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Home/Day of Kindness 2009

Approximately one thousand (1000) individuals across the parishes of St. Ann and Trelawny experienced an act of kindness on Thursday October 8, 2009 from the members and workers of North Jamaica Mission of Seventh-day Adventists.

Pastor Michael H. Harvey, President of North Jamaica Mission said, “It is the mission of the church to help those in need and an organized way we structure our operations on the six strategic objectives: Growth and Development, Education and Training, Healthy Living, Unity, Media and the Church in the Community. “We believe that as a church we have a moral obligation, not just to our members but wherever the needs are to reach out and lend a helping hand.” He continued, “we recognize there are real needs out there and people do not care how much you know until you demonstrate how much you care.”

With this in mind, the Officers, Departmental Directors, Office Staff, Pastors and members walked the streets in the midday heat in these parishes. Activities of the day include the feeding of the indigent and persons who live on the street, where approximately four hundred (400) hot meals were served, over 2000 Priorities and Bibles were distributed in Ocho Rios, St. Ann’s Bay, Mount Edgecombe, Moneague, Reid’s Friendship, Spring Garden and Falmouth.

At the St. Ann Infirmary(located in Priory), its 110 residents were no doubt happy for the visit as expressions of appreciation; warm smiles and a touch of thanks for their gifts were echoed. Some women had their hair washed and neatly combed while the men received haircuts and a nice shave.

“I am very grateful for what you are doing here today,” said the acting assistant matron at the St. Ann Infirmary, Yvonne Ferguson. “The residents have always appreciated your visit and look forward to the gifts you take. Thanks very much for showing how much you care and I know that the church will continue to support us in our endeavours.”

The next stop was at the thirty-two year old facility, the Windsor Girls’ Home in St. Ann’s Bay. There, hugs, thoughts of encouragement and motivation were in abundance from the twenty-two girls who were present at the time of the visit. All forty-two girls at the home received care packages. Mrs. Carmen Mullings, Manager of the Home was very elated about the kind gesture, “Wow! This is good. We do appreciate your coming here; this is really, really very good. We did not expect this at all. The girls are really surprised by all of this.” Mrs. Mullings explained that the girls come from different backgrounds with various challenges; some orphaned some with behavioural problems; some who need protection and care. She commended the church for its consistent help and guidance in making a difference in their lives.

The Mission spent approximately $40,000.00 to purchase paint and painting equipment which were used to paint the ceiling of the Hilltop Juvenile Correction Center in Bamboo, St. Ann. The inmates at the facility joined with the group in beautifying their environment. Mr. Delroy Simpson, overseer said, “I feel 100% happy. I would want you to come as often as you can, I really appreciate it.”

In Trelawny, Pastors Hylton, Oliphant and Smith expressed that the experience was tremendous and the feedback was welcoming. In sections of Perth Town, Sherwood Content and Reserve districts, potholes were filled. The members also cleaned the roadsides of debris and bushes.

At the Trelawny infirmary, sixty persons were fed by members of the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The “Day of Kindness and Compassion” is an initiative of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and is observed in the month of October to coincide with World Food Day of the United Nation. It is intended that one million meals will be served to the needy. In addition, we seek to fulfill other pressing needs by providing clothing, religious material such as Priority Magazines and Bibles.

We are very pleased to partner with the community in humanitarian gestures. This is done through the annual Harvest Ingathering programme, in which we accept tangible gifts from business persons and other members of the society, that is used to assist in providing education scholarships, houses, medicine through our health clinics and disaster relieve items.

We thank God for the privilege and opportunity to serve our fellow Jamaicans. Serving humanity is a great honour bestowed on us. The Master came to minister, not so much to be ministered to. He is our example.