St. Elizabeth Jamaica — On Sabbath, May 9, 2026, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Santa Cruz, in St. Elizabeth became a powerful centre of fellowship as it hosted the West Jamaica Conference’s Men & BEAMS, and Couples Rally. Under the theme "All the Family in Mission - God’s Ideal," the event drew an impressive crowd of over 1,200 attendees from across all four parishes, for a day dedicated to strengthening the foundation of the Christian home.
Men and Beams represent the full spectrum of male mentorship within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While "Men" refers to adult males and fathers, “BEAMS” is a specific acronym for Brothers of Excellence Attaining Morals and Standards, targeting young boys and teenagers. Together, they form a unified ministry where seasoned men provide the spiritual and social "support beams" necessary to guide the younger generation toward godly leadership, integrity, and strong moral character.
The gathering was a long-awaited triumph for the region. Originally scheduled for last year, the St. Elizabeth leg of the rally had been postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa. However, the delay did not dampen the spirit of the members, who arrived in their respective parish colours in a vibrant display of unity. Guest speaker Dr. Roy Dennis, Family Life Ministries Director for the Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU), delivered a stirring message focused on empowering men and couples to make their homes a primary field for mission.
Highlighting the importance of shared spiritual growth, Dr. Dennis noted: "As they are drawn near to Him, they are drawn nearer to each other in love, forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. The challenge for us as a church is to ensure that our families are grounded in the word of God, because when the family is strong, the church is strong, and the nation is strong."
At the Men & BEAMS & Couples Rally held on May 9, 2026, Paul Stanton (left), Men and BEAMS Coordinator for the St. James Chapter, presents an award for outstanding service within the Family Ministries Department, St. Elizabeth Chapter to Mr. and Mrs. Neil. :: Photo credit: Contributed
A moment to remember came with the recognition of a couple, Brother Creeton and Sister Paulette Reid, who celebrated 65 years of marriage. When asked how they maintained their bond for over six decades, they shared this simple but profound advice:
“You need a good seasoning, and the seasoning in the pot is Jesus Christ. When we got married, we were not committed Christians, but we recognized that to knit ourselves together, we needed God in the family. So, we got married on the 28th of January 1961, and we were baptized one year later, on February 17, 1962.”
The afternoon session, led by West Jamaica Conference Family Ministries Director Pastor Norman & Mrs. Annette Thompson, turned the spotlight on dedicated service and the beauty of long-term commitment. While several awards were presented for outstanding service to the department, Mr. Bernal and Mrs. Verona Neil of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Williamsfield was elated to be recognized.
“My husband and I are thankful. We had no idea this surprise awaited us, and I thank Pastor Thompson and his team for a job well done with the Sabbath proceedings. It’s good to know when the church appreciates you.”
For Pastor Thompson, the day’s success was a testament to the department's mission to reach beyond the church pews. "The turnout was overwhelming…especially seeing the support. The church was filled with praying and praising folk. It wasn't just a program for those inside the church, but a mission to reach men and beams in the community. The fellowship was good,” Thompson ended.
As the final rally for 2026, the event concluded with a strong focus on mentorship and the importance of older men guiding the next generation. While the conference is already looking ahead to the 2027 series, the impact of this year’s rally remains a clear reminder that when a family is grounded in faith, they are truly equipped for God's mission.