National Labour Day, observed in Jamaica on May 23, 2025, took on deeper meaning in Green Pond, St. James, as members of the Farm Heights District of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, joined forces with the EYES Mentorship Initiative of the West Jamaica Conference to begin refurbishing the deteriorating home of a couple in need. This first phase of construction amply emphasized the overarching theme “See the Need, Meet the Need”.
Volunteers arrived early, tools in hand, ready to begin the restoration process. Throughout the day, youth and adults worked side by side, evidence of the church’s dedication to ministering to others with more than just words.
Cecelia Hemans and Norman Thompson have called the modest dwelling home for nearly 20 years. Organizers from the Cornwall Court and Farm Heights Churches shared that the project was selected after a church member visited the home of the beneficiaries and observed living conditions that were in need of urgent attention.
Volunteers from the Farm Heights District of Churches work together to restore the home during the Labour Day outreach in Green Pond, St. James. :: Photo credit: Contributed
The property consists of a small wooden structure, connected to an unfinished concrete section. Mainly as a result of limited financial resources coupled with health challenges, they were unable to finish the work they had initially started on the house. Left exposed to the elements due to the structure’s incomplete walls and deteriorating roof, they faced daily challenges that many take for granted.
“It is very hard for us because when it rains, the water comes in and we cannot be comfortable. Sometimes we have to set containers to catch water,” Norman explained.
Disclosing his disagreement with the viewpoint held by some that the church “only helps its own,” he added, “I was very happy when I heard the church was going to help us. I am not a member, and they are helping; I feel very good.”
Before restoration: The place Cecelia Hemans and Norman Thompson call home. :: Photo credit: Shadeka Haye-Campbell
Kediesha Mowatt-Grant, Mentorship Coordinator of WJC highlighted the deeper impact of the initiative.
“Mentorship is about shaping lives through example, service, and real engagement. In this project, our youth weren’t just told what service looks like; they were shown.”
She continued, “Then they picked up tools, met a need, and left an impact behind. That experience became their mentorship moment.”
“That,” Mowatt-Grant concluded, “is mentorship.”
Pastor of the Farm Heights District, Arton Wedderburn highlighted the relevance of practical involvement in ministry.
“We don’t encourage a sedentary lifestyle. Beyond developing hard skills, hands-on service like this strengthens your ability to interact with the community and touch lives in a tangible way.”
Meanwhile, he pointed out that such efforts not only benefit those being served but also impacts those who serve.
“In this instance where we are in someone’s home, improving their living experience will help young people to develop not just a sense of comradery but community so they can leave knowing that they were physically involved in improving someone’s life.”
Mentorship Coordinator of WJC, Kedeisha Mowatt-Grant (far left), Project Organizer from the Cornwall Court Church, Elder Janet Mowatt (second left), and Pastor Arton Wedderburn of the Farm Heights District (far right), present a cheque to beneficiaries Cecelia Hemans (center) and Norman Thompson (second right). :: Photo credit: Kirk Campbell
The outreach effort in Green Pond is expected to be completed by June of this year. According to the project coordinators, plans are already in motion to continue providing support in the months ahead.
In addition to the Green Pond initiative, the EYES Mentorship Initiative of the Conference also collaborated with the Youth Federations in Hanover and Westmoreland for beach clean-up and school painting, respectively. The Labour Day project planned for St. Elizabeth has been rescheduled to a later date.