MONTEGO BAY, ST. JAMES — The West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists strengthened its mission workforce with the training of Bible workers, lay preachers and child preachers during the Annual Lay Workers’ and Child Preachers’ Training Institute, held August 19-22, 2026, at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Mount Salem.
Organized through the Personal Ministries and Children’s Ministries departments, the four-day institute brought together participants for focused instruction and practical preparation for ministry across the Conference territory.
Personal Ministries Director Pastor Kimoy Allen (centre) joins Lay Preachers and Bible Workers following their participation in the 2026 Annual Lay Workers’ Training Institute, held August 19–22, 2026, at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre. :: Photo credit: Wayne Clarke
This year’s Lay Workers’ Training recorded its largest participation in a decade, with 73 Bible workers and 62 lay preachers and 182 child preachers receiving training in their respective areas of ministry.
Pastor Kimoy Allen, Personal Ministries Director of the West Jamaica Conference, described the turnout as an encouraging indication of members’ readiness to become actively involved in mission.
“I am grateful and encouraged by the turnout of the lay workers. It’s the largest contingent over the past 10 years. It’s a signal that the men and women are charged up for mission. I want to thank the Administration, presenters, pastors, and churches for their support.”
Young participants also marked a significant achievement through the Child Preachers’ Training programme, coordinated by the Children’s Ministries Department.
According to Mrs. Carol Smythe-James, Children’s Ministries Director of the West Jamaica Conference, 102 children completed Level 1 of the programme, while another 80 successfully completed Level 2 and graduated.
Level 2 Child Preachers display their certificates alongside Children’s Ministries Director Mrs. Carol Smythe-James (third from left) following their graduation from the 2026 Child Preachers’ Training Institute. :: Photo credit: Contributed
“The Lay Workers’ and Child Preachers’ Training was a tremendous success,” Smythe-James said. “We celebrate the 80 child preachers who successfully completed Level 2 and graduated, and we eagerly anticipate the progress of the 102 children who have completed Level 1.”
She described the opportunity to train and mentor the children for service as a source of joy and thanked those whose efforts contributed to its success.
“I am deeply grateful to the team that assisted in supervising and training the child preachers. Their dedication and support were invaluable. It was also a great privilege and delight to collaborate with Pastor Kimoy Allen in this important endeavour. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this initiative a success”
Dr. Lorraine Vernal who serves as the Women’s and Children’s Ministries Director of Jamaica Union Conference also supported the initiative through a financial contribution that helped provide gifts for all the children.