
just avoid putting on extra pounds, exercise is the key. Try to
work out 30 minutes most days of the week.
The Light
Health as a Lifestyle
8. Long Life
Regular exercise can add years to your life. And that
counts even if you're not a hard-core fitness buff. Just
get moving. Even a little exercise can help you live
longer than not exercising at all. The American Heart
Association says each hour of exercise adds 2 hours to
your life.
9. Strong Bones and Muscles
Your bones and muscles get stronger when you work
out. It's especially important to do weight-bearing exer-
cise, such as weight-lifting, tennis, walking, and danc-
ing. This can help build bones as you get older. And it
can help ward off osteoporosis and protect your balance
and coordination.
10. Healthy Heart
It's no secret that exercise is great for your heart. Regu-
lar workouts lower your risk of heart disease, improve
your blood cholesterol levels, and help control and even
prevent high blood pressure.
11. Lower Risk of Cancer
Regular exercise can cut your risk of some cancers, in-
cluding colon, breast, and lung. And people who have
cancer have better quality of life when they exercise.
12. Less Arthritis Pain
If you have arthritis, regular exercise can help ease your
pain. And it can make your daily activities easier. Try
non-impact exercises like swimming. They can be easy
on sore joints.
Source: Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on April 19,
2013. WebMD.com
Oral Care
W ith proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy
throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums
are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum
disease.
There are four basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:
1. Brushing
2. Flossing
3. Eating right
4. Visiting the dentist
Tips for Flossing Your Teeth
Floss your teeth once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque
between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque
stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which must be re-
moved by a dentist. To floss:
Remove about an 18-inch strip of floss from the dispenser.
Wind the floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving
a 1-inch section open for flossing. Floss the top teeth first, then
the bottom.
Place the floss in your mouth and use your index fingers to
push the floss between the teeth. Be careful not to push too
hard and injure the gums.
Move the floss up and down against the tooth and up and
around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around
the tooth as you floss.
Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.
Use a clean section of floss as needed and take up used floss
by winding it around the fingers.
Also, antibacterial or fluoride mouth rinses can reduce bacteria that
cause plaque and gum disease, according to the American Dental
Association.
Floss
Source: healthfinder.gov: "Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums."
FamilyDoctor.org: "Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep Them Healthy." Columbia University College of Dental Health: "Eight Steps to Dental Health." American Dental Association.
Monteiro Released From
Prison in Togo Ends nearly 22-month detainment; others still in
jail after being convicted
Issue #17
Continued on next page
The Light shares the following news stories on religion from across the world, for the information of readers. Opinions ex-
pressed in these reports/stories do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Light, the Gregory Park SDA Church or the
Seventh-day Adventist Church
S eventh-day Adventist Pastor Antonio Monteiro was released
from prison on January 13 in Lomé, Togo, ending a nearly
two-year ordeal that kept him and four others detained on
charges of conspiracy to commit murder in a case that cap-
tured the attention of the Adventist World Church. .
Monteiro was released after being acquitted in a court ver-
dict the day before. Still in prison is Adventist Church member Bruno
Amah, who was convicted by a jury and sentenced to life in prison.
He is considering his legal options, including appealing the decision.
Monteiro was greeted outside of prison by his legal team
and officials from the denomination’s Sahel Union Mission, where
Monteiro had worked since 2009 as the Family Ministries Director.
Monteiro is a native of the island nation of Cape Verde, and it’s ex-
pected that he will return there soon. .
Adventist Church President Ted N.C. Wilson spoke to Mon-
teiro by phone. Wilson said Monteiro thanked the world church for its
support. Millions of Seventh-day Adventists worldwide had held
prayer vigils, launched social media campaigns, sponsored letter-
writing initiatives to government officials and diplomats, held press
conferences and led a signature drive for a petition calling for the
release of Monteiro and others involved in the case. .
Church officials expressed “mixed feelings” over yester-
day’s court ruling, which acquitted some and convicted others.
