By Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Purpose
Through practical teachings, Modeste offers guidance to individuals at any stage of their personal development. “A Cup That Overflows” poses thought-provoking questions, such as:

• Do you feel called to something greater but uncertain of the path ahead?
• Are you ready to uncover your God-given purpose and take intentional steps toward a life of fulfillment?

LJ Modeste answers these questions with deep insights, drawing from his personal experiences and spiritual reflections. His writings offer wisdom and practical teachings for those seeking clarity in a world full of distractions. Tackling life’s common challenges with profound simplicity, Modeste emphasizes that unlocking your potential starts with an awareness of your God-given purpose, acknowledging the inherent tools you have to fulfill it, and charting a practical path of action towards developing your character.

Guiding You Through Awareness to Action
At the heart of “A Cup That Overflows” is a five-part framework—Awareness, Acknowledgement, Acceptance, Action, and Affirmation—designed to guide readers through their personal and spiritual growth. Each section offers practical tools for uncovering and embracing one’s purpose.

• Awareness: Discover your God-given purpose and recognize the unique path set before you.
• Acknowledgement: Identify the tools and talents you possess to fulfill your purpose.
• Acceptance: Embrace the life God has called you to live, despite the uncertainties.
• Action: Take intentional steps toward personal development and character growth.
• Affirmation: Encourage yourself along the way, developing a mindset that not only strives for righteousness but also for a life lived well.

Incorporating this framework, Modeste empowers readers to understand their divine calling and how they are uniquely equipped to fulfill it.

A Purpose-Driven Companion for Personal and Spiritual Growth
Unlike many personal growth books that focus solely on success, “A Cup That Overflows” offers a holistic approach to growth that is deeply intertwined with faith. Modeste shares his own life experiences, weaving together the themes of faith, purpose, and personal development. His thoughtful guidance fosters a mindset of integrity, discipline, and spiritual awareness.

Through his thoughtful prose, LJ Modeste helps readers affirm their unique journey and find encouragement along the way. He urges readers to acknowledge their inherent fitness to fulfill their calling and equips them with the mindset, habits, and emotional resilience needed for the journey.

The message of “A Cup That Overflows” is clear: everyone has a purpose, and fulfilling that purpose requires self-awareness, dedication, and faith. For LJ Modeste, this journey is not just about living a good life, but living a life of impact and fulfillment, guided by wisdom and a deep connection with God.

In his own words, “Unlocking your potential and living with purpose is not just about achieving success, but about walking in alignment with God’s will and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”

With this book, LJ Modeste extends a hand to those on the path of self-discovery, inviting them to step confidently into their God-given purpose. 

Get Your Copy
“A Cup That Overflows: Unlocking Your Potential, Embracing Your Purpose” is available now in paperback, hardcover and Kindle formats. Join LJ Modeste on this powerful journey of transformation and discover how you, too, can live a life overflowing with purpose.

For more information and to purchase the book, visit ljmodeste.com.

By Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President

When Laurence Jerome “LJ” Modeste reflects on his journey from the halls of Caribbean Union College (CUC) to his role as Deputy National Chief Digital Officer in the Ministry of Digital Transformation for Trinidad and Tobago, he sees more than just career milestones.

Yet, as LJ himself puts it, “My greatest passion lies in helping others find and walk in their purpose.” Whether it’s leading digital transformation or mentoring the next generation, his approach is grounded in people-first leadership.

The CUC Years: Purpose and Community
LJ’s journey to CUC seemed almost preordained. With both parents and siblings attending the institution, it felt like a second home long before he enrolled. His father, who served as Dean of Men and Women, left a lasting legacy at the university. “I was always on campus, attending events and connecting with the community,” LJ recalls. This early exposure and the institution’s emphasis on Adventist education solidified LJ’s decision to attend.

For LJ, attending CUC was more than just acquiring a degree; “I’ve always been an advocate for Adventist education, especially at the tertiary level,” he shares. For LJ, his time at CUC was also about discovering purpose—understanding that his calling was a divine one. “We don’t decide our purpose; God does,” he says. “Our responsibility is to discover it and bring it to fruition.”

LJ’s memories of CUC are filled with a deep sense of belonging and community. “It felt like an extended family,” he recalls. “The wise counsel, the guidance, the nurturing, and the camaraderie… it created lifelong friendships and instilled in me a commitment to service.” This foundation of community and faith followed him through his subsequent academic pursuits at Atlantic Union College and Andrews University, shaping not just his career, but his approach to life.

From CUC to the Digital Frontier
With dual master’s degrees in Business Management and Information Systems, LJ’s career spans almost three decades, cutting across ICT, telecommunications, energy, and government sectors. He currently serves as the Deputy National Chief Digital Officer at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In this role, LJ has been pivotal in architecting and guiding the nation’s digital transformation, including building out a digital government and economy while sharpening the skillset of its citizenry for a digital society.

His experiences at CUC were instrumental in his career shift from ICT-centric roles to business development. “The transition from technology to business development was a pivotal moment for me,” LJ explains. He attributes his adaptability and success to the holistic education CUC provided, where practical hands-on learning went hand in hand with a spiritual foundation.

A Leader, Mentor, and Innovator
Describing himself as a pragmatist yet an innovator, LJ’s leadership style is people-first, blending analytical thinking with creative solutions. He’s been recognized for his leadership in various multinationals and has received numerous awards for business development. However, what stands out most to him is his passion for mentoring, especially youth. “Helping others find and walk in their purpose is what gives me the most fulfillment,” LJ shares.

