THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE ARE those in our society who continually berate the Church in Jamaica for not doing anything to ease the burden of our society. It is our opinion that the decriers themselves are not associated with any church.
A few days ago Jamaica lost a monument to development in the destruction of the North Street United Church by fire.
Few persons are aware of the fact that one of Jamaica's first building societies was started by that church in 1862 for the benefit of the people.
During the past 10 years, besides preaching Jesus Christ and Him being crucified, the church has sought to fulfil His mission of upliftment of community by establishing a day nursery to offer care to community babies to free up mothers for work.
It has trained those mothers in skills such as garment construction, information technology, and videography so that they can be marketable.
At the request of its community, the church established a bakery and has taught baking skills to generate income for outreach.
It has handed over to young men in its community a fully-equipped woodwork shop so that those with woodwork skills can be assisted in their bid to earn a living.
North Street United has a medical programme and Drop In Centre for youths who may wish to discuss their problems.
It has looked critically at its primary school in its 100-year-old building and has infused it with a new spirit such that its children are proud achievers at GSAT.
North Street epitomises the Christian Church in Jamaica and needs to be helped to continue the mission of Christ in sharing the WORD and in uplifting its community which is now classified as inner city with all its connotations.
I am, etc.,
SHEILA NICHOLSON
Programme director
