The Tribune

Joy International Fellowship, founded by Chief Magistrate Dr Joyann Ferguson, will host its sixth annual Empowerment Conference from October 31 to November 3 at the Warwick Hotel on Paradise Island.

The purpose of this event, according to organisers, is to challenge, encourage, equip, and empower people from every walk of life to be confident in God amidst the vicissitudes of life. This year’s theme, “Overcoming Power”, deduced from Deuteronomy 31 vs 6 is through to be very fitting, particularly as the country faces the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

“Notwithstanding the challenges brought about from our daily living, the theme contemplates that God is with us, and that our difficulties are not designed to overtake or destroy us but to ignite our faith in the omnipotent God,” said the organisation.

From its inception in May 2013, Joy International has engaged in an intensive social out-reach programme with a view to bringing hope to the disenfranchised. To date, yearly tangible donations have been made to the Home for the Aged, Children’s Homes, and at this year’s conference opening tonight, a presentation of Braille machines will be made to the Erin Gilmore School for the Blind.

The fellowship has also been engaged in a food and clothing bank from which donations have been made to the vulnerable members of the community who include victims of Hurricane Dorian. Last September, Dr Ferguson and a small delegation travelled to Malaysia where the Compassionate Ministries was able to visit an orphanage with 26 residents ranging from ages nine months to 16 years and make substantive contributions. Although the fellowship is not a church in the traditional sense, it has a strong spiritual component and the organisation has partnered with a number of churches within the faith community both nationally and internationally.

This year’s conference promises to be a time of spiritual refreshing. Speakers will include Prophetess Dr Kelly McIntosh, Prophet Kerria Kelly, and Dr Ferguson at the nightly services at 7pm. Additionally, the conference will host a prayer and intercession clinic on Friday, November 1, from 9am to 12noon led by Dr Daisy Winder and Rev Julia Bain. This worship session will address strategic tools in effective praying.

On Saturday, from 9am to 12 noon, the conference will host a holistic empowerment session which will provide a panel discussion facilitated by leading professionals in the community. They will present on legal, medical, professional and financial empowerment topics. This will lend itself to an interactive time of questions and answers.

In keeping with its vision to honour citizens who are making notable contributions in nation-building, Joy International Festival will host a gala event on Saturday at 7.30pm at Warwick Hotel. Nine men and women will be recognised in grand style for their varied contributions in business, law enforcement, education, medicine, music, community development, and Christian leadership. Each of these honorees will be awarded the Eagle’s Award of Distinction in their respective category.

Then on Sunday at 8.30am, conference host Dr Ferguson will join with the Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries and deliver the final charge under the theme “Overcoming Power”. For more information, contact the secretariat at joyinternationalf2019@gmail.com or call 465-4788.