Panama Baptists Visit Jamaica

Panama Baptists at JBU Assembly
Neither Panama wild horses nor the US100. Caricom Visa required to enter Jamaica between February – May 2007, could keep some members of First Isthmian Baptist away from Jamaica. They overcame every obstacle (and there were many) in order to attend the 157th General Assembly of the Jamaica Baptist Union JBU. And what a time it was.

The General Assembly met from Wednesday February 21, 2007 to Sunday February 25, 2007 under the general theme : ‘Extending Our Committment – Reaching New Possibilities” and the two year sub-theme “BoldnessIn Mission”.

Women in the Ordained Ministry
This is a real Challenge to Baptists both in Panama and Jamaica. I could not help but observe certain sharp contrasts between the Assembly of my home denomination and the Panama Baptist Convention. And also found something striking about them both – they both dealt with the issue of Women in the Ordained Ministry. Although women have been pastors in the JBU for just over two decades, this was the first time there was a deliberate effort to give special focus to women in the Jamaican Baptist pastorate. On the other hand, the Panama Baptist Convention in January was confronted with the issue of a female Baptist pastor in Panama for the very first time.

Feature on Mission in Panama
There was also a short video presentation on Mission in Panama. It gave a pictorial update on the history of the work in Panama. I also shared additional information about the nature of the work as a Missioner pastor in the context.

Worship & Fellowship
The worship services were rich to put it mildly. There was a special Ash Wednesday service, passionate Bible Studies, a special Healing Service and the inspiring closing services on Sunday. The fellowship was great and it was such a joy to see everyone again. I’ll admit my bias at the greatest pleasure coming from meeting the new babies born to three female pastoral colleagues and their spouses last year just prior to my departure. This did not give me anytime to meet my new nephews before. They are absolutely gorgeous!! Sad, sad—the time was too short for much more bonding to take place. (sigh)

Knowing my fortunes, by the time I see them again they would have grown teeth and are in a biting phase. Aaah bwoy!

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Fellowships with Baptists
How can I fail to mention that the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica attended the Sunday Morning closing service at Jamaica’s National Arena. She was there last year, the morning after she was elected to head the People’s National Party and Prime Minister of Jamaica. The President of the JBU, Rev. Karl Henlin went out on a limb to challenge the church in Jamaica to desist from practicing sexism and gender biases. It must have struck a chord with the Prime Minister, who serves as the first female prime minister of Jamaica and who has been receiving her share of blows because of the patriarchal biases still evident in Jamaica.

New JBU Administrative Offices Opened
The long anticipated opening of the recently constructed JBU Admin offices took place during the  157th General Assembly.  Splendid facilites that I have had the pleasure to spend a few hours in on several occasions. It certainly is a far cry from the previous office! Did I mention how splendid it was? Ok seems I did..well I guess you will need to see it for yourself. I’ll provide a picture soon.

More next time,
Marvia