International mega-church preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes believes that a united approach to tackling Jamaica's problems could yield phenomenal results.

The Texas-based man of the cloth spoke to an estimated 15,000 people who filed into the National Stadium Tuesday night to witness his maiden sermon on local soil.

Walking his audience through biblical episodes where unity brought dramatic results, the bishop urged the Church to take a united approach to resolving Jamaica's problems.

Bishop Jakes is guest of Pastors in Action, a group of prominent churchmen who have come together to stage 'The Way Forward, the Future Depends on You', a two-day conference that intends to mobilise the Christian community to become involved in the process of transforming the nation from its image of the world's murder capital to one of peace and prosperity.

The 51-year-old Jakes, who is pastor of Texas-based church, the Potter's House, challenged Christians in Jamaica to lead the process of change in the society.

Fear cripples efforts

The non-denominational preacher argued that the fear of triggering controversy usually cripples the efforts of individuals to become agents of change.

The famous preacher told the audience: "Faith will get you into trouble ... but faith flourishes in trouble ... When was the last time you did something that caused someone to want to shut you down?

Bishop Jakes said the Church should not turn its back on the undesirables of the society. "I like to work with people who nobody else wants to touch. I like to work with those who are messed up and rejected," he declared to loud shouts of approval and applause.

A c****ined choir of 400 voices led an inspiring praise-and-worship session. Popular gospel artistes and bands provided support for the event.

Editor's Note: The fourth and final instalment of the interview by Religion Editor Mark Dawes with Bishop T.D. Jakes will be published in tomorrow's Gleaner.