Trelawny getting Bible school at its multimillion-dollar church

WESTERN BUREAU:

The religious landscape in Trelawny is poised to see more changes following last week’s groundbreaking ceremony to establish the parish’s first Bible school, which will provide an avenue for persons seeking to enhance their educational development.

According to Pastor John Hines of the Bounty Hall-based Abundant Life Ministry, which is behind the project, they have decided to pursue the building of the school to address a need that exists among the adults in the Trelawny community.

“There is a basic school and other institutions of a similar nature, but none is offering opportunities to the adults, such as literacy programme dedicated to adults,” said Hines. “We decided that a Bible school would be good for Trelawny, hence our decision to build this school.”

According to Hines, persons with potential, who were left behind educationally in their childhood days, will be afforded the opportunity to improve themselves.

“There are people who are appointed by God, but because of circumstances cannot go forward. This is where the Bible school fills the void. I did not go past all-age school, but given the opportunity, I moved from being a taxi operator to what I am today. Bible school has its place in our society,” said Hines.

WIDER COMMUNITY SHOULD BENEFIT

While the Bible school is clearly an initiative of the church, Hines wants it to serve even people who are not attached to the church as he believes the wider community should benefit.

“It will be non-denominational and from it, people will be empowered, both in the physical and spiritual,” said Hines.

The school is a part of the $130-million church which was constructed by funds donated by retired American businessman Rod McSweeny, who sold his car-making business and has decided to give back a portion of that sum to persons like Hines, who are steeped in church-related affairs.

“There is a fully equipped canteen where, shortly, we will be preparing meals to feed the needy,” Hines revealed.

Deacon Leslie Blake, who never had the opportunity to attend high school, is looking forward to benefit from the Bible school in terms of his own personal development.

“I too, like John, did not go to high school, but I feel led to preach the word of God. This opportunity can help to sharpen people like me,” Blake said.