news from jamaica

PT. ANTONIO
I will begin with a verse from Joel ch. 2: “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound the alarm in my holy mountain, let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is near at hand. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains, a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” I read the book of debate, but some parts do not make sense to me. Someone do please lighten my darkness. I think too much big words are used; as for me, I can’t pronounce them (smile); do they have meaning? Paul says it’s better to use five words with understanding, more than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue “Brethren, be not children in understanding, howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men (1 Cor. 14:20: ch12). About spiritual gifts, v. 6 tells us of diversities of operation, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. There is so much in the whole chapter, it would take a whole book. V 13, “For by one spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one spirit.” Then it goes on to tell us about the body, the foot, the ear, the eye, which all make up the body and one can’t work without the other. “Now God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased Him. If they were all one member, where were the body? Now are they many members, yet one body”. In vs. 28-31 God hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments.” Then it goes on to say, “Are all apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles? Have all the same gift of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet the best gifts, and yet show I unto you a more excellent way”. Chapter 13 tells us what we should have. In v. 8 it says charity (love) never faileth, but whether there be prophecies they shall fail, whether there be tongues they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away”, and notice it says “shall be” done away, and we know that with God all things are possible , so all we have to do is apply His words to our hearts, do the best we can, even to those who see us wrongfully, and wait for the return of His Son, Jesus Christ, to claim his own. What a weeping and wailing on that day! So we have to take heed how we stand, that we don’t fall on that day. God bless and keep us all in His care.
Sis. Mellie James

 
Photo: Three of the four Sisters at Pt. Antonio: Mellie in the white hat, Sis. Enid Hall and Sis. Louise Nunic sitting

ST ANN
Thanks for the Gospel News and the book, Where There is No Doctor which I find very informative; we will put into practice what is applicable to us. In regard to news from Jamaica, the work continues; we have a Bible School, at least three annually, Easter, Summer and December. As a community, our numbers are decreasing as the aged ones among us fall asleep. We do have a campaign in August, this year we hope to be in the north of the Island, at my home ecclesia, Free Hill, to be exact. In some ecclesias like Port Antonio, Argyle Mountain and Kingston most members are elderly. At Argyle Mountain the interest has fallen for some time, especially among the young who have had problems of one kind or another, but thanks to God for the faithful who remain. Presently the work is being revived with the Sunday School consisting of 12-14 children, ranging from 6-14 years. A new modern toilet system has recently been installed and things are looking up for the future. Three adults have expressed their desire to become a part of the body of Christ; we are patiently watching how true their words are. I have committed myself to studying with them. Thanks again, and may God continue to bless our efforts as we journey to the Kingdom.
Bro. Martin Shiley

ST THOMAS
I attend the ecclesia at White Horses in the parish of St. Thomas. I would like a copy of the book, ‘How To Grow a Balanced Diet’. May our Lord bless and keep you. Please pray for the Brothers and Sisters in Jamaica and keep up the good work. Please write as soon as you can.
Sis. Joan Samuels