Internationally acclaimed Texas-based preacher, Bishop T.D. Jakes on Wednesday night encouraged worshippers assembled in the National Stadium that the nation's best days are not in the past, but in the future. Jakes was in Jamaica to headline the 'The Way Forward' conference, which had two days of public rallies starting Tuesday.

In Wednesday's sermon, the bishop told the thousands gathered in the National Stadium that, despite the nation's many social woes, "the best is yet to come".

God-ordained destiny

He encouraged them "not to be weary in well doing".

God, Jakes said, has planned a great destiny for Jamaica. He however warned that the devil had sent some of his best demons to the island to thwart its God-ordained destiny. Accordingly, he urged the nation to seek to please the Lord by obeying the teachings of the Bible.

After delivering his sermon, Jakes issued an altar call to persons who wanted to dedicate their lives to God and be in His service to transform the nation. Thousands came forward.

These five shared one umbrella during a drizzle at the 'The Way Forward Conference' with Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Members of a large section of the crowd lift their hands in prayer.

The crowd was in a worshipping mood.

Reverend Maria Harbajan of the National Intercessory Prayer Network stands out as she dances and sings in worship.