The Words of the Salmon Family
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The Words of the Salmon Family |
Kingston, Jamaica -- UPF-Jamaica hosted a program at the UPF Lecture Hall in Kingston on May 19 in keeping with the United Nations Declaration of May 15 as the International Day of Families. The theme was "Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity."
The Moderator, Mr. Horace Matthews, who is a Lay Magistrate, warmly welcomed the gathering. Prayers were then offered. This was followed by a briefing on the UN's declaration of the day and UPF's Statement on Families. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message was read by Al-Haj Muhammed Islam, Imam of Masjid As-Salaam, and UPF's Statement on Families was read by Miss Millicent Johnson, who is an Ambassador for Peace and a member of the Phillippo Baptist Church.
The more than 70 participants included Ambassadors for Peace and their family members. It was especially gratifying to have in attendance families with three generations present (grandparents, parents, and children).
The UPF-Jamaica National Director, Mr. Dennis Salmon, highlighted the UN's theme for this year's observance: "Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity." He also gave the main presentation, entitled "The Family as the School of Love." The presentation was well received and was followed by very vigorous and exciting discussions about the present state of families in Jamaica and proposed steps that should be taken to ensure that our families become moral 'models' to be emulated.
The atmosphere in the meeting was truly joyful and uplifting.
A meal was served, and after group photos were taken, everyone joined hands and sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth." This was followed by a closing prayer by Ambassador for Peace Deacon Thompson of the Pentecostal Church.