Building Compassion in Jamaica

The island nation of Jamaica sets aside one day a year for the purpose of serving communities. On the National Labour Day, May 23, Jamaicans are encouraged to put aside any spirit of divisiveness as they participate side by side in local community projects and selected national projects — everything from planting trees to painting or refurbishing hospitals, schools, clinics and homes for the aging. This year the Burnt Savannah Church of the Nazarene in Jamaica's West District, decided to show their community what it really means to serve.The Burnt Savannah church, in keeping with a spirit of compassion that comes from Christ and under the direction of pastor and district superintendent, Rev. Lionel Brown, decided to labour together by constructing a house for a brother in need. Several members gave cash and other items, and the church gave a major contribution for the purchasing of material. As early as 7:30 a.m., the atmosphere was filled with excitement and a flurry of activity as some 30 brothers and sisters, including youth and children, picked up tools and jumped into their various roles in the construction work. The day’s event was punctuated with Jamaican work songs and hymns, such as “To the Work, to the Work ... Toiling On.” The NYI sponsored and prepared lunch for the day. And when it came time to dall it a day, no one wanted to stop. At nightfall, they finally went home, and the home was 90 percent complete.As the day progressed, a number of onlookers gathered to investigate what was happening and eventually even a few unchurched neighbours joined in the labour of love. Several of them could be overheard commenting on this practical outreach and the demonstration of love and compassion they observed. They realised that the Church of the Nazarene ministers to the total person.Today our brother, whom we will call “Bro D,” is a step closer to fulfilling his dream of owning his own home and caring for his young family. The Burnt Savannah church sees this gesture as a ray of hope in what is often an uncaring, callous world. The spirit of compassion is alive and well on the Jamaica West District, and the Burnt Savannah church continues to find renewed energy as together they serve the community outside their four walls.
— Submitted by Jennifer Brown, Global NMI President