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Hundreds of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in north-east Jamaica packed the Dover Adventist Church in St Mary at the weekend to witness and support the ordination of five pastors.

The pastors were ordained Saturday to continue the work of the gospel in the Church's north-eastern parishes of Portland and St Mary.

One of the five, Pastor Chukudi Okike who was born in Nigeria and migrated to Jamaica in August 1989, is giving thanks to God for the way He has led him so far.

"God is so amazing," said Okike. "I wanted to be a lawyer when I came here, but God has changed me to be a loyal servant to His call. I didn't want to do religion, I didn't like it, but now I feel fulfilled. It's not about the money because it is not a high-paying work, but I am filled with joy because I know God is leading all the way."

Help with english

Okike, who currently pastors five churches with a membership of more that 1,000 combined, also thanked God for those who helped him with English.

"I could not speak English properly, but God sent persons to teach me and even now my members are still teaching me and I am eternally grateful to them."

In his charge to the ordinands, Pastor Derek Bignall, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Indies Union, reminded them of their sacred duties as ministers of the gospel. "You are called to be a pastor," said Bignall. "You must have some salt and sweetness in your speech. You are called to lead people to Jesus Christ. You must be humble, sincere and truthful. Your life must be a book that anyone can read. "

He said the greatest work, the highest work, the most noble work pastors are called to do is the saving of souls. "No work is greater than this. Angels would be excited to do the work that we do - colabourers together with Christ for the salvation of souls."

Newly ordained pastors

1. Adlai Blythe - Islington District of Churches;

2. Shaun Edwards - Boundbrook District of Churches;

3. Michael Henry - Clermont District of Churches;

4. Chukudi Okike - Oracabessa District of Churches; and

5. Dohman Williams - Hope Bay District of Churches.