“The acquittal of Pastor Monteiro is good news and we are
happy for him and his family. We are surprised and very sad about
the condemnation of Amah,” John Graz, Public Affairs and Religious
Liberty Director for the Adventist World Church, said. .
The arrests and detentions unfolded following a string of
homicides in September of 2011. Five men, including Monteiro and
Amah, were detained in March of 2012 and held without a trial and
solely on the accusation of one man who was described as a
“pathological liar” in a court-ordered psychiatric exam. That man,
Kpatcha Simliya, who was also detained, was also convicted in the
court ruling and sentenced to life in prison. .
Depending on different newspaper and police accounts,
more than a dozen bodies of women between the ages of 12 and 36
had been found in the northern Lomé suburb of Agoué in 2011. The
bodies had stab wounds and some sexual organs had been re-
moved. Blood and organs are often used in ceremonies of Voodoo,
which is widely practiced in Togo. .
When no arrests were made, the public demanded justice
for the killings, church leaders said.
Simliya was later shown on television surrounded by police
guards, telling the story of the series of murders he said that he or-
ganized and naming accomplices who collected blood and organs.
But much of the story proved unlikely, including the number of vic-
tims and the methods used, according to Simliya’s medical examiner
“Any informed and reasonable man would have doubts
regarding his incredible outpouring or the feasibility of his crimes or
supposed crimes,” a September 9, 2012, court-ordered psychiatric
exam stated, which was viewed by ANN. .
Simliya would later recant his accusation, saying he was
beaten by police and forced to give names of people he supposedly
knew were co-conspirators in a blood trafficking network, according
to the psychiatric exam. .
Still, his testimony—the only evidence in the case—was
enough to bring convictions in yesterday’s ruling. .
Church officials for the denomination’s West-Central African
Division, based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, said Monteiro will receive
appropriate care back in his home in Cape Verde.
Pastor Antonio Monteiro back home with his family
Source: Adventist News Network - http://news.adventist.org/
Jamaica Union
President, Pastor
Everett Brown
The Light
Source: Jamaica Observer
T HE Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica has urged leg-
islators not to pass the Flexible Work Arrangement Bill in
Parliament until its members and other Sabbath-keeping
congregations across the country are guaranteed the 24-
hour Sabbath.
Head of the organisation Pastor Everett Brown told the
congregation gathered for the installation of newly elected leaders
in the church's northern region (St Ann and Trelawny) in February
that the church needed strong, courageous leaders to oppose “any
attempt to curtail our religious freedom which the Constitution guar-
antees, by the passing of legislation on the new flexible work ar-
rangements”.
“Let me make the position of the church clear:
God, who mandated the Seventh-day Sabbath as His holy day of
worship, did not make it a 12-hour day, but a 24-four hour one —
from sunset Friday evening to sunset Saturday evening," he said.
That position is among a list of concerns outlined in a let-
ter which the Umbrella Group of Churches — of which the Adventist
body is part — sent to the Minister of Labour.
“We hope to have a conversation,” secretary of the group
Rev Gary Harriott told the Jamaica Observer. “The church, through a
group called the Concerned Church Leaders, has been following this
matter for a number of years and while we recognise that there are
values to be gained from a flexible work agreement in Jamaica, we
are concerned about the impact it will have on the life of the
church.”
“While we have flexible work arrangements [to some ex-
tent] now, it only affects a small group of people. Our concern is that
when it becomes wide-scale, what will it mean for the larger body of
the church, and what will it mean culturally for us?" he asked in
reference to the current definition of “the weekend”.
Discussions about flexible work arrangements have been
on the table for nearly 20 years and legislation is expected to be
passed by the end of March this year as a requirement of the latest
IMF agreement. Government issued a ministry paper on the subject
with the promise that public education and consultations would be
carried out before any regulations are enacted.
But that has not happened to date and, according to Rev
Harriott, “What we don't want is for the Bill to be rushed through
Parliament, like many we have seen last year, without any proper
debate and public education and which causes an economic back-
lash.”
