The Community Services Ministry of the Cole Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church, St. Maarten, continues to take, very seriously, its mandate, which is to serve the community. Jesus’ example tells the Christian that, in order to reach the world, we must get to know them.
Many people have lost faith in Christ and have given up on the world, but when their needs are met in the simplest ways, the light of Jesus begins to shine through.
The Community Services Ministry operates a soup kitchen which caters to the community of Sint Maarten. Through the years, its doors have been open on Sunday mornings to community members who come to receive a hot meal, clothing items and also Bible studies.
Although hurricane Irma devastated the island and caused the soup kitchen to be out of commission for about a month, God continued to bless. Over 5,656 hot meals and 3,474 items of clothing were distributed during 2017. Welfare Ministry Chapter 40 states, “Let them do Christian help work, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This will have a far stronger influence for good than the preaching of any sermon.”
The Community Services Ministry now prepares hot meals three days weekly – Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since the year began, 3,526 hot meals and 1,499 items of clothing have been distributed.
The community members are also reached where they are in their . On Sunday, 24th February, Community Services, in collaboration with Health Ministries, descended on the community of Cay Bay to share Jesus in a practical way. Over 50 volunteers ministered in various capacities to serve over 400 persons. During this outdoor activity, over 238 hot meals, 500 clothing and household items, 41 boxes of groceries, 10 cases of water, 50 glucose and blood sugar health checks and 75 children’s hygiene packages were distributed. Members were also on hand to pray with individuals who requested prayer. At least one person has been attending church services since this activity, and many others have indicated that they will. While this activity was taking place in Cay Bay, there were also persons being
ministered to at the church.
These activities can only happen with the aid of the Holy Spirit who reminds the church of its purpose here on earth. Community members also receive Bible studies on Sunday mornings, which have resulted in 7 baptisms during 2017; to God be the glory.
The Ministry of Healing page 143 reminds us of The Key to True Success … “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, Follow Me.”