In December, 2008, Island-Leaders from around the Caribbean met in Barbados to talk about a more concerted effort to re-forge unity in the Caribbean.

Unknown to many, the challenges to unity in this region are compounded by the fact that often hundreds of miles separate many islands one from another, and that airfare between islands – even close ones, like Puerto Rico and St. Thomas (whose airports are only 70 miles apart) – can be exorbitant. The decision was reached to have a Caribbean Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, in October, 2009, knowing that this would be the best way to facilitate this righteous endeavor.

As the first quarter of 2009 devastated economies around the world, the idea of cancelling the conference was raised on more than one occasion, but the hearts of the faithful called us all to proceed with faith, understanding that, “the only time we have is the present.” The rewards of the perseverance of a few paid off for the benefit of many, as hundreds of disciples came together October 9th – 11th, at the Jamaica Conference Center to hear inspiring messages from Leaders around the Caribbean, as well as guest speakers from Colombia and Clemson, South Carolina.

Friday night opened up with Damian Jean-Baptiste calling us all to be “grounded in God, and not the world; grounded in faith, and not fear; and to be grounded for life.” On Saturday, Gregory Baugh, Angel Martinez and JP Tynes admonished us to “Have a solid walk with God,” to “Stand on solid doctrine,” and to make sure everyone of us is involved in “Rebuilding the walls” of one-another relationships and Life-style evangelism that once so clearly defined us. The day continued with dynamic classes for Marrieds, Singles, College students and Teens. Disciples savored the fellowship late into the night all over Kingston, Jamaica. On Sunday morning, Angel Martinez preached a fiery message on Faith to a crowd of almost 750 people. We then concluded this amazing Conference with a live Concert with performances from disciples all over the Caribbean.

God moved powerfully through the faith and vision of a few to make Caribbean Conference 2009 a dream realized. Those of us who attended were inspired as never before. The last Caribbean Conference was held 12 years ago in 1997. Please continue to pray for God to continue to unite us and to use us to win the world for his Glory. Please pray for us as only 6 of the 15 countries with churches have full-time leaders. The remaining 9 churches are led by courageous brothers, who have in most cases served for years with limited time and little support. It will take many hands to see the dream of an evangelized Caribbean realized, so please lift your hands in prayer and feel free to lend a hand to help. There are still many Islands left to plant and existing works in desperate need of strengthening. Our foundation is on Solid Ground as we go into 2010, pray for us as rebuilding begins again.

A special note of thanks goes out to the US churches who have helped support the work in the Caribbean, and who sponsored many of the leaders to come. Of special note are the churches in Athens, Georgia, Colombia and Clemson, South Carolina, New York City, New York, Houston, Texas and Savannah, Georgia. Posted by Jerry Maday