MoBay's needy get Mission of Mercy help

Western Bureau:

In a gesture with biblical overtones, scores of Montegonians were clothed and fed at the biannual Mission of Mercy Outreach Fair, which took place at the Trumpet Call Ministries International headquarters on Howard Cooke Boulevard, in Montego Bay, last Friday

The fair, which is in its 11th year, is viewed as one of the Second City's most prized charity events as it is generally felt that it takes humanitarianism to a another level, providing relief to hundreds of needy men, women and children.

The treat, which was well attended, was in full swing when The Gleaner team visited the location. The entire sanctuary was transformed into a shopping mall-like setting with clothes, shoes and other apparel being handed out in an organised manner.

"I have been coming here for quite a few years and it has been a blessing, not only to me, but for everyone," said Sorrette Bruce, an elderly resident of Montego Bay.

Bruce and the other persons in attendance did not only receive items of clothing, but also walked away with gift packages containing food items such as rice, flour, sugar and more. Prior to leaving, each person got a hot meal. Those who required it, were provided with medical and dental attention, as well as hair care, courtesy of hair salons that were set up on location.

"Sometime we deh a we yard and don't have anything, so this fair helps us to get a little clothes and shoes that I can put on," said a grateful Eugene Kelly.

Obligation to help poor

Mary Wildish, the pastor of the Trumpet Call Ministries International, said the Church has an obligation to reach out to the poor. She said the church was grateful for the help of partners like Colgate and Progressive Foods, among others.

In addition, Wildish noted that aside from the two fairs held each year - the other being a back-to-school-treat - the church feeds roughly 200 persons each week.

"Our heart is really to show the love of Christ to the community around us," said Wildish. "At Christmastime, things are tight economically for so many people, so to give them an opportunity to get things is really a blessing.

"I think a lot of the crime and violence that we experience comes out of impoverishment. People are hungry in our society. They have needs, and so it is in our hearts to try, as a church to meet people's need in a practical way," added Wildish.