Adventists in Jamaica Assist Needy Members and Community Residents

July 8, 2020 | Mandeville, Jamaica | Nigel Coke / IAD News Staff

Responding to the economic challenges facing many people in Jamaica, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica has assisted hundreds of families in need among its members and community residents, recently during the COVID-19 pandemic across its region.

More than 400 families have benefited from over US$215,000 provided by the Jamaica Union, each of its five conferences, the Adventist-Layperson Service and Industry (ASi), the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Jamaica, and local congregations, through April and May.

“Though the church faces financial uncertainty, it is still an imperative to share with those in need,” said Pastor Everett Brown, president of the church in Jamaica. “As I relate daily to people, I realize more and more how great the needs are for persons at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder. We cannot be insensitive to the welfare needs of the most vulnerable in our society, and so we are happy for the privilege to help humanity in whatever way we can.”

In order to fight the pandemic, the Government, like many others worldwide, closed its borders which impacted international travel and local commercial activities were significantly curtailed. This prompted the response from the church community as individuals, inclusive of church members who were negatively impacted.

“Even with decreasing income, we are mindful of our vulnerable members and community individuals, so we have purchase basic food items to supplement what each pastoral district and local congregation will be able to put together,” said Pastor Glen Samuels, president of the church in western Jamaica. “Notwithstanding…the intensified worldwide spread of the pandemic COVID-19, we hold on together trusting in our never-failing God.”

The distributions of care packages were done in each conference through many of their 750 local congregations in the various communities.

Some of the items given out in the care packages included groceries and toiletries, and many of the local churches added other components such as shoes and clothing where these were needed.

For Sonia Rowe of the Siloah Seventh-day Adventist Church, in St Elizabeth, the care package was a “contribution given within a well-needed time. The package that was given was good and well-appreciated,” she stressed.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported that the equivalent of 1.5 million full-time jobs are expected to be lost in the Caribbean during the second quarter of this year due to the impact of COVID-19.

“We need to ensure that we continue to reach out to the poor, the vulnerable and the elderly in our community, especially during this time, as many of them are not able to come out due to restrictions on movement due to their age,” said Pastor Eric Nathan, president of the church’s eastern region. “I hope this gesture will dispel the myth that the church is doing nothing for the people.”

The pastors in the 54 pastoral districts of the church’s central region through its community service leaders, and the parish action development committees have been placed on a mission of care, compassion, connection, safety and love by its president, Pastor Levi Johnson.

“All that we do during this crisis will be cushioned from that platform…wherever the needs are, and funds are available, this is what we intend to do through this crisis,” said Johnson. “We are one family, so we have to look out for each other reach the communities, as members faced greatly difficulties.

The H.S. Walters Health Center, operated by the Conference and located in Sydenham, St. Catherine, has been open daily except on Saturdays, providing services like dental and eye clinic services, Ante-natal services, Immunization, Physiotherapy, in-house and online counseling, diabetes hotline and a pharmacy services to the public at reduced costs. Where persons are not able to pay, services are offered free of charge.

Sharon Edwards, a recently baptized member of the church in northeast Jamaica was very grateful for the support from the church.

“I appreciate everything that the church has done for me since I became a member, not only spiritually, but in even in my physical needs. The foods and care package you gave to us (me and my family), I really appreciate it. Everything is good so far with the church,” said Edwards.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica operates five conferences, 750 congregations of more than 300,000 members, 27 primary and secondary schools, a university and a hospital.