The Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene (located in York Pennsylvania, United States of America) has had a long standing relationship with the Jamaica East District, sending Work and Witness teams to the island to assist in building God’s kingdom on that side of the vineyard. This growing relationship saw the development of a programme called EJAM, where not only would a Work and Witness team come from the Stillmeadow church, but also churches on the Jamaica East district would send Work and Witness teams to assist in mission projects in York, Pennsylvania.
During the period July 6 – 12, 2014 the Jamaica East District sent its first Work and Witness team to assist the Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene in their Mission Week. This six (6) member team consisted of Sisters Georgia Lewis, Hermina Lewis, Shawna-Lee Gordon, Tricia-Gaye Shand, Chantay Grey and Brother Carlos Gordon. They served with approximately fifty-five (55) youths and adults from the Stillmeadow family.
The week was Spirit-filled and saw this amazing group of workers giving of their time, energy and resources to the ministry of the Lord. They ministered by working with the organization “Habitat for Humanity” where they assisted in building a house for a lady and her disabled daughter. The lady currently has to carry her daughter up and down four (4) flights of stairs in order to get in and out of her apartment. The team also prepared meals at the York Rescue Mission to feed the homeless and impoverished of the city.
Additionally, the team visited a home for persons who suffer from cerebral palsy and helped to prepare for a fair. The team also cleaned lockers, desks and chairs at a local high school. This ministry of love was further extended to shut in persons via beautifying their homes. There was also a beautification project of the city campus and the surrounding communities. Each day commenced and ended with a devotional time where youths spent time sharing the word, praying and fellowshipping.
The Jamaican Work and Witness team consider themselves privileged to have been used so mightily by God and encourage their brothers and sisters to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11), as we fulfill the mandate given, to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 29:19).
Written by Carlos Gordon
