HYC Kingston, Jamaica: A Church Leader’s Perspective
“The partnership between the church and HOPE Youth Corps will prayerfully continue to reap benefits for generations to come. ” Greg Baugh, evangelist, Kingston, Jamaica Church of Christ.
HOPE Youth Corps has served in Jamaica for many, many years. It is one of our veteran sites, and the Kingston church has felt the benefit. Read what Greg had to share…
“Have you ever wondered what it could be like to be housed with other children who were also too poor to live with their families, or in danger if they lived at home? Many countries around the world have segments of the population who know this too well, and Jamaica is no exception. Several homes, or Place of Safety, are scattered throughout Jamaica, and many are located in Kingston, the capital city. These homes provide adequate shelter and relief from danger and/or poverty. Yet, there are certain elements of a normal home that might not exist in sufficient quantities even in these places of safety.
Each year, the Hope Youth Corps (HYC) comes to Kingston, Jamaica, to serve children housed at one of these homes. Their service might seem like a drop in the bucket to some who have an excess of love and affection. But to each ward of this home, the memory of the few days each year spent getting to know loving strangers, and being known by them, adds pleasantness to their lives that lasts way past the departure of the HYC. The HYC’s activities involve a lot of play, which helps in the cognitive and social development of the children. A segment of the home houses people with severe disabilities. The HYC also provides stimulation through engaging activities tailored for this segment of the home’s population. The importance of the HYC to these children and the physically challenged wards cannot be overstated.
The church in Kingston has also benefitted greatly from the HYC’s visits. Tens of teenagers have grown up in the church and many of them have not had a full grasp of how big the ICOC movement is. Fellowshipping with members of the HYC gives them a better understanding. Furthermore, these children get to see service modelled by Christians slightly older than themselves. They also get the chance to ask questions and hear the gospel message from persons who face similar challenges unique to teens and adolescents. Lately, the teen ministry in Jamaica is seeing an increase in the number of teens being baptised. While there are many influencing factors, the HYC must be credited with providing some of the inspiration to many of the teens. The adult population of the church is also challenged by the example of the young people on the HYC. Some have started serving at the Place of Safety as a result of the HYC’s example.
Being a site for the HYC has brought many benefits to the wards at the Place of Safety, to church in Jamaica, and to the members of the HYC. The partnership between the church and HYC will prayerfully continue to reap benefits for generations to come.”
Apply to the Jamaica HYC here: https://www.hopeww.org/hyc
