Washington Gardens SDA – Where Service is Our Mission

Thursday, July 24, 2025, was an impactful day at the Washington Gardens SDA Church as more than 150 adults and over 80 children and youth converged on the church grounds which was organized for action and service. The Occasion was a Back to School, Health and Community Impact programme which was spearheaded by the Education Department and ably supported by several other departments of the church.

 

Persons started to arrive from the Drewsland and surrounding communities before 8:00 a.m. in anticipation of the 10:00 o’clock start. Their objective was to access as many of the services as possible which had been highlighted on the flyers and posters they had received and by the town crier days before. Health-related services that were offered include Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose checks, medical screening and Back to School Medicals by three competent medical doctors, dental services offered by Dr Andrew Phillips of the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department and optical services which included, screening, referrals and the donation of ten free glasses to needy students who were examined on the day. The optical team also offered discounts to adults who required follow-up visits and/or surgery. Adding to the distinguished cadre of medical personnel was a dedicated professional pharmacist who dispensed medical supplies after consultations with patients.

 

Other trained professionals were also on location to offer their expertise and counselling services. These include representatives from the Victim Services, Legal Aid and Restorative Justice units of the Ministry of Justice and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency. Career guidance, details of their educational offerings and opportunities for further studies were made available by the teams from Northern Caribbean University and the Excelsior Community College.  The youngsters at the Kiddies’ Village which comprised of the regular Vacation Bible School attendees plus children who had come to access the services were fully engaged. Not only were they exposed to VBS ‘Mountain of Miracles’ activities but they happily participated in hands-on preparation of healthy breakfast options such as pancakes and veggie pizza. They also joined in in other fun activities, won spot prizes and each received a back-to- school package.

 

The success of the day’s activities was beyond the expectations of the planning committee as the mission to meet the social needs of the community was achieved. The church had once again demonstrated its adherence to the words of the Master, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10. In acknowledgement of the church’s impact on the community, one resident noted that the Church has really served the community well as it not only prays for their babies and buries their dead, but it also offers well needed spiritual and medical services for the benefit of all.