A New Generation Called to Lead Forward
“…Moses my servant is dead; arise and let us go forward…” Joshua 1:1-2
With these powerful words, Scripture records a pivotal transition—one that speaks not of an ending, but of continuation. Leadership passed from Moses, the great servant of God, to Joshua, a younger leader called to take up the mantle and guide God’s people forward. It is this timeless moment that finds fresh meaning today as a new, young leader steps into responsibility, purpose, and promise.
Joshua succeeded Moses; he built upon the foundation Moses laid. He inherited a vision shaped by obedience, perseverance, and faith, and he carried it forward with courage. Under his leadership, Israel crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land: a land flowing with milk and honey, not because Joshua relied on his own strength, but because he trusted the God who had called him.
In much the same way, our newly appointed young leader, Evangelist-At-Large Danavan Palmer, in the West Indian Islands, Central and South American Diocese, stands at the threshold of a new chapter. He is not defined by age, but by calling. He rises with humility, aware of the legacy before him, yet confident in the divine mandate to move forward. Like Joshua, he learned from seasoned leadership, through service, and now answers God’s call to lead with faith and conviction.
Likewise, our new leader steps into a sacred responsibility. Though young, he embodies the resilience, humility, and spiritual conviction that mark those chosen by God. Joshua was described as strong and courageous, not because of his own strength, but because the Lord promised, “I will be with you…” Joshua 1:5. It is this same divine assurance that undergirds our new leader’s calling today.
His service to the church has been both faithful and progressive. Beginning as a basssinger, he used his voice to uplift worship and glorify God. He later served diligently as the tabernacle Sabbath School Superintendent in the Montego Bay tabernacle, then graciously transitioned to the offices of District Superintendent of Singers and the General Sabbath School Superintendent, nurturing spiritual growth and biblical understanding among members. His call to the office of Elder further affirmed his spiritual maturity and readiness to serve God’s people with wisdom and compassion.
He is a devoted husband and a loving father to his son, reflecting the biblical principle of leading first within the home. His family life stands as a testimony of stability, commitment, and godly example; an essential foundation for spiritual leadership.
By God’s will and perfect timing, on Sebat 1, 2025, by the majority vote of the Board of Presbytery, he was selected to lead the church in the very place where he himself was first taken to the Lord as a child and was blessed. He represents a new generation prepared to move forward—not forgetting the foundations laid by those before him, but building upon them. Like Joshua, he has been shaped through service, observation, and obedience, learning before leading and following before guiding.
This new chapter in leadership is embraced with gratitude and hope, anchored in the belief that God calls, equips, and sustains those chosen to serve His Church. As Joshua led Israel into abundance and fulfilment of God’s promise, so we believe this young leader, Evangelist-At-Large D. J. Palmer, will guide the church toward growth, renewal, and spiritual prosperity. Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
The journey continues—the promise still stands.
Contributed by Sister Elder Marjorie Elliott
Adar 2025