October 16, 2020 | Codrington, Barbuda | Davin Scarborough
The effects of COVID-19 have undoubtedly impacted many around the world. Economies which were once robust have crumbled leaving many without hope and without steady forms of employment. The people of the island of Barbuda have also felt the effects of these widespread realities. Yet, in spite of the current situation, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Barbuda has been positioning itself to offer support to hundreds of homes during these difficult times.
Through various initiatives over the last few months, the Adventist Church has remained committed to honouring the words of Jesus by feeding the hungry, satisfying the thirsty, welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked. (Matt. 25:35-36)
On one occasion, 300 pounds of rice were delivered to 30 homes, while on another occasion the church distributed emergency supplies of water to 20 homes as the hurricane season approached its zenith. Additionally, a couple was blessed with a six-burner stovetop, a gas tank with hose and head, various articles of clothing, and several hot meals as they had recently moved to Barbuda. When the team arrived at the home that morning, the couple was beyond words and kept expressing their gratitude, saying, “God bless the Seventh-day Adventist Church!”
As it relates to education, the Barbuda Seventh-day Adventist Church ministered to the felt needs of some children who had not physically attended school since the COVID crisis began. The Church mobilized and offered assistance by teaching mathematics classes to prepare students for the following academic year. Moreover, the Church’s “Back-to-School Drive”, in which homes are targeted to offer financial assistance to students, was able to assist 20 families to the sum total of EC $4,000.00.
It is worth mentioning that the Church has also been able to assist members in need through collaboration with the Jumby Bay Hotel and Resort and the Mill Reef Club in Antigua, and the Barbuda Ocean Club (more affectionately known as PLH or Coco Point). This initiative allowed for church members and community members to receive groceries on a monthly basis from around midyear to present.
With all that has been happening in Barbuda and around the world, the Church is determined to remain relevant, to offer hope, and to minister to the needs of the community in Barbuda. Though challenged by the realities of this “new normal”, the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to preach the everlasting gospel through labours of love, knowing that whatever has been done unto the least of these has also been done unto Jesus. (Matt. 25:40)
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