WEST JAMAICA CONFERENCE — In an extraordinary display of faith, community outreach, and total membership involvement, the West Jamaica Conference concluded its inaugural Operation Family First: September to Remember initiative on September 24, 2026, with a resounding spiritual harvest: over 350 precious souls surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ through baptism. Launched on July 25, 2026, the campaign was designed to take regional outreach to new heights. What began as an initiative for members to reach at least seven non-Adventist family members, neighbors, or coworkers through prayer and friendship evangelism blossomed into a conferencewide movement of renewal.
Miracles in the Community
Among the over 350 newly baptized believers were stories of profound life transformation that resonated across congregations. Highlighting one particularly moving testimony, Pastor Donovan Williams, Vice President of the West Jamaica Conference, shared the account of a family of five from the Johns Hall area—the Herlock family—whose journey culminated on a memorable Sabbath morning. “The mother and father got married on Sabbath morning and stood in baptism with their children,” Pastor Williams rejoiced. “That must cause serious rejoicing in heaven and on earth!”
Pastor Reynold Valmond of the March Town District of churches stands alongside church supporters and newly baptized member following a joyful baptismal service during the Operation Family First: September to Remember initiative. :: Photo credit: Contributed
A Foundation of Prayer and Digital Discipleship The incredible harvest of souls was built upon weeks of fervent spiritual preparation. Running across the campaign period, the initiative relied on several key foundational pillars: 30 Days of Prayer: Spearheaded by Carol Smythe James, Prayer Coordinator for the West Jamaica Conference, over 80 believers united every morning on Zoom from 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, while WJC headquarters staff and directors paused operations daily at noon for dedicated prayer. Reflecting on the movement, Smythe James noted, “Throughout these thirty days, we not only prayed, but we also watched God work in remarkable ways.
True to His promises, God answered prayers, strengthened faith, restored hope, and reminded us of His presence in our daily lives.” The 7-Step Connection Challenge: Guided by the Communication Department, members utilized weekly video prompts and social media tools to build intentional, Christ-centered relationships. Youths in the Space: Led by the Youth Department, hundreds of youth and youth leaders spent four Sabbath afternoons impacting their communities through concerts, care package distributions, prayer sessions, and Bible studies. Evangelistic Series: A four-weekend evangelistic series was led by Pastor Donovan Williams at the Norwood Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Online Bible Studies: Concurrently, thousands tuned in via Zoom and on YouTube for evening Bible study sessions under the theme Preparing for Eternity on Mondays and Wednesdays, featuring regional leaders such as Dr. Deron Miller (NCU), Pastor Jermaine Johnson (NJC), Dr. David McKenzie (AUC), and Dr. Joseph Smith (JAMU). Pastor Williams captured the overflowing joy of the milestone during his closing remarks for the Online Bible Study series: “We just want to glorify and magnify the Lord for the many individuals who have surrendered to the Lord in baptism,” Pastor Williams shared. “We have found something special—we have found good food. Now, like the ants, we must go out and share it with others as faithful disciples.”
Pastor Vencot Dyer, Executive Secretary of the West Jamaica Conference, prepares to baptize a candidate from the Petersfield District of Churches at the conference baptismal pool during the Operation Family First: September to Remember initiative. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Looking Beyond September As the initial phase of the campaign concludes, church leaders are emphasizing that the momentum must not stop. Dr. Joseph Smith, who oversees evangelism for the Jamaica Union Conference, commended the leadership team:
“Congratulations on a very special September to Remember initiative. We praise God for those who have given their hearts to Christ and who are enjoying a relationship with Christ. Great initiative. Pastor Williams, I salute Pastor Rose, Sister Popkin, and the team there, Pastor Dyer, and all of you for the vision.”
Echoing that sentiment, Pastor Williams issued a forward-looking challenge to the membership: “Let it not only be for the month of September, but let it continue to the month of October and beyond. Continue to impact your community and the families you are working with.”
With over 350 new believers added to the fold and hearts ignited for service, the West Jamaica Conference’s Operation Family First: September to Remember has firmly established a powerful blueprint for community transformation and enduring discipleship.