Fellow Labourers-
As I read this article I am in Montego Bay looking at folks feasting sumptuously on their breakfasts. My mind, however, was on the folks who will have to send their children to school in September. Then, the generosity of our people during convention flashes across my mind like a meteor across the sky on a dark night. I was extremely touched with Sunday evening as we reached out to a brother in need.
A number of mothers have approached me for help with back to school book lists, and I have no doubt that you, or someone you know might have been approached as well. I am thinking that we could collect all the book lists, check to see if we can find the books as well as do a collection drive to help to meet these needs. When I give only to one mother I may very well be dampening the effect of touching many lives.
I am thinking that from Sunday coming (23/08/09) until the end of September we could have a drive. Now this is short term but for the longer term we may want to see if there is not an investment plan we could use to help to offset some of these ever pressing needs. I know our youth ministry had a back to school drive, but I have not heard anything of it recently. We can't afford to send them a way, we must feed them.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
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Paulette Wallace wrote:
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the article, 'free lunch' I was eager to read the contents to see where our PD is taking us for free lunch. This one catch me PD.
Sandra Martin wrote:
ReplyDeleteElder,
I will assist withthe drive. I purchased Rolisha's books before convention when the old prices were still in effect and one book was not available and it came to almost $14,000.
We can ask persons to take their used books from primary to high school to us. We can even try and buy used books for those who might want a little remuneration to offset the cost for their new books and or swap books. If I have one that you need and you have what I need, but it will be done through us.
Sandra L. Martin
Beldene wrote:
ReplyDeletePastor designate and fellow workers of God.
This article really caught my attention very much. A church sister approached me one Sunday asking me what I'm going to do for her. I asked her like what. She told me about the books for back to school. I told her to get the book list to me and I would see what I could do. Evidently she wanted me to give her money to go buy the books herself. Now there are so many school leavers who have piles of books at their homes that they can give away, or sell at a reduced cost to help those who need help. It's just to organize a book drive venture and give some assistance to those who need it.
Hope McCormack wrote:
ReplyDeleteSeems that the Lord wants us to really do something in this area. See content of email sent to Audrey as to how the Sunday school can help in this area. under following email.
Let's get together and make it a reality. Blessings!
Sis. Mack
See email conversation re Sunday school's plans on the matter
Audrey,
Yes we usually acomodate students going back to school through the SWAP back to school programme. Can I ask you to liaise with Templa if this will still be on this year. Additionally I know that Word Time will not be able to assist in this manner at this time. Depending on what SWAP says we could call around.
We got some used school books which are stored at the church, as well as some new maths and other books from overseas. Bro. Warren Hutchinson knows about these and told me about them which I told him we could give them out for the new school year. We can review them and although they may not be very relevant to Jamaican schools, they are and will be very helpful to students. We could speak to him further on this.
Additionally we could ask members for contribution and purchase some things downtown eg, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, exercise books, socks, folder leaves etc.
LET US TALK!
Sis. Mack
Hope Mc wrote:
ReplyDeleteI sense we are all touched by this back to school situation in one way or another. May I suggest that a team be formed to coordinate and address this? We do not want any overlapping of efforts.
Perhaps Bro. Robert could help in identifying the team and they start a moving like NOW!. First week in September (back to school D-date) is just around the corner. Note that the Sunday school can give way to this team... no problem. Just let us know in time.
Any other persons with any other suggestions should put them forward NOW! so the team can benefit from all input and make this a success.
Paulette W wrote:
ReplyDeleteMin Mack, are the books you are referring to the books that were given for the Elder Keane Reading Room?
PD wrote:
ReplyDeleteGood idea!