Home/ Day of Kindness 2008
Taking Kindness a Step Further, On the Streets of St. Ann's Bay
Thursday, October 23, 2008 was an unforgettable day for hundreds of persons whose lives were touched with an impressionable act of kindness. This was ideally demonstrated by workers, students and members of North Jamaica Mission Family who celebrated the 'Day of Kindness' for the first time as a calendered event in the Mission.
Pastor Michael Harvey, President of North Jamaica Mission and workers walked the streets of St. Ann's Bay, at noon, handing out hot meals and cool drinks to those who are in dire need, 'the street people' who rummage the dump heaps and garbage cans for their daily meals. Workers also handed out close to 500 Priority magazines to passersby and to those in the business community.
According to Pastor Harvey, "The Day of Kindness was planned in mind to address the needs of the less fortunate, the street people and those who are in dire need of help".
He further commented that this programme was an inspiration to him after reading about the Day of Benevolence advocated by the World Church in the month of October, and thought that it would be a good idea to implement the Day of Kindness in North Jamaica Mission. "I personally believe that the responsibility of the church is not so much to focus internally - that is also a part- but to reach the wider community in fulfilling one of the church's strategic issues which is Community Involvement ."
"The 'street people' were receptive and pleased after receiving a hot meal," said Mrs. Hirfa Minto, receptionist at the Mission Office. "We walked from the Police Station to as far as to the market. We entered the bars and a few business places handing out Priority magazines. There was joy on the faces of individuals as we handed out the meals and magazines."
"Everywhere you turn in the town of St. Ann's Bay, there was someone with a Priority magazine," commented Miss Keisha Manning, a Secretary at the Mission Office. "Targeting the 'street people' is a refreshing change and a well needed one too, as they are often overlooked and seen as a nuisance by many. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of extending kindness to them. After all, they are people too."
"I thought that I would experiment with this idea of the Day of Kindness in North Jamaica Mission and based on the reception, it was overwhelming. The folk on the street are asking us to return. We will definitely continue to promote this programme as a yearly venture in North Jamaica Mission," said Pastor Harvey.
The St. Ann's Bay High and Preparatory School was also actively involved as students and teachers walked the Edgehill Community and adjacent areas, handing out care packages and magazines. "The experience was nice, just sharing with those who are in need has helped me to recognize that I need to share more of my blessings. I look forward to another event like this", said Aladene Campbell, a first former at the High School.
Churches such as St. Ann's Bay and Mount Edgecombe participated in reaching out to their respective communities. The members of the St. Ann's Bay Church assisted with the cleaning up of a few persons' yards and homes. They also offered meals and care packages. At Mount Edgecombe, the members catered for over two hundred persons from the community; they received a hot meal, clothing, and prayer.
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