NEW YORK – Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Geneive Brown-Metzger, has called on Jamaicans overseas to help with the formulation of a national agenda for change even as the world community grapples with a gloomy economic outlook.
Addressing the congregation of more than 3,500 including Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, at a special Service of Prayer for Jamaica at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York earlier this month, Mrs. Brown-Metzger said that there was no denying the power of prayer in overcoming the current crisis.
“You are reading and hearing a lot and while you reflect on all that information, I encourage you to be a part of the solution by getting involved, somewhere at some level,” she urged the Jamaican nationals.
The Consul General said that against the worrying trends in the social and economic sectors, there was now increased collaboration between the church and state agencies, more attention to social community issues that impact the family unit, a more structured approach to early childhood development through education, a bipartisan approach to managing the current economic challenges, as well as reform of the justice and constitutional modules.
“After 46 years after Independence, we are not there yet, but we are now on our way and.we remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow, with God’s love,” she stated.
Mrs. Brown-Metzger further thanked the church community for hosting the special service, which she said, would offer a “strong message of hope for Jamaicans at home and overseas.”
In his remarks, senior pastor, Rev. Jim Cymbala, stated that Jamaica was not unique in the challenges being faced and proffered that prayer remained the only solution.
Consul General of Jamaica, Geneive Brown Metzger (center) and Dr. Steven Metzger (right), join (from left) President of Intercessory Prayer Ministry International (IPMI), Rev. Newton Gabbidon and Mrs. Gabbidon; and Pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, Rev. Jim Cymbala, at the recent special prayer service for Jamaica held at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York..
Dubbed ‘Jamaica Night at the Brooklyn Tabernacle’, the prayer service featured gospel music by the Grammy winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Mass Choir, with the 300-plus members clad in traditional Jamaican outfits; a video presentation highlighting Jamaican life and culture with personal reflections by members of the congregation; and a prayer for the nation and its leaders by Rev. Newton Gabbidan, a Jamaican clergyman residing in the New York area.
Nine-term New York State Assemblyman Nick N. Perry attended the event as guest of the church and Consulate General of Jamaica. (JIS)
