The Editor,
Street Church! Bus Stop Church! In His Steps Community Church! Whatever you name us, we are still the same lively group of worshippers who embrace our Jamaican Motto to its core, ‘Out of many one people.’
Our worship services target those who will not attend church so we take ‘church’ to them; the ones Jesus never forgets. Each Sunday morning we meet at the Bus Park in Ocho Rios for fellowship, demonstrating Jesus’ love and compassion towards all people, in not only words but also action.
The congregation comprises people who are labelled ‘Mad’, ‘Street People’, ‘Coke Head.’ Most are forgotten, oppressed and homeless. For the homeless, the cold concrete benches are their beds. But amazingly, each Sunday morning, rain or shine, these beds ‘double’ as warm pews to accommodate our worshippers when we meet for the purpose of fellowship spiritually, physically and socially.
We are non-denominational consisting of a few committed Christians here and in the USA. who are resolute to advance the ministry that Jesus radically practised as illustrated in the Bible.
Like any other congregation, we have great challenges. It is heart-breaking to see some of those challenged by sickness and discomfort particularly on a regular basis. We struggle with the need to help provide them with medical assistance and other necessities. There are also times when they are victims of abuse, theft and other atrocities; then they become despondent and their faith wavers.
We stay encouraged firstly by the counsel of 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Secondly, by the unknown author, “There’s no limit to what can be achieved through the man who does not care who gets the praises as long as God gets the glory.”
Some of the most memorable services are the congregants sharing their testimonies, reading the scriptures, praying the blessing on the offering and breakfast that we serve. The display of their various talents when they praise and glorify God is also wonderful to experience. How we encourage them when they try to make things right. They are encouraged by the way we respond to them’; for example, eating with them and allowing them to participate in the activities of our services. We are also encouraged by the greetings, hugs, handshakes, laughter and smiles we share when we meet on the street at times other than church and for their overwhelming response in attending a function earlier this year, at an accommodating church in St. Ann’s Bay. . This interaction compels us to embrace each other as brethren and not just a ‘Coke Head,’ ‘Mad’ or ‘Homeless.’ May God be glorified when they and passers-by who know that we exist encourage us to continue the good work.
We are determined to continue to obey the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. We will not only concentrate on the Ocho Rios community but under God, we will set the captives free all over our island home, JAMAICA, Land we love.
We invite all intercessors, prayer warriors and faithful servants to join in the fight.
Sincerely
Marjorie A. Palmer
