ST MARY, Jamaica — Recent governor general awardee for the parish of St Mary, Pastor Gordon Lindsay was among five Adventist ministers ordained into service last Saturday.

Lindsay, who serves as youth ministries director for the North East Jamaica Conference and is pastor of the Dover District of Churches, was among 15 Jamaicans from the County of Middlesex who were recognised at the annual Governor General Achievement Awards on Thursday, June 28.

Through his office as youth ministries director, Pastor Lindsay has built a strong relationship with numerous communities and groups, impacting many lives outside of the pew. He is a volunteer chaplain with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and he coordinates the Pringle Children’s Home Development Initiative and IMPACT ANNOTTO BAY, which are counselling and empowerment sessions aimed at reducing the incidence of crime and violence among young people.

“I am humbled to have been a recipient of the prestigious Governor General Achievement Award for Excellence,” said Lindsay. “I had no hopes of getting an award or acknowledgement for the work I did and that which I am doing; I am just seeking to do what Jesus would have done, had he been here in person,” he continued.

The Governor General Award has, since its inception in 1991, recognised and promoted excellence among citizens engaged in volunteer service and who demonstrate academic success and strong family values.

In accepting his call to ministry, Lindsay described it as “a continuous call to God’s seeking to save me”.

“It’s not just the burden of seeking to lead others to Christ, but that I too may be saved in God’s kingdom. It is indeed humbling to know God chose me for such a great task. I am indeed passionate in seeking to reflect the grace that He has flooded my soul with. I seek to love God supremely and love His people dearly,” he said.

The other ministers who were ordained are Carl E A Brown, who currently serves as pastor of the Guys Hill/Gayle District of Churches and who celebrated his birthday on the day of the ordination; Danielo Daniels, who pastors the Islington District of Churches; Dwayne Marson, pastor of the Windsor District of Churches; and Uwayne Orr, who serves as district pastor of the Manchioneal/Zion Hill District of Churches, and who also shared his birthday with the date of ordination.

In his charge to the ordinands, Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica challenged them to balance the demands of the church with those of their families.

“I also challenge and charge you pastors to be faithful to your spouse, faithful to your children and family. Ministry today is a complex, demanding, stressful vocation. If you are not careful, you could become a successful soul winner and a failure as a husband and father. Take care of the spiritual needs of your family first before you take care of the needs of the church,” Brown advised.

The ordination service took place at Port Maria Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Mary.