Walking in the Footprints of Jesus

The Footprints of Hope Evangelistic Series that began on January 15, 2022, was expected to break the glass ceiling, and it did.

 

While world leaders busily contemplated the preservation of peace or the distilling of war; the maintenance of normalcy or the effecting of change, the leaders of the Inter-American Division strategically planned to launch an attack on the kingdom of Satan on such a scale that had never been seen before. It was thought to be the opportune time to warn men and women, boys, and girls about the nearness of the coming of Christ and the importance of walking in His Footprints of Hope.

 

Although the speaker, Glen O Samuels is a Jamaican national and the current President of West Jamaica, this initiative was not limited to the Jamaica Union; instead, it incorporated the five English-speaking conferences across the Inter American Division. As the campaign started, it was recognized that there was active interest among persons in several other countries across the world.

 

The seemingly diminutive stature of God’s mouthpiece for the series belied the mighty work that was accomplished night after night. Indeed, manifested before the entire world, was the incredible feat that can be accomplished through the efforts of people united from diverse places as they tapped into the vast resources of God. If the crusade was successful in its broad-based appeal across the countries of the region and the world, it was even more significant in its direct individual appeal to individuals who responded to the messages.

Although each topic was captivating; the clear, relevant, and compelling messages, the melodious songs, and the sincere appeal of the engaging hosts, served to hold the attention of listeners for all of 6 weeks.

 

The decision to walk in the Footprints of Jesus, was made by well over 4,000 persons inclusive of 19 from the Washington Gardens SDA church.

 

The church at 41 Headley Avenue not only supported the series but used its direct impact to encourage persons who listened from their platform to make the bold step to serve the Lord. Local hosts, Pastor Selvin Stewart and Sis Denise Heath engaged the worshippers in a 30-minute precursor leading up to the sermon and for a short time after each sermonic presentation. This proved to be the well needed push to encourage a life changing decision.

 

What qualifies a person to walk in the footprints of Jesus? Is it age, physical abilities, gender, location, academic or economic prowess? It was established at the outset that none of these qualify anyone; nothing in fact, but the grace of Jesus. So, people from all walks of life and situations embraced the call to walk with Jesus.

 

19 persons accepted the call with the influence of the Holy Spirit and the WGSDA Personal Ministry team. Included in this number is Jeffery Blake - a double amputee, a couple who connected all the way from Canada - Tanya Oalkey and husband Ted who was a Catholic, now members of the Sarna SDA church, and the Bennett’s, a young couple - a husband who is returning with his bride, a first time Adventist.

 

Today, the Washington Gardens SDA Church joins all the churches in the Inter-American Division and the wider fields which are rejoicing in the rich harvest of souls and the renewed commitment of its members at the end of a truly life-changing series.