Recent Posts

By Theodore Henry, East Jamaica Conference | JAMU Communications

Navin Lawrence of Central Jamaica Conference emerged champion of the Jamaica Union Bible Connection Finals on Sabbath, October 10, 2026 earning the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Inter-American Division finals in the Dominican Republic on November 21.

Lawrence topped a field of 10 finalists at the Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church, leading a strong showing by Central Jamaica Conference as Faith Chambers finished second on her birthday. Miguel Foster of West Jamaica Conference placed third.

The championship brought together two finalists from each of the Jamaica Union’s five conferences for five rounds of questions testing their knowledge of the Book of Daniel and the Spirit of Prophecy.

[caption id="attachment_13898" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The 10 finalists in the 2026 Jamaica Union Bible Connection Finals display their plaques alongside youth ministries leaders and other church officials following the championship at Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church on Oct. 10.[/caption]

“Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city…” Where in Scripture can those words be found?

It was among the questions the finalists faced in a competition in which the lead changed several times before Lawrence secured the championship in the final round.

A Shifting Leaderboard

Foster and Chambers led the standings at the end of the first round, but the contest remained open as the finalists moved through the subsequent rounds.

By round three, Shanoya Gayle of East Jamaica Conference had taken the lead. Chambers moved into first place in the fourth round, with Lawrence in second and Gayle in third.

The standings changed once more in the fifth and final round. Lawrence moved into first place to claim the championship, Chambers finished second and Foster secured third.

Lawrence said the calibre of the other finalists made his victory unexpected.

“I really liked the atmosphere. I was surrounded on all sides by the best players in Jamaica. I didn’t think finishing first was possible,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_13899" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The 10 finalists in the 2026 Jamaica Union Bible Connection Finals display their plaques alongside youth ministries leaders and other church officials following the championship at Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church on Oct. 10.[/caption]

The 10 finalists represented a range of academic interests, including biochemistry, animal biology, psychology, chemistry, business and criminal justice, while also devoting time to studying Scripture and biblical prophecy in preparation for the championship.

Lawrence and Chambers represented Central Jamaica Conference. Sisters Shanieke and Shanoya Gayle represented East Jamaica Conference, while Norville Mitchell and Christopher Smith represented North Jamaica Conference. Ricardo-Rae Douglas and Threvina Chin represented North East Jamaica Conference, and Mawuena Dacosta and Foster represented West Jamaica Conference.

Encouraging Deeper Bible Study

Beyond the competition, organizers said Bible Connection is intended to encourage young people to develop consistent habits of Bible study and become more intentional in ministry.

Kaldairo Carter, last year’s Bible Connection winner, said his experience preparing for the competition changed the way he approached Scripture.

“When you’re reading the Bible [after Bible Connection], you don’t read it superficially again — you pay attention to the details,” Carter said. “You will know your Bible better; you will understand Scripture and how God works better.”

Jamaica Union Youth Director Pastor Dwayne Scott commended the finalists and those who helped prepare them for the championship.

“The participants’ knowledge of the Spirit of Prophecy and the Book of Daniel was evident throughout the championship, demonstrating that the future of the church is in good hands,” Scott said.

He also commended the Bible Connection coordinators and conference youth directors for their work in preparing the participants.

Scott noted that 2026 marks the first year Bible Connection is being conducted in two formats: the AY App Finals, exclusively for Adventist Youth, and the Team Finals, involving Adventurers, Pathfinders and Adventist Youth.

“This expansion is intended to increase the number of young people participating in Bible Connection and encourage more of them to develop a passion for studying God’s Word,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_13900" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jamaica Union Youth Ministries Director Pastor Dwayne Scott addresses participants and attendees during the 2026 Jamaica Union Bible Connection Finals at Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church on Oct. 10.[/caption]

The programme also included remarks from East Jamaica Conference President Pastor Melvin Francis, Pastor Jonathan Myrie, Communication and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director of the Jamaica Union, and Pastor Joel Jumpp, Youth director of the East Jamaica Conference, who delivered messages focused on biblical prophecy and the importance of studying Scripture.

Lawrence Heads to the Regional Finals

As champion, Lawrence will receive $50,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Dominican Republic to represent the Jamaica Union at the Inter-American Division finals. Chambers will receive $30,000 for second place, while Foster will receive $20,000 for third.

All 10 finalists were also allowed to keep the tablets provided for their use during the championship and received plaques recognizing their participation.

Lawrence will now turn his attention to the Inter-American Division finals on November 21, when he will represent the Jamaica Union against Bible Connection champions from across the division.