Hundreds of people from across Jamaica gathered at the Jamaica Baptist Union’s 163rd General Assembly, held under the theme “Being God’s People in God’s World – Living in Peace” at the National Arena on February 24, 2013.
Governor-General of Jamaica, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, in giving his remarks at the gathering, observed that the Assembly was taking place at time when Jamaica was facing serious challenges. The Governor-General said: “This is a time when we Jamaicans are called upon to unite our strengths and creative energies so that we can overcome the difficulties we face.”
In acknowledging the contributions of Baptists at different leadership levels in Jamaica, Sir Patrick stated that “they (Baptists) validate the values which Jamaicans must internalize in our journey towards development and for the building of a great society…they and the hundreds of decent, dedicated, hardworking Jamaicans represent what is right with Jamaica,” the Governor-General said.
Rev. Luke Shaw, President of the Jamaica Baptist Union, in his sermon, urged Jamaicans to stop complaining about our lack of resources and instead utilize what we have to make things better for the country and its people. He urged the congregation to seek God’s guidance, reminding them that “the extent to which you seek God’s presence, is the extent to which He will be revealed in you”.
Their Excellencies the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and the Most Honourable Lady Allen, Dr. Horace Chang and U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater were among some of the guests at the assembly.
The Governor-General’s Remarks