The East Jamaica Conference emerged triumphant during the 8th staging of the Jamaica Union Heritage Quiz Competition on Sabbath, December 2, 2023. The event was hosted to celebrate what could be called ‘Christian Heritage and Spiritual Wisdom’.
The competition was founded in 2015 as part of the Adventist Church's 125-year celebration and was the brainchild of Pastor Astor Bowers, then the Stewardship and Trust Serves Director, JAMU.
Participants from all five Conferences in Jamaica Union, namely, East Jamaica Conference, North East Jamaica Conference, Central Jamaica Conference, North Jamaica Conference, and West Jamaica Conference, took part in the competition. The event took place at the Kings SDA Church in West Jamaica Conference.
The final round was nail-biting as the 2022 winners from the West Jamaica Conference tried to hold onto the title. The embattled fourth-place winners of the 2022 competition, East Jamaica Conference were determined not to be left behind and were sharp and firing on the touch of the buzzer, giving them the lead and securing victory, making them the 2023 Heritage Quiz winners.
The winning team from the East Jamaica Conference stand with conference and union leaders along with team supporters during the Heritage Quiz finals on December 2, 2023 at Kings SDA Church. :: Photo credit: Ruth-Ann Brown
Ministerial Director of East Jamaica Conference, Pastor Alanzo Whyte, ran on stage to greet and hug his team as shouts of joy and jubilation erupted from the team supported by a huge contingency who joined him on stage singing “East Jamaica Conference Going Higher and Higher, Mission First We Will Go.
“We are very proud. As Ministerial Secretary, I am confident that anything we set out to do, we can achieve by the grace of God. I am very excited about this win this year,” said Pastor Whyte.
The team led by 12-year-old Leekhyi Wilson, included Analise Fredankey, Avia Wint, and an ecstatic Kadia Julye.
“Two words that readily come to mind to describe how I’m feeling are happy and proud. I am very proud of my team. I am very proud of the effort made, I’m proud of the conference and my local church. It gives me hope for the future,” said Kadia.
Coach, Julian Brooks beamed with pride. “As a mentor and youth leader, I am elated over their achievement. Our youth once again showed that when we work together and have a supportive village, we can achieve anything”.
Coordinator of the EJC Heritage Quiz shared his delight saying, “I am overwhelmed with joy. We have a team that has a passion for the word and a thirst for winning. They prepared hard they stuck to the plan and God gave us the victory. I commend the team and coaches for their commitment to the programme. They started strong and ended strong. To God be the glory, we got the victory.”
A view of the participants and congregation during the Heritage Quiz Finals at Kings SDA Church On December 2, 2023. :: Photo credit: Ruth-Ann Brown
Second place was awarded to the North Jamaica Conference, and third place went to the Central Jamaica Conference. All participants were recognized for their participation in the program. Pastor Alai Blythe, Treasurer, JAMU, Dr. Lorraine Vernal, Women's, Children's, and Adolescents Ministries Director, JAMU, and Pastor Adrian Cotterell, Personal Ministries, and Sabbath School Director, JAMU, presented the awards.
The competition's objectives were aimed at encouraging members to know the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist church and the history of Seventh-day Adventism in Jamaica, creating awareness of important individuals, events, and institutions to the growth and development of the church in Jamaica, inspiring members to become passionate and excited about the Seventh-day Adventist message, and providing personal and spiritual benefits to participants and members.
Participants, ranging from ages 12-30 years, showcased their knowledge and were engaged in a series of challenging rounds, testing their comprehension of the Bible, Church Heritage, and the Fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The competition was divided into three rounds, including categories such as "Biblical Figures," "Fundamental Beliefs,” “Historical Landmarks,” and "Heritage Preservation." The event was not merely a competition but also an opportunity for participants and church members to engage in meaningful Christian fellowship, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
As the program concluded, Pastor Joseph Smith, Vice President and Ministerial Director of JAMU, expressed gratitude to all participants, administrators, directors, and members for their enthusiastic support and emphasized the importance of continuing such initiatives to promote harmony, biblical understanding, and the preservation of our rich heritage.
The Heritage Quiz Competition served as a reminder of the value of Biblical and cultural diversity and the significance of preserving our collective heritage, transcending boundaries, and fostering a sense of unity among all our church community.