The Assignment

Throughout the saved life of Mrs. Maureen Archer, her dream has been to minister to the teen-aged and preteen youth of Jamaica. There was always the opportunity to present Christ and as oft as the opportunity presented itself, she would tell her testimony of being born in poverty and how God later favored her with blessings beyond her dreams. But that was just a few young people however, and while she never minimized the work, she wanted to do more. She wanted to reach the youth of Jamaica on a grander scale. For a brief moment, that dream was shelved for one reason or another… she had become engulfed in the responsibilities of being wife, mother, and CEO of a very successful corporation. That dream was not dead however – it was just dormant and soon it would be resurrected.

She began to ask God, “What happened to my dream?” Well, thanks to God, He heard her prayer and brought it back to the forefront of her life and mind, and soon she was telling friends and family members how she had this dream of ministering to the youth of Jamaica; telling how she wanted to help meet the needs of those who are less fortunate, those who are in a position that she knew personally – one of lack and hopelessness.

She began to speak of how she wanted to be ministering with her children by her side. She wanted to do this before they were fully grown and ultimately create something, a spiritual legacy, that she could leave in their care with the hopes that they will have the passion she had, and in turn come to nurture later, when they reached a predetermined age. The Spirit of God would grant that opportunity nearly a year later – it would come via Melbourne Bennett.

He was on the 6th floor of the engineering building where he was employed. The Spirit of God showed up – it was after normal working hours and all the early-morning workers had already left. These were they who started at 6 AM and departed at 2:30 PM. Shortly after 3PM the Spirit of God spoke, saying: “I have chosen the year 2008 for myself. I want you to launch a celebration in my honor in Jamaica.” He would struggle with the monumental task at hand for about a week, before reluctantly telling Mrs. Archer, who would then confirm that dream. A week later, work would begin; with brainstorming and ultimately telling others, who also confirmed that the vision came from the Spirit of God. That vision today is known as YOOL Fest 2009 – Year Of Our Lord Festival 2009, and it is coming to pass.