ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Seventh-day Adventist Church demonstrated its commitment to holistic ministry when the West Jamaica Conference recently awarded approximately $10 million in scholarships to 42 students across western Jamaica.

Among the recipients were students from a range of institutions, including Northern Caribbean University (NCU), University of the West Indies (UWI), University of Technology (UTech), Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, and the Paralegal Training Institute.

According to a release from the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the presentations were made on the final day of the conference’s recent Tertiary Students, Professionals and Business Leaders Weekend, providing recipients with a strong start to the new academic year.

“I want you to know that we are not just interested in your spiritual life, but we are interested in your academic pursuits and struggles and want to be a part of the challenging moments of your lives,” said Pastor Glen Samuels, president of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Samuels expressed gratitude to the donors, noting that their generosity was directly transforming lives.

“We say thanks to those who have made the choice to give us the opportunity to give others a chance to experience meaningful change. We stand committed to the advancement of the welfare of our students,” the clergyman said.

Serrian McIntosh, a third-year medical student at the Caribbean School of Medical Sciences, was the recipient of one of the bursaries which will help to offset her tuition costs.

“Receiving this scholarship has lessened the financial burden and has assured me that I’m not alone on this journey; my church family is behind me, supporting and encouraging me,” said McIntosh.

Another recipient, first-year NCU student Raheem Clarke says he hadn’t planned on attending university because neither he nor his parents could afford it, and he is deeply grateful that his church chose to invest in his education.

Shavel Brown, beginning studies at the Paralegal Training Institute, called the scholarship a humbling, life-changing gift that filled her and her family with gratitude and joy.

Meanwhile, Dr Lincoln Edwards, president of NCU, lauded the West Jamaica Conference for broadening its impact through education. He noted that the church’s investment in students demonstrates vision and compassion.

“I want to commend the West Jamaica Conference for the investment that it is making in our people, which is the greatest asset the church has. At this critical stage of their development, it is important for them to know the church loves and cares for them. This is evangelism at its finest,” Edwards said.