As the sun set on Friday, July 19, it was a momentous occasion for the new members as they witnessed the commencement of the Retention Congress 2024 under the leadership of Elder Joshua Lawrence and Sister Karen Ferguson. Everyone’s presence marked a significant recommitment to pledge allegiance to the Lamb of God, a testament to the theme “So that your Seed May Remain”.
The registration records indicated that approximately 130 new members and Retention personnel attended the two-day Congress and benefited tremendously from the presentations by the specially invited guest, Pastor Dr Balvin Braham, Vice President of the Inter-American Division. The congress provided a wealth of learning and growth opportunities, inspiring and motivating all who attended.
Each day, the sessions opened with a heartwarming Song Service led by the newest praise team in the Cayman Islands, an energetic group of new members. The President, Dr Ivor Harry, and the Vice President, Pastor Andrew Campbell, of the Cayman Islands Conference, extended a warm and inclusive greeting to everyone, creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere that set the tone for the proceedings.
The highlight of the two-day session was the impactful presentations by Pastor Dr Balvin Braham. His teachings encouraged everyone present to note the eleven traits of Christ’s righteousness and seek to be faithful disciples and stewards of Jesus Christ. He emphasized the three main reasons for the Congress, reinforcing our decision to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Saviour, our commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and to enhance our passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While the charge was mainly directed at newly baptized members, he reiterated that other members should not be diverted by obstacles, discouraged by opposition, and disheartened by what God tells us to do. Pastor Braham reminded us that if we keep this in our minds and obey God’s commands, we shall eat the good fruit of the celestial land.
Pastor Braham reminded attendees that, in this current dispensation, some people feel that worshipping and attending Church are not worthwhile. He also shared statistics showing that about 59 per cent of people who grew up in Church have walked away from the Church. He shared that over 46 percent of those persons baptized in the last 10 to 15 years had left the faith.
Our gathering for the Retention Congress indicates a shift toward focusing our attention on reaping while at the same time retaining the membership. Our numbers are significant because, through the ages of the early Church, they have always talked about numbers. He reminded us that the Bible told us in the book of Acts, chapter two, that Peter preached in one day, and 3,000 persons repented and were baptized in one day.
The Sabbath School segment on Sabbath morning was primarily conducted by new members. The program started with the Opening Remarks and announcement of the Opening Hymn by one of the stalwarts of the Retention Department in the Cayman Islands Conference, Sister Idalee Cynthia Scott. Sister Marvette Wright-McKenzie did the Opening Prayer. This was followed by a warm welcome by the young brother-and-sister pair of Jaheim and Akeelah Goulbourne. Elder Fabian Blanc led the panel’s review of the Adult Bible Study entitled “Living in Christ.”
Following the powerful segment, Brother Richard Wright delivered a moving musical performance. Then, Sister Nadine Manning-Turner led the electrifying and soul-stirring testimonies by Brother Orlando McDonald, Sister Coleen Gordon-McField, and Brother Javon Murdock. Each shared their personal truths about how God has been leading their lives and working amazing miracles, strengthening their faith in God, and inspiring all those present with the power of personal experiences.
The Divine Service started with a praise and worship segment as new members continued to blend their voices. The new members also performed the Song of Meditation for the mid-day programme, “He Will Hold Me Fast”, and the anthem “Ride on King Jesus” for the afternoon segment.
Two precious souls gave their hearts to the Lord at the end of the Divine Service to thunderous shouts of praise by the congregation. This celebration of faith uplifted us all and strengthened our spiritual connection.
The highlight of Sabbath afternoon was Pastor Braham pinning all new members present and presenting plaques and certificates of recognition to the retention personnel. One more precious soul was baptized during the programme.
The Retention Department’s Co-Director, Sister Karen Ferguson, presented the Director, Elder Joshua Lawrence, with a gift basket on behalf of the Retention team.
There was a grand social with exciting ring games outdoors and other indoor and table games to bring the Congress to an end. There was also a delightful array of food, soup, and other hot and cold beverages.
Cayman Islands | Submitted by: Joshua Lawrence, Editor: Devarro Whittaker