“We are concerned about the protection of a person's right
to worship as enshrined in the Constitution. Based on the ministry
paper that we read, the work schedule will be determined by nego-
tiation between the worker and the employer and we are concerned
about that because they do not have equal power. It should not be
left open to negotiation but should be protected under law where
power rests with the employer,” Harriott said.
A recently released encyclopedia on the Seventh-day Advent-
ist Church’s co-founder Ellen G. White gives an overview of
her stance on numerous topics and offers an opportunity to
dispel misconceptions on the life and literary influence of
the denomination’s most known figure, publishers said.
“The Ellen G. White Encyclopedia,” published by Review
and Herald Publishing Association, includes articles on White, biog-
raphies and her writings on an array of topics—from salvation, psy-
chology and politics to legalism, diet and makeup.
“The Ellen White Encyclopedia is undoubtedly the most
important reference work produced by the Seventh-day Adventist
Church in a half century,” said Adventist Church historian George
Knight. .
The encyclopedia consists of 1,300 articles with descrip-
tions of places White lived and the people in her life, rarely seen
photographs and her position on hundreds of subjects she wrote
about during her ministry. .
Editors Denis Fortin, former dean of the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Theological Seminary, and Jerry Moon, chair of the Church
History Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Semi-
nary worked with 180 contributing authors over the course of 14
years to compile the encyclopedia. It was arranged so “both new
and long-time readers [of White’s writings] will find reliable informa-
tion, often presented from fresh new perspectives,” Fortin and
Moon said. .
White, who died in 1915 at age 87, is credited with shap-
ing the mission and vision of the Adventist Church, especially
through her writings. During her ministry she wrote approximately
100,000 pages, and more than 100 books have been published
from her writings. She is also the most translated American author,
according to The Ellen G. White Estate. Her most translated book,
“Steps to Christ,” a how-to guide on being a Christian, has been
translated into more than 165 languages. .
Controversy around White’s writings often stems from her
work that has been taken out of context or wrongfully used to sup-
port controversial subjects. The encyclopedia was envisioned to be
the standard reference work for anyone who has questions about
White’s positions. .
Jim Nix, director of The Ellen G. White Estate, said he
was pleased when he received early manuscripts of the ency-
clopedia. “I am excited about the wealth of information re-
garding Ellen White and her ministry that is contained in this
book,” Nix said. “I am impressed with the depth and scope of
what is contained in it.”
No Sabbath, no flexi-week! Church groups say
Gov’t must hold
consultations be-
fore passing Bill
New Ellen White Encyclopedia highlights lifetime of ministry
Church historian
calls it ‘most
important refer-
ence work in half
a century’
Source: Adventist News Network, http://news.adventist.org/
Issue #17
Tue-Wed 1-30 - Launch of Singles Club l Fri-Sun 4-6 - Women’s Ministries Retreat l *Sab-Sab 5-26 - Education Evangelism; Sab 5 -
Day of Prayer and Fasting (Literature Evangelist) l Personal Ministries Day l Missionary Magazines; Youth Mission Rally - Spanish Town
l All Night Prayer Meeting at Braeton Church for Big City/Town Outreach l Sab-Sun 5-6 - Communication Symposium Weekend l Sun 6
- Elders, Youth, Women and Children’s Ministries Directors and Sabbath School Superintendents’ Certification Seminar, Manchester, (CJC)
l Mon 7 - Pastors & Bible Workers’ Meeting - CJC Boardroom l Wed 9 - Executive Committee Meeting l Thur 10 - 1st Quarter
Churches’ Statistical Report due at CJC Office l Fri 11 - Pastors Day of Prayer l Sab 12 - Adventist Mission Emphasis (offering) l Sab 12