LJ is also a poet, musician, and author, reflecting the ambivert nature of someone who is both analytical and artistic. These creative outlets have allowed him to connect with people in unique and meaningful ways. As a husband and father of two daughters, he takes great pride in their achievements and continues to encourage them to pursue their passions.

Words of Wisdom: Finding Purpose in Partnership with God
For current students at USC, LJ has a simple but profound piece of advice: “Partner with God to discover and walk in your purpose.” He emphasizes the importance of becoming a person of integrity—someone who values others and holds themselves to a high standard. “Focus on being complete in Christ,” he urges. “When you align yourself with God’s plan for your life, success follows.”

Tips for Success: BE-DO-HAVE
In both academics and career, LJ offers a straightforward formula for success: BE-DO-HAVE. “Become the person who will do the things that ensure you have the success God has already prepared for you,” he explains. This philosophy has served him well, guiding him through his career and personal life as a husband and proud father of two talented daughters, both musicians and budding entrepreneurs.

A Legacy of Service
Throughout his career and life, LJ’s commitment to service, rooted in his faith and CUC upbringing, has been unwavering. He continues to give back to the institution that shaped him, offering his time and talents to guide future generations.

As LJ continues to lead Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation efforts, his journey from CUC to national leadership stands as a shining example of how faith, education, and purpose can shape not only a career but a legacy.

For Laurence Jerome “LJ” Modeste, the future is as boundless as his faith.

By Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President

A Leap of Faith: From Grenada to Trinidad

The CUC Experience: A Foundation for Life
Arriving at CUC, young Janice was stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the familiarity of her Methodist high school in Grenada. But what she found at CUC was a vibrant community that quickly became her second family. She bonded with fellow students from across the Caribbean, forming friendships that would last a lifetime.

“I met three other students—one from Guyana and two from Barbados—and we became inseparable,” she recalls with a smile. “We were all studying different aspects of home science, and together, we navigated the challenges and joys of college life.”

But it wasn’t just about academics. The experience at CUC was transformative, shaping her values and setting the course for her future. Despite the financial hurdles, including a second year where funds were scarce, Dr. Maitland’s faith never wavered. “God provided,” she says, recounting how a dentist graciously paid for her second year of tuition.

A Surprising Path to Education
Though she never intended to become a teacher, Dr. Maitland found herself drawn into the world of education almost by accident. “I never saw myself as a teacher,” she admits. “But from playing school with my dolls as a child to eventually teaching and leading in the educational field, it seems it was meant to be.”

After graduating with an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science in 1967, Dr. Maitland returned to Grenada, where she began teaching at an elementary school. It was during this time that her relationship with Dr. Fitzroy Maitland, whom she had known since their days at the same Adventist church in St. George’s, deepened. Their courtship, which began during their high school years, culminated in marriage shortly after she began her teaching career.

Returning to Serve: A Legacy at CUC
Dr. Maitland’s connection to CUC remained strong, and throughout the years, she returned to the institution alongside her husband to serve in various capacities. As a lecturer in the Department of Education, she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators. But her contributions didn’t stop there.

She spearheaded the honors program, a challenging yet rewarding initiative that recognized and nurtured academic excellence. Additionally, she laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Human Resources Department at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), leaving an indelible mark on the institution’s development.

A Champion for Family Life Education
Before retiring, Dr. Maitland was elected as the Superintendent of Education for the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, where she served for six years. In this role, she guided the educational processes of ten schools across Ontario, bringing her passion for education and her expertise in Family Life Education to the forefront.

Dr. Maitland’s career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to education and her deep belief in the transformative power of learning. “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she reflects. “Everything I’ve accomplished, from my time at CUC to my work in Grenada and Ontario, has been a testament to the importance of faith, education, and community.”

Awards, Recognition, and Leadership
Dr. Maitland’s dedication to education and her outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has received numerous awards and recognition for her work. Her efforts have been celebrated within the Seventh-day Adventist educational community, where she has been recognized as a leader and a mentor to many.

Among her many accolades, Dr. Maitland was honored with the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Distinguished Educator Award from USC. These awards highlight her unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting the holistic development of students.

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
Dr. Maitland encourages students to prayerfully set SMART goals for themselves – make them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. She continues with words of wisdom to current USC students: “Follow the wisdom in Proverbs 3:5,6 to faithfully keep God as your ‘numero uno’. Your path may not always be clear, and you may face challenges that seem insurmountable. But remember, every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Trust in God’s plan for your life, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the power of community.”

She adds, “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about shaping your character and preparing you to serve others. Embrace every experience, stay curious, and always look for ways to give back. Your journey may take unexpected turns, but each step will bring you closer to fulfilling your purpose.”

Looking Back with Gratitude
As she looks back on her journey, Dr. Maitland expresses profound gratitude for the support she received along the way—from her family, her CUC community, and the many colleagues and students she has mentored over the years. “It’s like a strand that connects everything from that time to now,” she muses. “And it all began at CUC.”

For Dr. Maitland, the journey from a small island in the Caribbean to a significant role in education has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the belief that, with the right support, anything is possible. As she continues to inspire those around her, Dr. Maitland’s legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.