While Kingston was busy with its traffic, its horns and its hurry, the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (EJC) team did something wonderfully different: it went up. Way up. On Sabbath, November 7, 2026, administrators, department directors, caretakers and administrative professionals swapped Kingston heat for winding hill roads, and carried the ministry of presence to the churches in the Woodford, Mavis Bank, and Hall’s Delight Districts.
An Early Start and a Long Road
The day began early with teams of four setting off on long, curving journeys into the hills of St. Andrew and St. Thomas, loaded with books, care packages and gifts for their designated churches. The groups trekked through communities, visiting shut-ins along the way.
Pastors Sheldon Schooler, and Ciandre Graham lead the Conference team up into the hills! :: Photo credit:
Twelve Churches, One Mission
From Sabbath School right through to Vespers, the EJC family blessed the following churches:
- Woodford
- Ginger Piece
- Content Gap
- Hagley Gap
- Cane River
- Constitution Hill
- Maryland
- Irish Town
- Norbrook
- Mavis Bank
- Halls Delight
- Dallas Castle
The day comprised of Music Day events, lively sermons, interactive stories and Bible lessons led by the EJC president, executive secretary, treasury team and department directors. Presentations were given, children leaned in for the stories, and members who might ordinarily see the conference only in passing or on a live stream got to shake hands, share a meal and worship side by side. Of the day's events and results the president, Pastor Melvin Francis said:
“EJC Church Impact is a divine program! As the President of this field, my greatest joy comes from serving the people that God has given me to lead. And service is at its best when you meet the people where they are and minister to them. Church Impact is here to stay, by God's grace.”
Pastor Melvin Francis, his wife Sister Christine Francis and their two sons, alongside Sistrs Cambell and Whittingham at Woodford SDA Church :: Photo credit:
Pastor Adrian Johnson, EJC's Executive Secretary, hands over a gift to the first elder of Mavis bank Seventh-day Adventist Church. Standing alongside him are members of the EJC team. :: Photo credit:
EJC Treasurer, Elder Michael Porteous stands with Pastor hector Caden and members of the Hall's Delight Seventh-day Adventist church and conference impact team. :: Photo credit:
One church even received a wireless microphone system, boosting the quality of their audio equipment, and ability to project praise and the good news of salvation during worship sessions.
EJC ICT Manager Leon Ffrench presents a wireless mic system to a local leader. Standing alongside is pastor Adolphus Smith. :: Photo credit:
Fresh Air and Fellowship
If you ask the EJC staff, they will tell you the cool, quiet districts were a gift. After the hustle and bustle and heat of Kingston, there was something deeply restful about worshipping among the green hills and the friendly faces who welcomed everyone like long-lost family. Local members and staff alike left with full hearts, and full stomachs.
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One Little Hiccup
Every good adventure needs a plot twist, and ours came on the way back down. One staff member ran into car trouble on the rough, weather-beaten roads and had to be towed. The hills, it seems, were not quite ready to let her go. We are happy to report she made it home safe and sound, with a story to remember for some time to come. It was the only mishap of the day, which is a testimony in itself.
A Word for the Hills
The psalmist said it best, and the team lived it all day long:
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)
For the members of the Hall's Delight, Mavis Bank, and Woodford districts, may you know that you are seen, valued and prayed for. And for the EJC family: same time next year, maybe with a spare tyre or two. We give God thanks for a beautiful day of fellowship and worship. Until next time!
