A group of five leaders from Jamaica to include the Swabys, Hanniff Miller, and the Reynoldses had the honour of attending the Caribbean Leaders’ bi-annual Meeting (CLM) in the Dominican Republic from Thursday April 17 to Sunday April 19. Under the theme “Our Competence comes from God,” we were treated to three enriching days of inspiration from God’s word, worship in songs, and sweet sweet fellowship. I was profoundly impacted by all the sermons; Angel Martinez- “Competence comes from God,” Brian Santos- “Dealing with Difficult Situation,” and Jeff Hickman- “Team Leadership.” My personal takeaway came from a statement made during the Sunday sermon by Jeff, ‘Walk in the life’ that Jesus gives! Typically, CLM builds unity and strengthens bonds among Caribbean leaders and churches, provides encouragement especially for smaller groups, and facilitates discipling and the exchange of ministry ideas. There were representations from a number of Caribbean nations; St Kitts and Nevis, Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St Thomas Virgin Island, St Vincent, Haiti (it was particularly encouraging to see them considering the multiple challenges on their home front), DR, and Jamaica. There were also representatives of Caribbean Mission Society (CMS) from Orlando, North River, and Canada. DR is led by Angel and Luz Martinez and a team of leaders who together epitomize servant leadership. The church has a membership of over 800 vibrant disciples. It is a warm, deeply family-oriented ministry that emphasizes love for God, each other, and the lost. It sure was a joy to worship with the saints of Santo Domingo on Sunday April 19. The diverse blend of youth, mature, and cohorts in between was a beauty to behold.

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.