( L - R ) Bishop Dr. Delford Davis and Alston Henry

The 58th annual convention of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica gets under way tomorrow at its national complex, in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

It will end on Sunday, March 18, with a communion service at the National Arena in St. Andrew, starting at 10:30 a.m.

According to the church's general superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Alston Henry, this year's theme, 'Returning to Our Spiritual Heritage', is aimed at recapturing the experience of the early Christian church. "It is important, as we contemplate going forward, that we revisit the past," he said, noting that the theme is primarily a reflection on Acts 1-8, which chronicles the birth of the Church at Pentecost and "the powerful manifestations of the spirit and power of God in the life of the early church."

Experiencing power

"We believe that God wants us in the 21st century to experience that same power. He is the same; He does not change," noted Dr. Henry.

Speakers at this year's convention include Bishop Dr. Delford Davis, head of Power of Faith Ministries, in Portmore, St. Catherine; and the Rev. Arthur F. Dunk, former general superintendent of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica.

Some 12 persons will be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the church's work. They included will be Rev. Dunk and Mrs. Dunk, who have served the organisation for 40 years; and Mrs. Winsome Wilkins, leader of the women's movement for 20 years.