“Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful” are fitting words to describe the sentiments of the Girls of Eloquence Morals and Standards (GEMS) and their mentors who gathered at the Stadium Community Seventh Day Adventist Church on February 17, 2024 to witness and participate in the installation service of the new East Jamaica Conference (EJC) GEMS Executive Committee.
Dr. Yvette Castell, who was the guest speaker for the evening’s program, spoke under the theme, “New Leadership, New Era, Continuing the Legacy” and passed the baton to her successor, Sis. Avis Graham from the Sandy Park SDA Church. She reminded the GEMS and members of the new executive committee that they were specially chosen by God to serve as standard bearers.
:: Photo credit:
“You have been called by God to serve as standard bearers and witnesses,” said Dr. Castell. “We are grateful to your parents, mentors, and friends for acknowledging and supporting the GEMS ministry,” she added.
Castell, who served as the EJC GEMS Coordinator for the past ten years, thanked the GEMS for allowing God to use them and encouraged the girls to view themselves as precious in the sight of God. “Take pride in yourself; you're genuine and rare. You're a cut above the rest; priceless and refined. Know your worth; be spectacular, irreplaceable and wise.”
:: Photo credit:
The former EJC GEMS Coordinator shared the history of the EJC GEMS ministry with those gathered, starting from the official launch on April 14, 2012, at the North Street SDA Church. She highlighted the positive impact the ministry has made across the Conference since its inception.
The new GEMS executive committee members include the following:-
President - Gabrielle Davis, Vice President - Lori Ann Williams; Zone 1 President - Qiana Campbell, Zone 2 President - Cherie Walker (not able to attend the service), Chaplin - Hayley Lee, Assistant Chaplin - Pia Elise Charles, Secretary - Jonell Henry, Assistant Secretary - Avia Wint, Treasurer - Shamau Williams, Assistant Treasurer - Abrielle Francis, Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.) - Nathania Campbell, and Assistant Public Relations Officer - Shaniah Raymond.
:: Photo credit:
Elder Claudette Genas, Women, Children and Adolescents Ministries Director and the person with direct responsibility for the GEMS Ministry across the Conference along with Pastor Adrian Johnson, Family Ministries Director and the person with direct responsibility for the Boys of Eloquence Attaining Morals and Standards (BEAMS) ministry shared words of encouragement and gems of wisdom with the congregation and the new leaders. They were joined in their words of affirmation by Pastor Sadekie Beckford, Publishing Director and pastor of the Stadium Community SDA Church.
The scores of GEMS, mentors and members gathered were made to feel at home as Sis. Sasha-Gay Compass Banner, Women’s Ministries Director at Stadium Community, warmly welcomed everyone to the church.
Music to soothe the heart and soul from the group Vocal, Abrielle and Abigail Francis, a reflection from the former EJC GEMS president, Sherika Campbell, and the President’s remarks and plans from the new EJC GEMS president Gabrielle Davis all blended in to make the afternoon indelibly etched in the memory of everyone. Elder Beverly Rose, sealed the ceremony with a powerful prayer of consecration. The ceremony was closed with remarks and a prayer by Sis. Audrey Anderson, EJC Women‘s Ministry Coordinator, who wished the new executive team God’s richest blessings, guidance and favour as they lead the EJC GEMS into the future.