The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica has documented its contribution to Jamaica over the past 50 years in line with the country's celebrations of its 50 years of Independence. This was done in the church's 2012 second edition of the Jamaica Union Visitor.

"This special Jamaica 50 edition was done as a tribute to the entire membership and workers of the Adventist Church in Jamaica, both past and present, who have allowed God to use them in giving of their time, talents, influence and means to His church," said Nigel Coke, editor of the publication.

"It must also serve as encouragement and a reminder to the members that, whatever we do for God, is not in vain, for not only will it impact individuals and society here and now, but also for eternity."

Jamaica Union Visitor, which has been in circulation since 1944, is the official organ of the Adventist Church for the dissemination of information to its members throughout Jamaica. This special edition is jam-packed with articles and features on a wide range of subjects covering: community outreach work, significant milestones in the church, the work of the church, calendar events such as graduations at the Northern Caribbean University, and congratulatory messages from the nation's leaders.

Interesting and informative

A five-page spread chronicling the work of the Adventist Church in Jamaica from 1962 to the present, makes interesting and informative reading, as does the 50-year love story of members Avril and Clinton Blythe. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, Ambassador Audrey Marks, former Jamaican envoy to the United States, and Press Association of Jamaica president, Jenni Campbell, weigh in with their views of the work of the Seventh-day Adventists in Jamaica.

Editor Nigel Coke is justly proud of the product and concludes, with gratitude to successive governments over the years for allowing freedom of religion. "Without such freedom, we would not have been able to touch lives the way we have done through our schools and university, hospital and clinics, evangelistic efforts and community outreach activities. To God be the glory," said Coke.