Twenty-six care packages were issued, and eight students expressed interest in surrendering their lives to God during Cayman Academy’s annual Spring Week of Prayer-2025. Students from KY 1-Year 11 were engaged in spirit-filled services from February 17-21, 2025, under the theme “Walking by Faith: Reflecting Christ,” with speakers Pastor Onyeka Nevins, Treasurer of the North Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventist and Mrs Sharon Correia, parent and member of the Bodden Town Seventh-day Adventist Church.
This year’s week of prayer committee, headed by Chaplain and Pastor France Chambers, carefully orchestrated the week’s activity, commencing with a worship service on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. with teachers, members of the conference prayer team, and parents consecrating the school ground, community, students, teachers and parents. Monday morning came, and all three divisions were geared up and ready for a week filled with life-changing presentations; truly, they were not disappointed. Pastor Onyeka Nevins was tumultuously preparing, doctoring and chiselling the sermons to match the primary level students, and then, by the afternoon of each evening, tailoring them to appeal to the high school students. He (Pastor Nevins) believes that he has once again fulfilled his mandate by preaching, teaching and sewing seeds for the kingdom of God- through each sermon, some of which was titled, “Built to Last, Fearless, Unstoppable, KFC” has resonated with students, parents and teachers. His hope and expectations are that each category of stakeholders should “reflect on each topic as it captures what he hopes for everyone.” He continued to share that “Teachers are in a dynamic and challenging space”; however, he affirms them for their work and wishes that they will continue to pour into each child as they first allow God to pour into them.”
On the flip side of things, while Pastor Nevins was demonstrating and illustrating God’s message in a practical and relatable manner, Mrs. Correia was correcting misconceptions with the creation story. Interestingly, one significant highlight that came out of the kindergarten experience was watching other 3,4, and 6 years old correcting their fellow classmates who believed that humans were created from monkeys. It was an amazing experience filled with activities surrounding the stories of “Adam and Eve in the Garden, The Boy Who Shared His Lunch, and Standing Among Lions”. Commendation to Mrs. Correia for sharing the love of God through captivating stories and helping the students to encounter Christ even at their tender age.
Reflecting on the week’s activities and being able to plan and prepare programs for different age groups of children can never be an easy task; nonetheless, Pastor France Chambers (Chaplain) believes that his team did a superb job offering the school community an opportunity to fulfil their spirituality. He exclaimed that “the mission of the Week of Prayer was to amplify the school’s spiritual programs in the areas of faith maturity, intrinsic motivation toward religion, positive views of God, and fostering social responsibility among students.” He also stated that the speakers through their diverse ways engaged the students and created a spiritual atmosphere which brought about a great level of revival and commitment. After all, is said and done, he desires that the students will allow the seeds that have been planted to go beyond the week of prayer itself and that it will impact them in a significant way throughout the school year and their lives.”
“Build to Last” Don’t waste time on Bubbla or Bubblo” These are a few phrases that can be heard during recess time that the students have picked up from the presentations. Certainly, the school community and neighbouring community of Cayman Academy were truly impacted. The students thought “It was good – new insights to think about – a lot of enthusiasm in the way he presented.” Joseph Prendergast.
“It was good; I learnt a lot of new things. I learnt not to be fearful but to trust in God.” Kaira Mowatt
“I learnt more about Christ and not to focus on the things that glitter. It is important to follow God’s will as he knows best and wants the best for me.” Kenardenio Henry
“It was awesome. I loved the demonstrations as they grabbed the student’s attention. The topics were relatable; I was blessed by the experience.” Mrs. Shirlette Facey
“It was informative. The demonstrations helped us to see the themes practically. My favourite one was Breaking Chains – seeing Joseph breaking free without struggling the first time he was bound. Then, he tried to break free and was unable to do so. This shows me how sin entices us and holds us down.” Chaia Chambers
“Transformative. It opened my eyes to see God differently.” David Smith
“Interactive” Joseph Smith
One can say that it is always satisfying to hear students (children) share their thoughts and perspectives on a lesson or presentation. This, for certain, shows that learning has taken place and seeds have been sown. The week of February 17-21, 2025, was a grand time for Cayman Academy and the lives that were impacted. As the sole Seventh-day Adventist institution in the Cayman Islands, it is their mandate to teach, preach and spread the good news of salvation to all who they encounter.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Petellee Jones, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Petellee Jones, David Smith