- Vision One Million Baptism Celebration l Literature Evangelism Impact Day l Youth Spiritual Commitment Celebration (Northern
Hemisphere) l Religious Liberty Rally – Spanish Town l **All Night Prayer Meeting at Old Harbour Church for the Big City l Sun-Sun
13-May 11 - Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Portmore l Wed 16 - “Wellness Wednesday” l Thur 17 - Fruit, Vegetable and
Grain Day l Thur 17-21 - JAMU Youth Jamboree (Federation Camps (Camp Verley) l Sab 19 - Youth Rally – Mission to the Big City -
Old Harbour (PM) l Publishing Day (All Churches) l Education Summit – NCU l Sun-Sun 20-May 18 - Mission to the Big City/Town
Outreach - Old Harbour l Mon 21 - Intern/Supervisor’s Meeting l Sab 26 - Christian Education Day l Spiritual Revival Emphasis l New
Believers Convention – Manchester (Christiana) l Spiritual Emphasis – Educational Institutions l International Evangelism l Christian
Education Day – NCU Connect l Sun 27 - Summer Camp Officers’ Training
Child Evangelism Launch l Thur-Sab 1-31 - Drug Awareness Month l Child’s Month l Thur 1 - *Pastor’s Community Outreach
(Manchester) l Sab 3 - Community Services Evangelism l Day of Prayer for the Children l *Day of the SDA Books (IADPA) l *Disaster
& Famine Relief Emphasis l Vision One Million Rally - (Ewarton Church) l Religious Liberty Rally – Portmore l Tue 6 - Pastors’ Stew-
ardship Workshop - Conference Office l Sab 10 - *Tell the World: Big Cities l Children’s Convention l Religious Liberty Rally – Old
Harbour l Sun 11 - Mother’s Day l Tue-Sab 13-17 - Colporteur Training (Camp Verley) l Wed 14 - Executive Committee Meeting l
Thur 15 - Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day l Sab 17 - *Sabbath of Hope l Youth Day – NCU Connect l Elders, Youth, Women and Chil-
dren’s Ministries Directors and Sabbath School Superintendents’ Certification Seminar, St. Catherine, (CJC) l **All Night Prayer Meeting
at May Pen Church for Big City/Town Outreach l Sab 24 - Schools of Prayer in IAD Territory l Vision One Million Rally – Toll Gate
Church l Elders’ Appreciation Day l Sun 25 - Weight Management Seminar l Summer Camp Officers’ Training l Sun June 25 - Jun
22 - Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - May Pen l Mon-Thur 26-29 - CPR & First Aid Training –Office & School Staff l Wed-
Sab 28-31 - Colporteur Congress (Mexico) l Sab 31 - Northern Caribbean University Projects Day
Launch of Women and Family Life Evangelism l Sun 1 - Pastor’s Community Outreach (Clarendon) l Sun-Mon 1-30 - Jamaica Inland
Missionary Movement - Volunteerism l Thur-Thur 5-19 - Camp Verley Youth Project – Camp Verley l Sab 7 - Bible Correspondence
School Emphasis l *Women’s Ministries Emphasis l Personal Ministries Sabbath l Lay Workers’ Rally – Tent City Church l Youth
Mission Rally - May Pen l Sun 8 - Stewardship Workshop - Clarendon (May Pen Church) l Camp Officers’ Training – CJC Office l
Wed 11 - Executive Committee Meeting l Sab 14 - Adventist Lay Persons Service & Industries (ASI) Day l Day of Prayer for Men l
Religious Liberty Rally – May Pen l Sun 15 - Father’s Day l Health Fair Day l Stewardship Workshop – St. Catherine (Family of God
Church) l Elders, Youth, Women and Children’s Ministries Directors and Sabbath School Superintendents’ Certification Seminar, Claren-
don l Thur 19 - Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day l Sab 21 - Conference-wide Men’s Convention - May Pen Church l Adventurer Day l
Vision One Million Decision Day l Wed 25 - Prayer Conventions – Manchester (Pastoral Districts) l Sab 28 - #Vision One Million Bap-
tismal Day l 13th Sabbath Offering (Southern Asia Division) l Sab 28 - District Bible Boom Finals/Youth Baptismal Sabbath - All Districts
April
May
June
*Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division
**One week before each “Mission To The Big City/Town Outreach” all night prayer meeting
on the Saturday night at the main church
+Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division
# Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter