Adventists extend 'Day of Kindness' to thousands

Adventists in eastern Jamaica, which covers Kingston and St Andrew and St Thomas, climaxed their annual 'Week of Generosity' with a 'Day of Kindness' and the feeding of approximately 5,000 people last Saturday.

The week's initiative, which was organised by the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (EJC), involved the distribution of toiletries, medical checks and hot meals.

"It is not how many hours spent in the pews or in the sanctuary singing and praying that matter most, but rather how much we share our love with those in need, said Pastor Adrian Cotterell, president of the EJC.

"We may not be among the wealthy in society, but we are blessed to be a blessing to others." Cotterell further pointed out that "the week of generosity was adopted by the EJC as a reminder to characterise kindness on a daily basis".

He said: "This is not a once-a-year affair. If it is, then we are in a worse condition than those we seek to help."

The Good Samaritan Inn - located at Geffrard Place in Kingston and owned and operated by the EJC - was one of the main centres of distribution of hot meals last Saturday. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen was on hand to assist with the distribution and also used the time to talk with some of the indigent poor and those who live on the streets.

"I am pleased to be identified with the day of kindness initiative," said Sir Patrick. "I have been following the progress of the work of the Good Samaritan Inn and I will continue to support the work being done for persons in need in this part of the city."

The inn is an outreach centre which seeks to positively influence people's lives by catering to the needy, hungry and homeless people on the streets twice per week.

Very happy

"I am pleased for the good meal, I am very happy that someone of the status of the governor general took time out to be with us in our poor state," said Rohan Beckford, one of the beneficiaries at the inn.

Said Shirley, another of the more than 250 who were fed at the inn, "Thank God for the church. If it wasn't for this meal, I would not be able to take my medication."

During the week, Adventist administrators, departmental directors, students of Adventist high and preparatory schools and local church members went out into several communities in eastern Jamaica to bring joy to the less fortunate. They also painted a portion of the Walker's Place of Safety in the Kingston 5 community, delivered meals to several schools in the Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens community and visited the Denham Town and Eira Schader Golden Age Home in west Kingston.