About Us
Our Story
Advent Fellowship is a society of Seventh-Day Adventist students at The University of Technology and The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Our Mission
Advent Fellowship aims to foster the spiritual growth of its members, develop their power to witness, and to enable them to gain intellectual skills, as well as social and physical fitness.
Community
Building authentic, Christ-centered relationships
Discipleship
Equipping students to follow Jesus daily
Impact
Serving our campus and community with love
Our Journey
The Genesis of AdFel
Advent Fellowship is a society of Seventh-Day Adventist students at The University of Technology and The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Advent Fellowship has come a long way since it was first started in 1969. In that year Seventh Day Adventist students at the School of Nursing UHWI began to meet for Friday evening fellowship and Vespers. Gradually other students became aware of the group and joined in the worship. The atmosphere of their worship was like that of a family at vespers.
The Expansion of the Fellowship
In the 1971-72 school year, it was decided to take in other students from the CAST and UWI communities. In that very year, elections were held, and Arthur Lake took over leadership from Andell Bowen. Their activities then included religious charity concerts to assist needy institutions – the first of which was held at the Medical Theatre. Mona Rehab was the first beneficiary of the effort.
Continued Growth & the Lord's Work
During the 1972-73 school year a deliberate effort was made to ensure that new students on each of the three campuses became aware of an organised group of Adventists. With the help of posters and a great deal of human interest on the part of older members, the program proved very successful. The period was marked by growth such that the Nurses’ Lounge could not provide enough space. It became necessary to move to a classroom. Although it was more spacious the classroom did not encourage that bond of fellowship and sense of family so the group returned to the lounge where they worshiped until 2003. As the group grew it became necessary to differentiate the group from other Christian groups on the campuses so the name Advent Fellowship began to emerge. The theme song of the day was “Jesus The Light Of The World” which enjoyed competition from “In The Stars His Handiwork I See”. The first major campus outreach project was a Campus Service in October 1973. Pastor Helter was the guest speaker.
Identity, Health Ministry, and Expansion
The early 1980s marked a period of growth and identity formation for Advent Fellowship. In 1980, the organization officially adopted its Crest and Logo, establishing a visual identity that would represent the fellowship for years to come. During this period, singing on the wards continued as an important outreach ministry, while annual Campus Services complemented the General Fellowship's Chapel Day. A major highlight was Health Week in February 1981, which featured health education sessions, display clinics, and extensive promotion through radio and television. The opening speaker was Dr. Don Kelly, and the week attracted large audiences throughout its duration. The theme song, “I'd Like a Clean Fit Body to Work Each Day,” was written by medical student Valrie Smart. In the same year, the official Advent Fellowship song was composed by Earl McLaren, a Jamaican pharmacy student from CAST. The organization also launched The Dove Newsletter, with Locksley LaBeach serving as its first editor, and introduced Advent Fellowship T-shirts, further strengthening its identity and visibility on campus.
Outreach and Evangelism
Throughout the first half of the decade, Advent Fellowship became known for its strong commitment to outreach and evangelism. Family Life Seminars, exchange programmes, and evangelistic activities such as singing and preaching on buses were common features of the fellowship's ministry. One of the most significant initiatives was the Creation/Evolution Seminar, the third event of its kind in the Caribbean following similar seminars in Trinidad and Barbados. Although funding initially presented a major challenge, the seminar was successfully organized through the efforts of dedicated members, particularly Anthony Espinet. The seven-day programme featured presentations by Dr. Duane Gish, a biochemist, Dr. Theodore Agard, a physicist, and Dr. Harold Slusher, a geophysicist. Activities included lectures for high school students and teachers, interdisciplinary discussions with university lecturers and researchers, nightly public lectures, and outreach presentations in Mandeville, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town. The seminar concluded with a church service on campus and enjoyed strong attendance throughout.
Inter-Campus Unity and Collaboration
Between 1983 and 1986, Advent Fellowship placed considerable emphasis on strengthening relationships among Adventist student groups and developing the Inter-Campus Federation. Recognizing the importance of cooperation and mutual support, representatives from various fraternities met at a Fun Day held at Kings Way High School. This gathering led to the formation of an Inter-Fraternity Committee designed to foster communication and collaboration among the groups. Although the committee functioned for only a period of time, it facilitated a number of joint activities, including church services, social events, discussions about organizing sports days, and the establishment of an annual hike to Holywell each December. These efforts helped build a greater sense of unity among Adventist students across campuses.
Institutional Recognition and Fellowship Growth
The 1980s also saw Advent Fellowship gain greater recognition and acceptance within the University of the West Indies community. Much of this progress can be attributed to the work of Pastor Errol Thomas, whose leadership as chaplain helped establish the fellowship as a respected religious organization on campus. The chaplain became recognized by the university's Management Committee, as well as by the student counselling and religious affairs bodies. During this period, the Cell Group Ministry became a vital part of fellowship life, fostering spiritual growth, accountability, and community among members. Active cell groups met in locations such as Mona Heights, Princess Alice Drive, Elleston Flats, the university campus, and various halls of residence.
Expanding Advent Fellowship
By the end of the decade, Advent Fellowship had made remarkable progress in strengthening its identity, expanding its outreach programmes, fostering unity among Adventist student groups, and establishing a stronger presence within the university community. While members celebrated these achievements, they also recognized that there remained much work to be done. The prevailing sentiment was that Advent Fellowship had come a long way, but that even greater opportunities and challenges awaited in the future.
January – March: Retreat and Spiritual Revival
The year began with a strong emphasis on spiritual renewal through Retreat 007: "Reach 4 Heaven in 007," held at Camp Don, St. Mary, from February 16–18. Organized by Andre Robb, the retreat encouraged members to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their bonds with one another. The event was highly successful, with many attendees describing it as a life-changing experience. Following the retreat, Advent Fellowship resumed its regular campus activities, including Day Fellowship meetings near the Humanities Department and worship services at UTech. The quarter concluded with the rescheduled UTech Chapel Day on March 31, helping to reestablish the fellowship's presence on campus.
