Marcia, a single mother of eight children, has been the sole income earner for years, crafting brooms that she sells in Linstead, St. Catherine. Her humble abode, a zinc one-bedroom structure, has been a sanctuary for Marcia and her two youngest children, aged 11 and 14. However, the vulnerability of their home to natural hazards like hurricanes and flooding has been a constant source of concern for Marcia.
On March 17, 2024, Marcia’s dreams for a new home came to a reality as she was a beneficiary of the 'Operation Save A Youth' Initiative (OSAY) by the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CJC)—the initiative aimed to empower young people to be catalysts for positive change in their communities.
"I'm grateful and glad for the opportunity to have these people help me make this new house," she expressed. "I appreciate it a lot because this one that I live in... I had to strap down the wires when storms come. But now, I am grateful," she added, her voice reflecting a mix of relief and joy.
Mr. Wayne Capper, the Project Manager for the construction site and member of the Diamond Acres SDA Church noted that in assessing Marcia's living conditions, he and his team recognized the urgent need for a safer and more resilient dwelling. "We came here 2 weeks ago to do an assessment, and when we looked at the place, we realized that this woman needed a house," Mr. Capper explained. "So, we saw the need and decided to construct a one-bedroom and bathroom for her."
The construction project unfolded swiftly, fueled by a shared commitment to uplift Marcia and her family. "Today, we're putting up the house, installing the fixtures in the bathroom, and tiling the shower," Mr. Capper detailed. "We also have an electrician to wire the house and ensure she has the necessary lighting and proper wiring," he added, emphasizing the importance of safety and longevity.
Led by Pastor Dwayne Scott, Youth, Children, and Adolescent Ministries Director of CJC, OSAY 2024 served as an opportunity for members of the SDA church to be the hands and feeds of Jesus.
“This year, OSAY, under the theme ‘Touching Hearts and Saving Lives’, is expecting to make an impact with over 50 projects across the parish in the areas of beautification and painting, renovation and construction, and cleaning up. We are cleaning up the May Pen Market, the May Pen Cemetery as well as the beaches. We have also been feeding persons on the streets and cleaning up the town itself,” explained Pastor Scott.
Marcia's new home now stands tall as a beacon of hope and resilience amidst the trials of life. Her resilient spirit and faith in Jesus have been her guiding forces as she navigates the challenges of life, striving to provide for her family in the face of adversity, including her numerous health conditions.
In the spirit of Christian service and unwavering compassion, OSAY continues to touch hearts and transform lives, one act of kindness at a time. Through their collective efforts, Adventist youths have served as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways to brighter futures for individuals like Marcia Reid, her family, and countless others across Clarendon.
