Under 40 and fixing Jamaica; Young church leaders on the front line

Spearheading the change

Jermaine Williams, 34, youth leader, Harbour View Gospel Chapel

Primarily, what I was hoping to change is connected to what I think I'm called to do which is to assist persons in discovering and maximising what they are called to do. This involves mentoring-discipleship; really walking with somebody until they get to the point where they begin to walk into what they are called to do.

I believe if each person finds their place and maximises on what they are called to do, the nation will be better ... the church, families and communities will be better. Basically, we are all pieces a larger puzzle that need to be put together.

The primary barrier to anybody doing what they are called to do is really themselves. It's not the elders, it's not the pastors and, by extension, it's not the Government but that does not mean that they don't have a part to play.

impacting lives

Rev Claude Ellis, 34, pastor of Franklyn Town Church of God

Upon entering the ministry, I wanted to make an impact in the lives of the youth as I am aware of the difficulties one faces as a youth, particularly if you are from the inner cities. I wanted to not only be a voice, but to also be an ear; someone who listens and understands their plight; someone who can relate to their stories of hunger, violent communities, etc.

My feeling is that if I can impact the lives of people in my church, then the community and the country, by extension, will be better.

I see the greatest barriers as violence in the community, lack of resources, the demotivation our youths receive through the society and the lack of good role models. As a church, we reach out to as many as we can but there needs to be a greater level of social intervention by our leaders.

Changing mindset

The Rev David Samuel Green, 33, minister, Church of God (former pastor of Pitfour Church of God, St James)

What I hoped to change was the mindset of persons as it relates to what it really means to live the Christian life. And, that means an attitude that reflects a commitment to the teachings of the Bible, especially the Sermon on the Mount.

As it relates to the country, I wanted to stimulate people to care for persons disadvantaged and to stimulate them to achieve despite the challenges; especially young men.

"I believe the lack of genuine understanding of the difficulties that people face when they have setbacks is a barrier to that change. There is an expectation that people know automatically what to do to move themselves from one place to the other. And, a lack of sensitivity to the real needs of people and a caring attitude are also barriers.