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Christian ministry works to strengthen Jamaican churches

Jamaican culture, and that of many Caribbean islands, bears strong resemblance to the African culture it draws its origins from. The rich heritage woven into many aspects of Jamaican society also carries spiritual elements that weaken Christianity. ABWE missionaries are training national Jamaican pastors and helping them plant Baptist churches, as well as strengthening evangelical believers who are struggling for spiritual survival, reports MNN.

Brought to Jamaica by Spanish colonizers, African slaves were among the first to inhabit the island. Slavery was sustained by British colonial rule and continued into the mid-19th century, until slave revolts finally abolished the practice.

Although English is the official language of Jamaica, most speak a dialect combining elements of Creole English, African and Rastafarian. The vibrant culture this history created also influences Jamaica's Christian denominations. Elements of Spiritism--a belief that twists the definition and intention of the Holy Spirit and teachings of Jesus--are woven throughout Christian beliefs on the island, thereby weakening the clarity and strength of the Gospel. ABWE desires to correct these illusions and train pastors in Biblical truth, so that they may strengthen and build congregations on the rock of Christ.

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TAGS: Jamaica African culture Christianity Baptist churches Spiritism

[10/30/2008]

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