On the first Sabbath of June 2024, the Wilmington SDA Church family celebrated the wisdom of the aged and ‘honoured the face of the old’ (Leviticus 19:32). God promised to carry and keep His people ‘even to the hoar hairs’ (Isaiah 46:4), and in solidarity with His plan, the church recognised those who lived over three score and ten years, and commemorated their life of service.
Over 25 senior citizens, including one of the founding members of the church and elderly members of the community, were awarded on this memorable day. They were recognised for their high level of community involvement, their effort to build connections, foster relationships, and for reflecting a spirit of collaboration and compassion. Their influence and contribution have been felt within and beyond the borders of Wilmington, a farming district located approximately 5 kilometres north of the parish capital, Morant Bay.
The highlight of the day was recognising Sis Adassa Williams, one of the first converts to Adventism in the Wilmington community. She served the church in many areas including Sabbath School, choir, diaconate and Adventist Youth Ministries. At 95 years old, she recounts that the services were held under a Naseberry tree before the church moved to its permanent home in the community square. She reminisced of studying the doctrines of the church with Bro White and Mother B, now deceased. Her face lit up as she tracked the words of her favourite song, ‘Your Grace and Mercy’, and she spoke with hope of rising in the first resurrection. Amid the memories, she spoke fondly of the days when she won the prizes for studying the morning watch and winning in the treasure hunt. Her consistent participation in meaningful Bible study and activities that fostered spiritual growth and belonging in the family of God, helped her to remain rooted and grounded in Christ. It has been a long road, but she is thankful to God for how the church has grown.
Pastor Andre Clark (left) of the Wilmington SDA Church and Pastor Eric Nathan (right) present Sis Adassa Williams with a plaque. :: Photo credit: Everton Williams and Kevin Edmondson
As he reflected on the life and contribution of Sis Williams, Pastor Eric Nathan, the divine hour speaker, former pastor of the Wilmington SDA church and former president of the East Jamaica Conference, said that ‘no one can overestimate the value of the tradition of a matriarch, as her influence extends throughout the world’. These traditions have shaped and blessed the lives of generations passed and present.
The World Health Organisation[1] projects that by 2050 the world’s population of persons 60 years and older will double. Elder Hilaire Thompson, proud to be batting 70+, advised that in preparation for that time, younger people should ‘make the Bible their only safeguard’. However, as he excitedly spoke about the fulfilment of Bible prophecies, he cautioned that time may not last; we must live in readiness for the Saviour’s soon return when ageing will no longer be a concern. Another septuagenarian, Sis Cassandra James, counsels the young to help the elderly, as ‘we reap what we sow’. She served the old when she was young, and now she benefits from the loving care of others. Bro Derrick McDermott, who has attained 80+ years, added that the young should strengthen their relationship with God, because ‘that is what will keep them through to old age’.
Seniors of the Wilmington SDA Church receive awards and gifts. :: Photo credit: Kevin Edmondson
There was much promise embedded in the expressions of the younger members of the flock. When asked what they liked about the senior members of the church, 11-year-old Romaine Aldridge replied that the elderly ‘were kind and humble, and would always tell him stories about the old days’; 7-year-old Tiran Brown said they were ‘kind and treated him good’; and 8-year-old Theona Blake added that ‘they were nice and not grumpy’. Elders Everald Sibble and Kedon Edmondson, both in their 30s, see the potential for the preservation of the rich history and Christ-like values, and the reclaiming of souls that once walked with God as both the young and old work together to put ministry and mission first.
The act of honouring our elderly members is a work that must continue with each interaction. “These aged workers have stood faithful amid the storm and trial…. They may have made mistakes, but from their failures they have learned to avoid errors and dangers…. [God] desires them to keep the armour on till He bids them lay it down” (Acts of the Apostles, 572-574).