The Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh OJ was an outstanding surgeon who had a strong desire to better the lives of his fellow man and saw political representation as the way to do so. He was successful in his bid to be a representative in parliament several times throughout his political career, which spanned almost 40 years. He served his country as a member of Parliament, Minister of Health, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Deputy Prime Minister. Under his watch at Minister of Health, poliomyelitis was eradicated from Jamaica, a programme of improving dental health was initiated, and the health and well-being of Jamaicans  greatly improved.He had the reputation of being calm, fair, and honest, which earned the admiration and fondness from those on both sides of the political aisle. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica in 2016 for his distinguished service to Jamaica. Dr. Baugh was diagnoses with brain cancer in 2015 and was baptized that year. He underwent brain surgery but did not fully recover. He passed away on September 1, 2019.

"The passing of the Honourable Dr. Kenneth Lee O'neil Baugh, OJ, is truly a sad day for Jamaica. The nation has lost a veritable patriot who, while being a politician, was never political. He was a true servant who was the epitome of humility, dignity, and integrity" -  The Prime Minister, The most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP

Health Centre
 A new health centre being constructed in Point Hill, the constituency which he last served as a Member of Parliament, will be named after him. This is seen as a fitting tribute, seeing that he gave free health care to so many people in that town and the surrounding districts. Ground was broken in November 2019.

A total of 566 patients registered and benefited directly from health care offered at our recent fair (180 males and 386 females). This does not include persons who came solely for books, and volunteers who did not get the chance to access health care. All included, an estimated total of about 700 persons were in attendance at the Health and Book Fair 2019 hosted by the St Catherine Region of the KCOC. Twice the amount anticipated.

 

81,000 (eighty one thousand) children’s multi-vitamins, over 50 water filtration systems which created a buzz among attendees, anti-parasite medications, and other pharmaceuticals were given out. A whopping 26,000 (twenty six thousand) books ranging from Kindergarten to tertiary level were given to patrons. What a sight that was to behold! Children and adults alike flocked multiple tables to make their book selection without having to pay a dime. 4,000 tested, and reading glasses enabling people to see better. This service was over-subscribed, with many requests for another glasses distribution soon.

 

We were excited to see, greet, and serve many people from nearby communities which include, Union Estate, Twickenham Park Housing scheme, Greendale, Bernard Lodge, Strathmore Gardens, and others. Of special note, over 20 children from the Sunshine Place of Safety were seen by onsite paediatricians. Disciples from all across Jamaica (Kingston, Montego Bay, Westmoreland, Santa Cruz, Mandeville, and May Pen) journeyed by bus, and private motor cars to access a range of services in Spanish Town.

 

The services offered at the Health Fair included Paediatrics, dental, optical, general medical, pharmaceutical, other services such as legal, nutrition, justice services, financial, and not to leave out our prayer corner.

 

To God's glory 2 men who were studying the bible, and present at the health fair were restored and baptized the following week. Also, a young lady who accessed medical services at the fair has visited church twice, and will commence bible studies soon. On her first visit, she brought her son, and a couple out to church. Please pray that God moves her heart to accept Jesus as her Lord.

 

Kudos to the small planning committee of Health and Book Fair 2019! You truly are heroes. With the leanest budget, and the biggest hearts you have demonstrated that with God, “all things are possible”. Our primary objective was to plan an event that would create an opportunity for disciples to serve others, touching the lives of people as Jesus did while he walked the earth. To His honour the goal was achieved.

 

Special thanks to our Partners, Helping Others with Love Inc. who donated the books, John Mahagen and the Orlando Member Missions, who donated the glasses and the Staff of HOPE USA who came to serve along with donating pharmaceuticals and water filters. Thanks also, to our many kind local donors, and a highly qualified cadre of professionals who freely gave of their time and talents in service to the poor.

 

(Above: Ian, Loida, Samenthur, Tim, and Sheree)

It was truly a blessing having Tim and Samenthur Blake, plus Ian and Loida Nicholson, in Montego bay and Savannah-La-Mar (Sav) in March 2019. Tim and Sam are Lead Evangelist and Women's Ministry Leader (WML) in Hartford Connecticut, and they are passionate and experienced church builders. Ian is an Elder, serving with his wife, Loida in the Hartford Church. The Church is known as the Heart; and that is exactly what they brought, lots of love and they gave their hearts as they served the saints.

Mark and Sophia Clarke, who moved back to Westmoreland Jamaica late last year, were previously members of the Hartford Church. Through their great love for Mark and Sophie, and their strong Caribbean connection, they decided to visit, serve and inspire the Churches in Montego Bay and Sav.

It was a weekend filled with inspirational lessons. Tim and Sam taught the Sav ministry about building a church from a small group. They also visited the Sav infirmary, where they got an opportunity to touch not just the hands but also the hearts of the residents.

The Montego Bay small group leaders were called higher by a lesson on Shepherding and Unity from Ian and Loida. The weekend culminated with a BYND service, where 79 disciples had an attendance of 162 person. All praise be to God!

Tim preached a heart-moving message that connected with many of the visiting guests and disciples a like. Since then, many persons have started studying the Bible. One evening, two women came to study the Bible and brought three friends along with them. So, the four sisters faithfully studied the Bible with five women. Many more continue to express their desire to seek after God. We faithfully hold on to the scriptures that remind us to rely on God.

Luke 10:2

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.