"Cool Runnings"

W. Almando Quow • October 30, 2018

A Vincentian's visit to Jamaica

W. Almando Quow is the Solid Waste Manager at Central Water and Sewerage Authority of St. Vincent and the Grenadines . He also is the minister to the ICOC fellowship in those islands.

"34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, „Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!‟ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept it.” (Luke 7:34-35; ERV) 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 37-40; NIV)

I just returned home from a business trip in Jamaica over the last week and I thought I should share the good news of what God has done as I surrendered myself to be used by him. The Church in St.Vincent has been studying out Jesus’s approach to sharing the gospel as part of a fresh look at evangelism through a series of lessons collectively dubbed ‘All Things to All Men’. This business trip presented a perfect opportunity to put into practice what we have been learning from the scriptures. Jesus obviously loved fellowship (Luke 7:34-35) and he used those opportunities to gain access into the lives and hearts of men and women in order to find the perfect place to plant the seed of the gospel- thus giving it the best opportunity to germinate and grow. If you are into gardening you may have a better appreciation for what I am saying here, in that depending on what you want to plant, you first survey the field to find the best place to plant it. Jesus’s example has taught me to first spend some time surveying the field of an individual’s heart and then plant the word once a fertile spot is found. This approach also guards against having any preconceived ideas of where people are at spiritually or any fixed agenda about what I want to share.

The schedule was grueling and hectic with lots of information to take in and an expectation that I should be mentally engaged enough to meaningfully contribute to discussions and decision making that has regional and national implications. Then there are the informal lunch and dinner meetings with old and new professional associates and other organized social events that aim to strengthen collaborations. The temptation is to simply focus on business, as there seem to be little room to get into people’s personal lives where the Gospel is most relevant and effective. Besides, professionals are generally guarded and have the tendency to want to stick to discussing business related issues. But I felt convicted that the gospel must be shared, so I had to find a way to make the most of every opportunity no matter how limited.

Preparation for the mission required constant prayer for an open door and my daily devotions for the week focused on meditating on just one applicable scripture. That scripture was Luke 10: 38-42, where I zeroed in on Jesus’s teaching about the tendency to be busy and concerned about many things when only one thing is necessary. My one thing was to allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way each day, trusting that through Him I can fulfill my professional obligations while at the same time effectively share the Gospel. And man did the Spirit deliver on that promise! As I type this I am suffering from evangelism overload! No complaint though it is what it is. I saw Satan fall like lightning from the sky! Yet I am humbled that this was not done by my strength alone, the Holy Spirit took charge and I am happy that I had the conviction to follow.

By following Jesus’s example I made many friends on this trip, I was allowed into the personal lives of so many professionals while still gaining recognition as a leading technical resource in the region. But most importantly, I found fertile ground to plant the seed of the gospel and my faith is telling me to expect an abundant harvest of righteousness. If I were to write descriptively of all the people I met and shared with after having fairly deep personal conversions, this article will be about 10 pages long. And mind you, many of these conversations were less that 1 hour but in applying the lessons from Jesus and with the guiding of the Holy Spirit, those conversations were deep and rich. I have met folks for the first time who have invited me to come to their country and stay at their homes with my family, I have been officially adopted as a brother by someone from Central America, I am considered a mentor to others and on my final flight home, I met a brother from the mainline Church of Christ who is excited about getting to know more about our fellowship. These are just some of the new relationships built during the trip and all because of the Gospel.

In building these relationships we started off talking about business, then I asked about family life ( married, kids etc.) and usually from then on personal struggles and religious experiences came into play which then identified the perfect spot to plant the Word. You see, men were created for relationships and no matter how successful people may appear, if they are not following Christ they have broken and dysfunctional relationships which leaves a gaping hole in their hearts. That’s what the Gospel seeks to fill (Matthew 22:37-40). No matter how well qualified and accomplished people may seem, that hole can never be filled by professional accolades and material possessions. It is in that hole that you drop the seeds of the Gospel as you will find little initial resistance. But you have to move quickly and with sincerity or they will soon cover it up and it will be difficult to uncover again. Professionals do not like to be vulnerable and they have so many cloaks available to mask their pain (degrees, material possessions, influential positions in society, admiration and respect of others etc.).

There is more work is to be done to follow up and get my friends plugged in to a fellowship in their respective countries and some of that work has already started. But the Spirit is saying to me that someone or some people out of this group will become disciples of Jesus Christ. In a way I write this article so that I don’t forget to finish the work. I will be sending contacts to disciples in the countries where my friends are from to help water the seeds.

It was also a special threat to spend some time catching up with my longtime friends Kirk and Sheree Spencer and their daughters Jasmine and Jenee. Overall, the trip was fulfilling professionally and evangelistically and allowing the Sprit to lead has truly made the experience "cool runnings‟ (Jamaicans will know what I mean:) ).

