Jamaica
“Discovered
by Columbus in 1494, Jamaica remained a Spanish colony until captured by
the English in 1655. It gain independence in 1962, and is an important
force in the tourism economy and politics of the Caribbean.
This Mountainous gem of an island
(95 miles south of Cuba) is known for many things – but certainly
on top of any list are the numerous idyllic beach resorts, local pirate
history, Reggae music, culture and food, and
of course, delicious Blue Mountain Coffee.”
The Church of
the Nazarene
Nazarenes first looked into a work in Jamaica in the late 1930s. However,
it wasn’t until 1966 that Rev. and Mrs. Ralph Cook, formerly of India,
were assigned by the General Board to open the work in Jamaica. The church’s
initiating act was an evangelistic campaign. Several ministers from the states
and students from the Seminary were integral in this endeavor. This campaign
came just six days after the Jamaican government officially recognized the
Church of the Nazarene.
In 1970 Rev.
and Mrs. Smee arrived in Jamaica. John Smee is currently serving as the
Regional Director for the Caribbean region. In 1975,
Jamaica held
its first official District Assembly. The church in Jamaica has been faithful
throughout her history to put forward the importance of pastoral and theological
training. Many young people through the years have responded to God’s
calling, gone to CNTC in Trinidad for formal training, and ultimately returned
to do God’s work.
Sources:
Parker, J. Fred. Mission to the World: A History of Missions in the
Church of the Nazarene through 1985. Nazarene Publishing House,
Kansas City,
MO, 1988.
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