August 21, 2011 – Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica…Nigel Coke/IAD
The St Ann’s Bay Hospital and St Ann’s Infirmary were beneficiaries of much-needed supplies thanks to the generosity of the Adventist Laypersons Services and Industries (ASi) through its rich tradition of impacting the community in which its annual convention is held.
The handing over of the supplies took place on Aug. 18, 2011 during the hosting of the (ASi) Inter-American Division (IAD) Convention, which was held from Aug.17-20 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Jamaica.
Marva Henry-Coombs who received the supplies on behalf of the hospital expressed gratitude for what she described as much-needed items.
“We are very grateful for what we have received today,” said Henry-Coombs. It is always good to have friends like you and we will make the best use of what is presented to us. May the Lord continue to bless your organization as you share with others like us.”
Donated Items given to the hospital and infirmary included disposable gowns, hand sanitizers, sheets, walkers, commodes and gloves. Toys and disposable diapers were also donated to the children ward of the hospital.
Hundreds of delegates from North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, who form part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America, attended the four-day convention along with delegates and participants from Jamaica and other parts of the world.
“While we celebrate, network and get involved in other activities, we are happy to have been able to make a difference in the lives of patients and residents of the hospital and infirmary,” said Dr. Marston Thomas, out-going president of ASi-Jamaica and new appointed ASi-IAD president. “ASi is here to Share Christ in the Marketplace and what better way to do it than to help those in need. It is part of our mantra and way of life because God has blessed us as business people and we are moved by His love to pass on these blessings.”
In addition to the charities mentioned, the net proceeds of the Convention will go towards the Good Samaritan Inn in Kingston, the Educational Foundation for Children Care in Four Paths, Clarendon, and the West Jamaica Feeding Program in Montego Bay, St James.
There were more than 40 exhibition booths, along with motivational presentations, and empowerment seminars on investments and healthy lifestyle during the convention’s theme “Messengers of Hope”.
Portions of the event were broadcast live via the Internet, with special aspects of the program live on NCU Radio and NCU TV. Highlights of the events will be shown on Hope TV.
ASi is the business and professional affiliate of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide. The ethos of ASi-Inter-American Division is to assist in the development of the whole person, and in the past the organization has given generously to the relief efforts in Haiti, the Good Samaritan Inn and the West Jamaica Conference Feeding Program, among other charities in the region.
