jamarchConsul General of Jamaica in New York, Mrs. Geneive Brown-Metzger has called on Jamaicans overseas to help with the formulation of a national agenda for change even as the world community grapples with a gloomy economic outlook.
Addressing more than 3,500 congregants including Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica at a special Service of Prayer for Jamaica at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday February 9, 2009, Mrs. Brown-Metzger warned that there was no denying the power of prayer in the current global economic framework.
“And in that context I want to offer a very strong message of hope this evening for Jamaicans at home and overseas. You are reading and hearing a lot and while you reflect on all that information, I encourage you to be a part of the solution by getting involved, somewhere at some level.”
The Consul General offered that against the background of the worrying trends in the social and economic sectors, there is now increase collaborations between the church and state agencies, more attention is being paid to social community issues that impact the family unit, a more structured approach to early childhood development through education, a bipartisan approach to managing the current economic challenges as well as reform of the justice and constitutional modules.
“46 years after independence, we are not there yet but we are now on our way and I want to thank you and thank this church community and to say that we remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow, with God’s love”
In his remarks, host and senior pastor, Rev. Jim Cymbala informed that Jamaica was not unique despite her many challenges. He said that prayer was the key to the challenges facing nations like Jamaica at this time.
Billed as, “Jamaica Night at the Brooklyn Tabernacle,” the special matinee and prayer service featured gospel music by the renowned, Grammy winning 300-plus voice Brooklyn Tabernacle Mass Choir, clad in ceremonial Jamaican outfits, a video presentation highlighting Jamaican life and culture with personal reflections by members of the congregation and a prayer for the nation and its leaders, offered by Rev. Newton Gabbidan, President of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry Int’l IPMI), a Jamaican clergyman residing in the New York area.
Nine term New York State Assemblyman Nick N. Perry attended the event as guest of the Church and Consulate General of Jamaica.
Media Writer