Health Centre named after Dr. Kenneth Baugh

By Gregory Baugh • January 22, 2020
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.

Health Fair sees hundreds attend

By Reynolds • July 24, 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.

Connecticut Connecting with Mo Bay & Sav

By Kirk & Sheree Spencer • April 9, 2019
(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.

Savannah-La-Mar Gets Leaders

By Sheree Spencer • April 9, 2019
The migration phenomenon with Jamaicans is typically going in one direction - away of the island. When members of the church migrate, they are typically servants of the church, so their departure leaves a gaping hole in the leadership of the church. Therefore, it is of great delight when disciples migrate to Jamaica, especially when they come to serve the church. The disciples in the west are overjoyed to welcome Mark and Sophia Clarke from the church in Hartford, Connecticut, who have moved back to Westmoreland, Jamaica, and have agreed to lead the ministry in Savannah- La-Mar (Sav). The team of disciples from Sav are excited and eager to work together to win the people of Westmoreland for God. They have started with once per month Friday devotionals and Sunday services. The team of disciples has friends and family who come out consistently, and several visitors have started to study the Bible. Please keep the Sav ministry on your hearts and in your prayers.

A Dream to Serve Comes True

By Sheralyn Spencer • March 20, 2019
On March 12th, 2019 members of the Montego Bay Christian Church family and friends from Hilo had the pleasure of serving a hearty breakfast to the students of Albion Primary School. This is a program that has been on my heart since 2017, shortly after my family moved to Jamaica. As I saw the needs at my daughter Jasmine’s school, where classmates would eagerly partake of her lunch, generally because they didn’t have their own. So Jasmine and I decided to send extra lunches to help a few students. As we spoke to a teacher to see how this lunch plan could be expanded, it came to my attention that there was an even greater need at Albion Primary School. So we contacted Albion and made plans to start the school feeding program. (We still send lunches for a few students at my daughter’s school, but we focused on the needs at Albion). This idea has now blossomed into a bi-annual event, where we provide things like porridge, sandwiches, franks with beans, cake and tea to the students who need breakfast at Albion Primary High School. Disciples donated, prepared and served the breakfast. Mellonie Boothe, a disciple and teacher at Albion, has been encouraged and inspired by the loved shown to the students of her school. The first year, Hilo supermarket gave donations of food items and a representative came and gave gifts to the most improved student of each grade. This year, Ms Phillip, the Hilo representative who came last year, called to ask if we can partner with her to serve the students as her birthday treat. On Tuesday, Ms Philip and Ms Davis, the store manager, came and provided a large quantity of the food that was served on March 12th. They were inspired and asked if they could be part of our next scheduled school feeding. The first year we fed approximately 120 students. This year we fed approximately 160 students. At the end of serving the last group of students, one of the children came back to say thank you and God bless. At the end, we spent time thanking God for providing for the needs and for the privilege of serving in this way. Please continue to pray for us and that God continues to grow the program to consistently meet as many needs as possible.

My Experience at the KCOC's 1st Women's Retreat

By Patricia Williams • March 14, 2019
Proverbs 25:25 - Like cold water to a weary soul is good news to from a distant land The Women's retreat was good news in a distant land! the land of Runaway Bay, St. Ann! and to say it was like a drink of cool water is an understatement. The retreat was so needed by all of us that it was like a drink cool water, to get away from our routines, to bask in the warmth the sun/son, to enjoy sweet fellowship with sisters we don't get to see that often, was so good! Tori and I arrived Friday, as it was her birthday weekend we spent two nights, so we had the hotel all to ourselves, it was a time for me to prepare for the retreat. Saturday morning brought a flood of happy, bubbly disciples from all over Jamaica, dressed to relax and rejuvenate, all smiles, and chatter as we moved through the registration process into the main auditorium for breakfast and a message or so I thought, instead there were so many delightful surprises, before we got into the message there were games including Bingo and a scavenger hunt that lasted the two days. Nacia Reynolds, and her mom Nadine prayed and open the door for heavens blessings on the event, then there was a message by Shelly Wong that I absorbed with all 12 senses, Yes all 12! the word of God but pressure on my soul to think differently about some challenges in my life through Shelly's message.She suggested the 'what would Jesus do'(WWJD) maxim maybe more effective if we use"what would Jesus think'(WWJT) We broke into two classes, the teens had a separate class, after a scrumptious lunch we hung with each other and absorbed the beauty of God's people so many of us in one place. We were encouraged to have Claudette Patterson one of the sisters form the Santa Cruz church who was a trouper, calling us all higher as she set an example of self denial. The group was encouraged by a presentation by Drs Sandra Swaby and Maxine Cargill who addressed questions on women's health including back pain and menopause to name a few. We all took away delicately wrapped soaps of various fragrances as tokens,wowza! After we broke for dinner, checked into out rooms, some couldn't rest, it was back to the auditorium for games and dancing, Kalooki ended past midnight, and some disciples were up by 6 am the next day for a rigorous prayer walk to the beach. Some stayed in the auditorium for aerobics. The retreat ended after an amazing service where Simone Baugh used Mary's relationship with Jesus to remind us that worship is more important than activity, Marsha took us back to Mary's encounters with Christ and it was like we were right there, seeing her tears, worshiping Christ with Mary! The retreat ended all too soon , but with just enough to keep us longing for the next retreat.

