Practical Evangelism and Adventist Christian Education, widely recognized as the PEACE Centre of Evangelism, recently gathered alumni spanning the years 2010 to 2023 at the Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist Church for their final Alumni Weekend. From Friday 8th to Sunday 10th March, individuals whose lives have been touched by PEACE convened to celebrate its achievements and partake in this culminating event. Pastor John Bradshaw, President of the It Is Written ministry, graciously served as the speaker throughout the weekend.
The event commenced on Friday evening with Pastor Bradshaw leading worship centred around the theme of 'Legacy'. He invited attendees to reflect on their lasting impact: ‘What will you leave behind? What will be your legacy for God?’ On Saturday, the Sabbath School, led by Sister Beulah Plunkett — the current North England Conference (NEC) Women’s Ministries Director and former Associate Director of PEACE — alongside Jonathan McCool, a PEACE alumnus, sparked a discussion on 'lessons from the past'.
A poignant moment during the Divine Service featured presentations from former PEACE staff members who shared insights into the initiative's inception, their personal experiences, and their aspirations for the future. The roster of speakers included:
- Pastor Adam Ramdin, PEACE Director (2010-2016)
- Sister Beulah Plunkett, PEACE Associate Director (2010-2016)
- Elder Craig Gooden, PEACE Outreach Coordinator (2010-2016), PEACE Director (2016-2024)
- Pastor Joe Philpott, PEACE Outreach Coordinator (2017-2018)
- Elder André Crawford, PEACE Administrative Tutor (2018-2020)
- Elder Sam Walters, PEACE Outreach Coordinator (2018-2020)
The genesis of PEACE finds its roots in a proposal from Pastors Adam Ramdin and Alan Hush to the NEC's then-leadership, advocating for a local evangelism centre. Pastor Ramdin highlighted the Youth Department's ambition, led by Pastor Hush, and said, ‘There was a clear drive from the youth department led by Pastor Hush to equip the youth to do evangelism and to become leaders in their local churches.’
Elder Craig Gooden, sharing his journey from PEACE Outreach Coordinator to Director, emphasised the program's broad impact, ‘PEACE gathered, trained, and empowered students globally.’ Pastor Bradshaw's sermon underscored this sentiment, inspiring attendees to consider God's work through PEACE in shaping future leaders, evidenced by heartfelt testimonies shared during the afternoon program.
Chanel Groce, PEACE class of 2011 alumna, shared of the impact PEACE had for her personally as ‘a wall being broken down to hear the clear voice of the Holy Spirit’ and praised the guidance of Aunty Beulah, Elder Craig, and Pastor Ramdin in nurturing her confidence and spiritual clarity.
Graduates of PEACE shared how they built friendships, experienced God’s many blessings, and supported new church plants worldwide. Daisy Mpofu, from the class of 2017, expressed in her speech how PEACE equipped, enabled, and empowered her to preach for the first time. Akbar Davamony, from the class of 2013, shared his experiences with the congregation, concluding with the charge, ‘Whatever you do in the world, do not leave God.’ Others mentioned that they developed a passion for Bible study and realized the importance of spending time with people in the community.
Pastor Bradshaw concluded the day with a message highlighting the boundless potential of individuals, as evidenced by the diverse paths taken by many of the alumni. They have gone on to become pastors, evangelists, Bible workers, missionaries, elders, entrepreneurs, and leaders of departments within local churches.
Pastor Adam described the weekend as an opportunity to ‘look back, look at the present, and look forward.’ Elder Craig added, ‘This is a chance for people to appreciate what God can accomplish through the lives of individuals and the legacy that has been created.’ Despite the conclusion of PEACE, it's vital to consider what God has planned next for each person. Elder Andre Crawford, a Bible worker and church plant leader at Moss Side Seventh-day Adventist Church, remarked, ‘Doors may close, but the ministry continues. We must persist in equipping, enabling, and empowering others to complete the work.’
PEACE has inspired many members to be active and intentional in their faith. The hope is that this work will continue across the conference as God uses each individual in His grand design.
