October 21, 2010 – Kingston, Jamaica…Adiese Jonas and Nigel Coke/IAD
Seventh-day Adventists throughout east and north Jamaica wound up their annual ‘Week of Generosity’ with a ‘Day of Kindness’ by feeding more than five thousand persons on Oct. 16.
The week’s initiative in east Jamaica involved the distribution of toiletries, medical check ups and the distribution of hot meals.
“It is not how many hours spent in the pews or in the sanctuary singing and praying that matters most, but rather how much we share our love with those in need,” said Pastor Adrian Cotterell, president of the church in east Jamaica. “We may not be among the wealthy in society, but we are blessed to be a blessing to others.”
Pastor Cotterell said the “week of generosity was adopted by the conference as a reminder to characterize kindness on a daily basis. This is not a once a year affair, if it is, then we are in a worst condition than those we seek to help.”
In addition, hot meals were distributed at the Good Samaritan Inn-an outreach center operated by the church which seeks to positively influence people’s lives by catering to the needy, hungry and homeless people on the streets twice per week.
“Thank God for the church. If it wasn’t for this meal I would not be able to take my medication,” said Shirley, one of the more than 250 who were fed at the Inn.
During the week, church administrators, departmental directors, and students went out into several communities in eastern Jamaica to bring joy to the less fortunate. They also painted a portion of the Walker’s Place of Safety-a nursing home in the Kingston 5 community, delivered meals to several schools in the area and several other nursing homes in west Kingston.
In north Jamaica, church leaders, and members along with students at the St. Ann’s Bay High and Preparatory School, participated in feeding homeless persons, residents of the Trelawny Nursing Home and the indigent in many small communities. Students also handed out care packages in nearby communities.
“Showing kindness is not an event,” said Pastor Karl Archer, president of the church in North Jamaica. “It’s simply caring for others, genuinely showing empathy for other human beings by giving them what they need. As children of God, we must do our part to care and offer hope to the less fortunate in our communities through rain or sunshine.”
Despite the rains and dark clouds in the distant skies, many of the homeless and mentally challenged were sought out from their hiding spots such as under the bridge of the Ocho Rios bypass, the bus shelters, under huge trees, brushes and behind the markets.
“God bless you for taking care of these people. They really needed the help,” said Garceline Johnson, a vendor in the Ocho Rios market.
“The beauty about your visit was that you didn’t just come and distribute the meals, but you stayed for a while, prayed, and inspired each person. Your interaction was highly appreciated and the residents enjoyed it,” said Elaine Clarke, a clerk at the Trelawny Nursing Home.
The Day of Kindness and Compassion is an initiative of the Inter-America Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the Adventist Development Relief Agency held every October throughout the territory to promote awareness and offer relief to needy families.
Additional reporting by Dyhann Budoo-Fletcher
