There were 331 and 323 persons in attendance on the first and last days of Unleavened Bread, respectively, at the Church of God International holyday services in Kingston, Jamaica. Approximately 50 persons attended services in Western Jamaica. Continuing its steady growth pattern, the CGI baptized six new members only days before the Passover itself.

During the season also, the Jamaican CGI also accepted into formal membership a former Worldwide Church of God member, Mr. Bramwell. After abandoning the WCG for doctrinal reasons, he visited the CGI and decided it was the best place to fellowship and faithfully practice the true faith.
Pastor Ian Boyne and Elder George Ramocan both gave messages of relevance throughout the period which focused on the meanings of the festival, and the practical implications for everyday Christian living.

In his first day sermon Pastor Boyne recounted the historical opposition to God's holydays in favor of Easter. He was devastating in his polemic against critics of Passover observance, showing that God's people are on sound historical ground in staying true to God's holydays.

He emphasized that symbols are important, and that an inaccurate or incomplete understanding of the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread will prevent us from making the best of the days and the rituals. For example, he showed that while the traditional emphasis by God's church on 'putting out sin' during the Days of Unleavened bread is sound, it is not enough. He challenged the United Church of God to adopt a more Christo-centric rather than a strictly Old Testament approach which allows for unleavened bread not to be eaten on all the days the feast. He said, "Christ is the new Unleavened Bread (John 6; 1 Corinthians 10.16) and the new Passover (1 Corinthians 5.7). While putting out sin is certainly one aspect of unleavened bread, as we have traditionally taught, yet a proper New Testament understanding demands that we also recognize we now belong to Christ, and he lives inside of us. This is symbolized by our eating of the unleavened bread every day."

His Sabbath sermon during the days continued this theme by challenging our perspective on sin. He showed that our spiritual capacity to overcome our sinful patterns is largely determined by how we think of ourselves in relation to our capacity to be victorious over sin. If we think of ourselves as being strong in Christ then we are more able to live holy lives, but if we consider ourselves as weak and at the mercy of our uncontrollable impulses, then we will continue to be weak, and unable to win over sin. He also emphasized that we have to have a plan to deal with sin in our lives; we can't accept it as something we are helpless to deal with.

He also showed how a lack of proper preparation for unforeseen adversity and trials can result in spiritual danger. He exhorted the congregation to carefully and consistently count the cost of staying faithful to Christ through all the vicissitudes of life, and be prepared for any and every thing.
Pastor Boyne’s last day sermon concluded this well choreographed series of messages, by bringing scientific evidence to show how little things, left unchecked, can have devastating consequences on our lives and our faith, over time. He shared his research findings that managing expectations is a critical skill to master. "Many people underestimate what can go wrong. They just believe, like the Israelites did, that they can leave Egypt and go straight to the Promised Land, without passing through the wilderness; but you must expect the wilderness."

Mr. Boyne presented specific everyday practical scenarios to make the connection between the principles he was sharing and members daily lives. He stressed the importance of humility (symbolized by the foot washing ceremony). Having an openness to take correction, and a willingness to seek out counsel, are vital habits to develop, to ensure spiritual survival, he pointed out. True discipleship is not just about being in the true church or keeping the holydays, but includes a change in lifestyle to reflect godly character. This, he said, should be one important result of keeping the rituals of God's festivals.

Elder George Ramocan's last day message was very memorable for many brethren. Especially within the context of the current global economic crisis, his sermon entitled, "How to Simplify Your Life for Spiritual Power" was particularly relevant. His emphasis on how money affects the quality of spiritual life provided many profound insights as well as useful practical strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of financial disaster.

He also emphasized the need to be self-critical and to know one's strengths and weaknesses, and make provisions for dealing with weaknesses. "Satan," he said, "has a plan for you based on your unique weaknesses. If you don't have a plan for him and his schemes against you, you will be overcome." He showed specific techniques for creating a winning spiritual program for overcoming, including how to establish spiritual priorities, and live from these priorities daily.

Angelina Franklin, a Counselor and one of the six newly baptized members shared her thoughts about what her first Passover as a member meant to her: "My first Passover as a baptized member means a lot to me. My understanding of what these holydays are about has been enhanced by the messages by Pastor Boyne and Elder Ramocan. Their emphasis that we should expect problems and be prepared to deal with them has made a great impact on me. I have learned through their sermons, the importance of managing expectations in my walk. First time, I used to think like others that my problems were a sign that I was doing something wrong, but now I understand that adversity is an integral part of our Christian faith. "
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She speaks for the entire congregation. GS.