The Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) on the 18th of June 2023 presented a certificate of appreciation to the Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. The event was under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency, The Most Honorable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica and was embellished by live performances of the renowned University Singers in concert.
The function was to recognize the contributions of individuals, organizations and companies which have assisted the JSB and the population of blind and visually impaired persons over the years. The Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church was one of the awardees. The citation on the certificate for the church read:
Through your Possibilities Ministry, the Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church has demonstrated a serious commitment to inclusivity and support for the blind community. Your efforts to foster understanding and inclusion are truly commendable.
Through your collaboration with the Jamaica Society for the Blind, the church has sought to provide practical assistance to those who are blind in our welfare and education programmes. Your soup kitchen initiative, which extended meals to needy blind persons and persons enrolled in our CSEC programme, not only addressed the immediate needs of these individuals but also demonstrated the church's deep empathy and compassion. By providing donations such as headphones for our computer lab, the church has played an important role in enhancing the educational experience of our blind and visually impaired clients, enabling them to pursue their studies with greater ease and access.
The Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church’s dedication to understanding, involving and ministering to blind persons deserves utmost recognition. Your efforts in various areas, from inclusion to education, exemplify your commitment to improving the lives of individuals who are blind. Through your compassionate actions, the church has not only uplifted the blind community but also set a powerful example of kindness, empathy, and support for others to emulate.
In recognition of your efforts in creating a more inclusive and caring society, Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist, we [JSB] salute you.”
Beverly Campbell of the Sandy Park SDA Church holds citation received from the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) on the 18th of June 2023. :: Photo credit:
One of the pioneers who has and continues to play an outstanding role in the Possibility Ministries and Community Services at the Sandy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church is Sister Beverly Campbell. Other outstanding members who have played important roles in supporting the ministry to the blind community are Jodean Thompson-Bennett, Meshonette Apbleby, Donna Williams and Maudriana Stewart just to name a few. Based on the impact of the church members over the years, the Sandy Park Church was invited to participate in the launch of JSB Sight Awareness Week 2019. The first elder, Oral Elliott upon receiving the notification of invitation from Sis. Campbell recommended my involvement as a representative for the Sandy Park Church on the programme.
"It was a challenge for me to speak because, at that time, I was ignorant of best practices in relating, supporting, and ministering to the blind community. I was also ignorant of the church's history of ministering to the blind and the needs, interests, and expectations of the blind community. It was then that I prayed, researched, and prepared extensively with the intent of adding value and making a difference in the blind community. Today, I am grateful to God and the Sandy Park SDA Church for what has been accomplished thus far and the level of support received from leadership and members alike.
Photo of letter and citation presented to the Sandy Park SDA Church by the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) on the 18th of June 2023. :: Photo credit:
I recalled after sharing the message surrounding Jesus’ response to the question in St. John 9:2 “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” NIV. A few weeks after, Mr. Daemon McLean, Chairman of the JSB invited me to join the board as a coopted member. I accepted the challenge to serve as a Director on the Board of Directors of the JSB for approximately three years. The experience of serving on the JSB board has made an indelible mark on my life. I still remember our first sets of ZOOM board meetings and the number of hours and quality time spent making critical decisions for the running of the JSB and Vision Centre during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. There were times when Board meetings were heading to almost midnight and I was fighting the sleep while simultaneously caring for three children under ten years old.
The ministry to the Blind and visually impaired at the Sandy Park SDA Church needs your support to continue the soup kitchen, advocacy, empowerment, and care of the Blind and visually impaired Community. The church in partnership with the EJC Possibility Ministries under the inspired leadership of Pastor Sheldon N. Schooler, Director of Community Services at East Jamaica Conference is committed to improving the quality of our services, empowerment, and ministry to the Blind community in East Jamaica.