Deputy President of The United Theological College of the West Indies, Lewin Williams is a mission co-worker of Presbyterian USA and teaches systematic theology at the college.  Joyce Williams is a staff associate for public education with the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.  Her job is to ensure that there are teachers in place in the schools, that the Board is fully constituted, and in general to ensure that the operation of the schools are to the church's satisfaction.  While the schools receive governement aid, the church still plays a role in their operations.

    Glade Run's Bill Gebhart visited the Williams in Jamaica in 1998 to aid in their mission.

The United Chuch in Jamaica & the Cayman Islands' Mission Programs*
Programs for Children
    The Mount Olivet Boys' Home is located in Walderston, Manchester and is home for some 50 boys.  Since its founding in 1967, Mount Olivet has served the needs of over 500 boys providing Christian nurture and a family atmssphere.  Most of the boys are placed int eh home by Government Agencies.  As part of their nurture, the boys are taught agricultural and woodwork skills and contribute to the running of the home.
    The Pringle Home for Children has been caring for boys and girls for over 70 years and is located in Carron Hall, St. Mary.  Children come to Pringle Home from situations of neglect and abuse, most having no family reference.
    At both homes, children are offered care and love, which many had never experienced before.  In addition to the Synod's budget, the Children's Homes receive grants from the Government of Jamaica and donations from concerned friends, partner churches and local congregations.

Programs for Youth
    A vital aspect of the interpretation of mission as Social Service ministry is the necessity of challenging individuals to take control of their lives and their circumstances.  Young people have been targeted for the development of skills which will enable them to earn a living.
    The Kelly Lawson Training Centre in Falmouth, Trelawny, was the first institution in Jamaica to offer training in the hospitality industry.  Participants are taught Home Economics and Needlework skills.  The centre is financed mainly by the United Church, tuition fees, and rental of the Centre.

Programs for Adults
    Two initiatives of the United Church are aimed at care for the elderly.  The United Church Senior Citizens Home in cool, tranquil Mandeville, Manchester, is a retirement home for senior citizens funded by the Women's Fellowship of the United Church, the Synod's budget, and the residents accomodation fees.  The facilities include a Chapel, spacious Conference and Dining Rooms and rolling lawns and gardens.
    The New Broughton Rehabilitation Centre in Manchester is a facility for inmates 55 years and over.  A joint project between the Government of Jamaica through the Correctional Services and the United Church, New Broughton Centre offers to prisoners in the sunset of their years quiet acceptance and an opportunity to prepare to begin again.  It is a low security facility that is home to many inmates who have been deserted by their families.  The United Church, through its local congregation--New Broughton United--ensures that the inmates are integrated into the life of the community and caters to their spiritual needs.  The Centre undertakes skills training: carpentry, shoemaking, and tailoring.  Those who have families are allowed to visit their families occaisionally.

You Can Assist This Ministry

Through Time...
Offer your service during the summer and at any other time of the year, to boost the programs, fellowship and ministry.  Through worship, work (skills training), recreation, and entertainment, you can make a difference.

Through Money...
Offere what funds you desire in your own currency.  No matter how small, it will make a significant difference.

Through Prayers...
Remember the social service ministry of the United Church in your prayers.  It makes a difference to know that we are being accompanied in this ministry in prayer.  Pray for all who benefit from and work in this ministry.

Through Kind...
The United Church welcomes donations of equipment towards skills training programs and would be happy to supply information on specific programs.

For further information contact, The Mission Witness and Service Department
The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
12 Carlton Crescent
Kingston 10
(876)926-8734/6059
Fax: (876)929-0826

Joyce & Lewin Williams can be contacted at
435 E. 41st Street
Paterson, NJ  07504

*Information about the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands was taken from their Facing Mission brochure.