Autobiography of Lionel Brown – Jamaica West District

My name is Lionel Brown. I was born on February 04, 1953 in a small community called Blackness. I was raised in a large family of 20 - eight brothers and twelve sisters. My mother and grandmother then directed my footsteps to a Holiness church during my formative years into my early teens. 

I gave my heart to the Lord in 1970 but it was not until1975 that my call to ministry was confirmed in a mission service. I was convicted by the message entitled “Measuring God,” that I was being called to full time ministry. This was also the year when I experienced entire sanctification. Since that time I have been enjoying my walk and ministry amidst the challenges and obstacles of life.

I enrolled in the Jamaica Wesleyan Bible College (now called Caribbean Wesleyan College) between the years 1975 -1979. I received great support from my family and friends as God miraculously took me through Bible College. I had learnt my lesson well and was not about to measure nor limit God at this point. 

In 1979, I met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman, Jennifer Porteous. At the time she was in her final year of Teacher’s College. After a period of courtship, we were joined together in Holy matrimony in 1981. The union produced three sons, Darren, Devin and Dale.

I knew that the Lord’s hand was upon my life and that I was saved for a purpose when I came very close to death in February 1985. I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident which left me with multiple fractures of the right leg, including a shattered patella or knee cup. God miraculously turned things around as even the doctors were amazed at the almost instant recovery. I was back on my feet in no time and to this day I rejoice that there is not even a noticeable limp, despite my losing an inch. I can truly testify to this day of ‘Jehovah Jireh’ – the God who provides and ‘Jehovah Rapha’ – the God who heals. God is truly amazing! 

On Sunday December25, 1985 I started a new work which in a short time grew to 50 members. In 1986 my congregation and I fell in love with the doctrine, people and history of the Church of the Nazarene. Approximately six months later, we applied for membership and were given the right hand of fellowship. Not only have I been received in the Nazarene family but have been given the opportunity to serve the Lord and the church in various offices, including District NYI President, District Secretary, District Treasurer and member of the Advisory Board

I was ordained as an Elder in the church in 1989. I was elected to the office of District Superintendent in 1991 and have been serving in that capacity to this day. I am still the Pastor of the Burnt Savannah Church which I founded many years ago. My wife works closely with me in the Ministry as we see ourselves as a team. 

To God be the glory, great things he has done! My sons are now grown, two have completed university and the youngest is in his second year at the University of the West Indies. More importantly, they are still walking with the Lord and are involved in the church!

Each day I am renewed by His presence and energized by His power. It is indeed a joy and privilege for me to be able to serve the Church of Christ, to witness and proclaim His wonderful love and to lift high the banner of Holiness.