In his first address to the Adventist Church since being appointed governor general-designate of Jamaica, Dr Patrick Allen, president of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, pointed out to members that the decision was not an easy one.

"This was the most difficult decision I have ever made in my entire life, but many things are factored in that decision," said Dr Allen. "I sought prayerful guidance from God, my family and the church hierarchy who are very supportive of the decision. I have humbly accepted this noble position and I promise to do my best to honour my God and serve my country faithfully."

Dr Allen, who demits office on Wednesday January 28, 2009, when a new president will be elected, said that while the announcement has engendered much discussion for various reasons, it is good for the country.

Lack of knowledge

"From the discussions that have taken place it is evident that there is uncertainty and a lack of knowledge of Adventism and Adventist lifestyle, and there is the fear that this will be imposed on the country and influence the execution of civic and constitu-tional responsibilities.

There has been much debate in the media supporting and opposing the appointment and/or just expressing opinions. This is beneficial to the country in many ways because it helps individuals to know the governor general-designate better and help to educate the country about the role and functions of the person who occupies this office."

"I seek your prayerful support that the Lord will go before me and do His work Himself through me. I thank you for your support over the last eight years as I served as president of this union - we did well under God," said Allen.

He was speaking at a Service of Ordination held at the Andrews Memorial Adventist Church in Kingston last Saturday. Four pastors - Channing Allen, Ray Davis, Hanson Drysdale and Kevin White - were ordained to the gospel ministry.

During his message, Pastor Derek Bignall, secretary of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, challenged the newly ordained pastors to be good examples not only in preaching and teaching, but also in their lifestyle.

Pastor Derek Bignall (left), secretary of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presents the Certificate of Ordination to Channing Allen, pastor of the Masidonia District of Churches during the Service of Ordination last Saturday. Four pastors were ordained to the gospel ministry during the service which was held at the Andrews Memorial Adventist Church in Kingston. The others are Ray Davis, pastor of the Woodford District of Churches; Hanson Drysdale, pastor of the Seaview Gardens District of Churches, and Kevin White, youth ministries director of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and pastor of the Hampton Court District of Churches. Pastor Bignall delivered the main address at the service. - photo by Nigel Coke