A Beautiful Jamaican River

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful places to be found in God’s creation. At every juncture on an island tour one marvels at the mountains, tropical forests, fruit laden trees, meandering or sometimes rushing rivers and beautiful beaches. Regrettably, the country has a reputation for anger and hostility which has frightened some away who may have come to this place. Locals will say the only time Jamaica is mentioned in the world press is when something has gone wrong, never when there is good news.

However, there are a number of very good and very encouraging events taking place among the populace of the country which will make every brother and sister in Christ gratefully happy. Amidst all the challenges of life in the twenty-first century, there are a group of believers who are facing up to the challenges in this modern day Corinth who are contending earnestly for the truth once delivered to the saints.

At present, there are eleven ecclesias scattered through this mountainous country who have been encouraging each other in belief and conduct. Sunday School students study using material provided by the Christadelphian Sunday School Association from Australia. The lesson books, supplementary materials, craft supplies , prizes and gifts are donated annually by the Christadelphian Save the Children Fund in London, Ontario. These welcome donations allow ecclesias to build and operate schools for children anxious to learn and grow in their understanding of saving truth. The Sunday School at the May Pen Ecclesia in about the centre of the country has so much developing and continuing interest in their Sunday School program that they need to make an addition to their hall to accommodate the increasing number of classes and students they are helping.

Sis Annette at May Pen

In the past, requests like this one at the May Pen ecclesia have been graciously supported by the kindness of brethren and sisters worldwide. Additionally, a number of ecclesias in North America regularly have collections for the CBMA/CBMC program called Faith at Work. The photos attached will show where the ten foot by ten foot addition will be attached to the existing hall. The cost of this addition is budgeted to be about $357,000.00 Jamaican dollars which is equivalent to $4200.00 Canadian dollars. Currently, some of the children's classes are being held under the trees in the background. Sister Annette Johnson, shown in the photograph, works with the children in May Pen but in addition, Sister Annette is the secretary of the CBMJ, the Christadelphian Bible Mission of Jamaica.

The CBMJ is the agency recognized by the government of Jamaica to carry out preaching and pastoral activities on behalf of the Christadelphian community in Jamaica. The CBMJ is supported by regular contributions from the CBMC. At present, about 24 elderly Christadelphians in the country are supplemented each month with financial assistance which provides food, nursing home accommodation, medical supply assistance and pastoral care. Jamaica is one of the heaviest financial responsibilities for the CBMC. As the economic condition in North America becomes more challenged, the circumstances in countries like Jamaica become even more difficult.

It is for that reason the CBMC is so deeply indebted to the brothers and sisters worldwide for their continuing donations. In addition, the CBMJ is a preaching organization in the country. The CBMJ organizes and sponsors at least three Bible School/Gatherings each year. Local or overseas speakers come to help with these Bible Schools. In the past, Brethren Joe Badlu, Daniel Wilton, Ken Sommerville Stanley Owen, Nigel Patterson, Chris Brooke and a host of others have helped with these activities working with local brethren to edify and encourage the brethren in the country.

During 2009, members of the Toronto East Ecclesia assembled a barrel of clothing and food which was shipped to the brethren and sisters of Jamaica. The contents were received with joy and thanksgiving.

Advertisements have been placed in the Jamaica Gleaner, a local newspaper encouraging residents to go to www.thisisyourbible.com to take the Bible correspondence course. A good number have responded to the invitation and are now in the process of being exposed to principles of saving truth.

No Empty Seats At Round Hill

The Round Hill ecclesia meets in a beautiful hall built into the side of a hill in the village of Round hill. From the hall, it is easy to see the Caribbean Sea in the distance. This ecclesia has activities most nights of the week. There is a CYC, Mutual improvement classes, Sister’s classes, as well as ongoing instruction for baptism classes. The ecclesia as the photos indicate is quite large and is in need of additional chairs. This could be a good Faith at Work project for North American ecclesias who may be able to help.

From time to time one meets that ‘special’ person who finds a place in your heart. Sister Daisy Allen from the Kingston ecclesia is one of those people. Sister Daisy was a nurse who, in a difficult life, has lived in most areas of Jamaica. Though her life, she has maintained her faith and grown in her knowledge of God’s saving Word. In a visit to her nursing home residence in Kingston, Daisy actively engaged in a discussion about the Song of Solomon. Her clear understanding and easy dialogue on features of the Song were a joy to behold!

Sis Daisy Allen At Kingston

Visitors are always welcome! At the end of December there is the annual year end Bible School. Over the Easter holiday one can come and enjoy the Young People’s Bible camp. We have many very wonderful brethren and sisters in this corner of the world who need our thoughts, prayers visits and support.

Rod Ghent