April – June: Celebrating Graduates and Preserving Memories
During the second quarter, attention shifted toward the graduating class. Under the leadership of Social Director Cordelia Samuels, graduates met to discuss class plans, including their song, colors, special presentations, and valedictorian report. Members were asked to submit personal and childhood photographs, while interviews were coordinated to capture their experiences and achievements. This period highlighted the fellowship's commitment to celebrating milestones and preserving the memories of those who had contributed to Advent Fellowship during their years on campus.
July – September: Outreach and Student Recruitment
As the summer months progressed, Advent Fellowship turned its focus outward through a major recruitment and orientation initiative. Members were encouraged to act as ambassadors by connecting with churches and prospective students across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The goal was to ensure that every Adventist student arriving at UWI or UTech would find a welcoming spiritual community. Guided by the year's theme, "Live His Life, Do His Work," the fellowship worked to establish itself as a true "Home Away From Home" for incoming students and to expand its ministry beyond its existing membership.
October: Fellowship Beyond the Classroom
October emphasized fellowship and community building through activities such as the Blue Mountain Hike organized by Gerd Dixon. Members were provided with detailed plans, packing lists, and travel arrangements for the excursion, creating an opportunity for spiritual reflection and friendship outside the normal campus environment. Even when scheduling changes affected official plans, members remained committed to maintaining fellowship, demonstrating the strong sense of community that characterized the organization throughout the year.
October – November: Music Ministry and Inspiration Thursday
The latter part of the year saw Advent Fellowship expand its public ministry efforts through Singspiration Weekend and Inspiration Thursday. Music Day evolved into a larger worship experience at the Old Dramatic Theatre, with programs recorded for local gospel stations. Vice President Pierre-Anthony Wright spearheaded an extensive promotional campaign involving posters, websites, sponsors, and artists, while Rohan Smith managed much of the creative design work. These efforts culminated in the Inspiration Thursday Special Edition on November 8 at the UWI Students' Union, featuring guest artists such as Jermaine Edwards and George Gordon and attracting significant campus attention.
November: Historic Chapel Week and Campus Ministry
One of the most significant achievements of the year was Advent Fellowship's first-ever Chapel Week. Planned over several months, the week featured daily themes including "Are You Ready?", "The Garden," "The Battle," "Come," "Why?", "Rejoicing," and "NOW!" Activities were held across multiple venues and included a Christian Youth Forum, the Prophecy and Praise series, and a closing fellowship outing. The event reflected the fellowship's desire not only to host programs but also to engage students in meaningful discussions about faith, purpose, and Christian witness on campus.
December: Reflection, Evaluation, and Transition
The year concluded with a comprehensive executive review meeting on December 9. Leaders celebrated the successes of Chapel Week and other major initiatives while also discussing challenges related to attendance, planning, finances, and volunteer support. Financial obligations, including a US$500 loan for Chapel Day, had been successfully managed, though some funding was still outstanding. Most importantly, leadership transitioned from President Klive Forde and his executive team to the incoming administration led by Andrew Francis. The year ended not only with gratitude for what had been accomplished but also with plans to strengthen organization, leadership development, and ministry effectiveness in 2008.
Early 2017
Advent Fellowship entered 2017 under the theme "Know the World, Reach the World." The year began with an Executive Retreat where training in evangelism and program planning equipped a relatively new executive team for service. Fellowship was strengthened through the Grand Social held in February, while efforts were also made to foster the spiritual growth of leaders through the study of Christian Leadership and designated Sabbaths for spiritual renewal. During this period, the Women's Fellowship was officially established through the efforts of Miltonia Thompson, marking an important milestone in the fellowship's development.
Spring 2017
Throughout the spring months, Advent Fellowship continued its regular ministries and fellowship activities, including Bible studies, Prayer Gardens, church visits, singspirations, orientation activities, and Adfel Graduation. Members also participated in the Bi-Annual Campus Impact Series, engaging in campus walks, tract distribution, singing ministries, and open-air presentations. Outreach efforts extended beyond campus through a Half-Way-Tree impact, a soup kitchen in Papine, street meetings, security guard ministry at UWI, hospital visitation, and prayer initiatives for students preparing for mid-semester and final examinations.
Summer 2017
The summer period was characterized by an intensive evangelistic focus. Members conducted weekly outreach activities that included tract distribution and the gathering of Bible study contacts. These efforts resulted in many individuals being reached, with at least one person making the decision for baptism. To strengthen the fellowship's evangelistic capacity, Pastor Fletcher was invited to conduct training sessions on how to effectively lead Bible studies.
Fall 2017
During the latter part of the year, Advent Fellowship continued to build community through events such as the Tertiary Retreat and Blue Mountain Retreat. Men's Fellowship, Women's Fellowship, and various cell groups carried out outreach initiatives, including hall impacts, a health fair, and the Irvine Hall Bonfire outreach. The fellowship also strengthened partnerships with other SDA organizations, ASI, and Jamaica Union, while making deliberate efforts to engage alumni and further integrate the UWI WJC Cell Group into the wider fellowship.
Late 2017
As the year drew to a close, preparations began for Advent Fellowship's upcoming 50th Anniversary. A planning committee was established, members were consulted for input, and discussions commenced regarding the Board of Trustees. An accommodation bursary was also introduced to assist a fellowship member. Reflecting on the year, the executive team expressed gratitude to God for His guidance and faithfulness, acknowledging that despite challenges and uncertainties, He had led the fellowship through a year of growth, outreach, and spiritual impact.