Giving God Glory

By Gregory Baugh • February 27, 2019
Courtney Bailey was appointed to the role of Teacher for the Kingston Church of Christ in 2012, and has served in the teaching ministry for other Caribbean churches of the International Churches of Christ. He co-founded the Damian Jean-Baptiste Caribbean School of Ministry, along with Tyrone Marcus, a disciple from Trinidad & Tobago whom he helped become a Christian whilst they were both law students at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Courtney has been an outstanding student and servant of God and continues to be so. He is currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in theology at the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. He initially enrolled in the Masters programme, but was invited to apply for an upgrade to the PhD programme based on his performance. In early 2019, Courtney Bailey became the managing partner of one of the largest law firms in the English speaking Caribbean. If asked, he will tell you that he owes his success to God. He is keenly aware that all his talents have been God-given, and he uses them for God’s glory. Courtney is firstly a man of God, a meticulous student of God’s word, a family man, then a lawyer. It is his drive to be excellent in his service to God that has enabled him to advance professionally. He epitomizes Colossians 2:23, the scripture that reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”. Courtney’s success ought to motivate and encourage all servants of God. If one strives to please God, then one becomes more of what God intended: for us to be made in his glorious image. Success, therefore, may be right around the corner. Believe the word that reads, “All hard work brings a profit” (Prov 14:23). Let this example motivate you to put God first, while being excellent on your job. God will be glorified and your will find success.

Double Celebration in St. Catherine

By Nadine Reynolds (edited by G.Baugh) • January 25, 2019
The St. Catherine Ministry had time to celebrate and rejoice with the angels in heaven as they welcomed their new sisters in Christ. Nasya Reynolds and Deandra Westcarth from the teen’s ministry made Jesus Lord of their lives and were baptized on December 30th 2018 and January 1, 2019 respectively. These young ladies grew up in the church, as their parents have been faithful servants of God for many years. It is truly inspiring to see the younger generation make Jesus their Lord, and families being united in Christ. We pray that God may use them to help their generation and the next to come to know Him as their Lord and savior. Let us continue to reach out to the next generation and pass on to them what has been given to us. “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” ( Deuteronomy 11: 18 - 19)

Teen Ministry Christmas Initiative

By Shantana Hunter • December 19, 2018
Shantal Barrett, a young teen disciple of the KCOC church came up with an initiative to purchase and distribute food items to those less fortunate in and around New Kingston after church. On Sunday, December 16,2018, this idea became a reality. The Kingston Church of Christ (KCOC) Teens and Teen Workers went in and around areas of New Kingston where food items such as patties and cran-waters were distributed to less fortunate people. A sum of $6000 JMD was raised amongst the teens to purchase these food items. A total of 20 teens and workers volunteered their time, which helped to make this event successful.

Anya Says 'Yes'

By Dionne Pryce • December 19, 2018
Anya came to church in 2016 when she began to live with her aunt, "Aunty Marcia", who is a disciple in the church in St. Catherine. Anya wasn't quite like the other teens who have since become Christians in that she initially was befriended by an adult, Nomali Campbell. She would sit with Aunty Nomali on Sundays and hangout with her at various places and activities, including the monthly "Singles Lyme" at Cafe José. In the course of time Anya expressed interest in studying the Bible. At the time there were no female disciples in the teen ministry and so she studied the Bible with adults and continued to fellowship with persons in the singles ministry. Anya wanted change in her life and she knew that that change would come from God. At her first study, her heart of repentance was obvious; her aunt shared with those who were studying with Anya that Anya was so moved by the word of God that she wrote her a letter in response. She continued her Bible studies with this determination and on June 5th, 2017 she was baptized into Christ. Since then she has continued to be her fun-loving self, hanging out with teen disciples and adults alike. Although Anya hasn't had the easiest life and her journey with God has had its typical challenges, she has persevered, retaining a kind heart, and being willing to serve and help others.
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