MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
The West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists officially launched its expanded 2026 flagship mission initiative, “Operation Family First:September to Remember,” on July 25, 2026, calling every baptized member and local congregation to unite in an unprecedented outreach effort.
Building on the successes of the year-long Operation Family First framework—which has already produced significant baptisms and life-changing testimonies, Pastor Donovan Williams, Vice President of the West Jamaica Conference, announced during the Online Worship Experience Program that the initiative is taking outreach “up a notch” for the third quarter. While members were originally challenged to reach at least seven non-Adventist family members through prayer, Bible study, and friendship evangelism, the campaign now extends that scope to neighbors, coworkers, and friends in every community.
“Operation Family First: September to Remember is total membership involvement,” Pastor Williams emphasized during the address. “We want every member to be involved, and every single congregation."
Despite severe infrastructure setbacks, including storm damage to over 150 local church buildings, Pastor Williams stressed that physical loss will not halt spiritual mission. Congregations continuing active outreach under tents and temporary structures were praised for maintaining gospel focus amidst adversity.
Underscoring the resilience of local members and pastors carrying out mission work without physical sanctuary roofs, Pastor Williams noted: “Wherever a body gathered in the West Jamaica Conference, mission will be priority. Nothing can stop the mission in the West Jamaica Conference, and we are going to take it up another level. Wherever we meet, we are going to carry something in the month of September.”
Key Strategy & Implementation Plan
Adopted from an outreach model developed by the Harrison District of Churches, the conferencewide implementation plan outlines several core components leading into September: Mobilizing Local Members: Each pastoral district is tasked with marshalling at least 100 members who will actively witness to seven individuals in their personal spheres.
Four-Weekend Evangelistic Series:
Every congregation in the conference will host simultaneous weekend meetings through September. Friday night and Sabbath services will take place in regular meeting spaces, followed by outdoor community-focused meetings on Sunday.
Conference-Wide Online Bible Study:
Beginning August 24, an online Bible study series will air every Monday and Wednesday night to support local outreach, featuring powerful guest speakers.
Baptismal Goal:
Every congregation is challenged to win and baptize at least two individuals during September, leading up to a conference-wide grand baptismal day on September 26.
Integration & Discipleship: Newly baptized members will receive integration packages and be systematically nurtured into local church life, ensuring long-term retention beyond the initial campaign.
“If those who we have worked with, we are not able to baptize in September, then we baptize them in October, we baptize them in November, we baptize them in December,” shared Pastor Williams. “And if the year ends and they’re not baptized, come January, we are on the mission again.”
“The work of God on this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts
with those of ministers and church officers.” — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 117