People are crying out for help! Assist somebody today
Published:Tuesday | January 12, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Hello, mi neighbour! Writing an article in which the needs of some neighbours are highlighted, and then receiving calls, emails and texts form neighbours desirous of helping them is exciting!
Those who can identify with the satisfaction derived from helping others can relate to this excitement. Hopefully, those who are unable to relate to it will become curious and inspired to help lighten the burden which some neighbours carry alone from day to day.
Although it was not the Creator's intention for an individual to paddle, especially, through the rough seas of life, alone, yet it's a reality faced by many Jamaicans. Oftentimes it is a result of their own doings: procrastination, bad decisions, foolish mistakes, etc. Whatever the reason for their reality, everyone has a moral obligation to extend a kind hand to them. We must remember that many neighbours are bereft of the mental ability, knowledge and the support system required for good decision making. And yes, every neighbour has a right to a high quality of life.
From all angles, the world is in a mess, messed up by people who are terribly messed up! People are crying out for help from every nook and cranny. The young men and women whose street attire is an embarrassment to many have no sense of
direction and are crying out for guidance. Instead of criticising them because it's an easier thing to do, we must find a way to rescue them. Let's not be daunted by the possible danger of trying to guide them. There may greater danger in not helping them. Pray!
Permit me to use my religious hat to underscore the danger of not helping others. In warning against unhelpfulness, Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes ... he will separate the people one from another ... . He will say to those on His right, 'Come you, take your inheritance ... . For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink (etc)? The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on His left, 'Depart from me ... for I was hungry and you gave me
nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink (etc).' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Wow!
THANKS TO NEIGHBOURS:
1. Neighbour, St Catherine, for offering a bed and pillows to Joycelyn, St Catherine.
2. Ms Bradshaw, St Andrew, for offering a bed to Annakay, St Mary.
3. Sandra, St Catherine, for donation of clothing for male and female.
4. Joan, for donation of clothing and shoes for females.
5. Ms McLean, St Ann, for donation of clothing.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR HELPING
- Neighbour, single mother asking for start-up capital to start a micro business: bleach, soap and phone cards - trying to send children to school.
- No food to eat - asking for neighbour's help.
- Neighbour, St Thomas, asking for clothing and shoes for one-year-old son.
- Donna, asking neighbours for a stove for baking.
- Antoinette, Clarendon, trying to start a chicken-rearing business and is in need of a second-hand freezer.
- Ms White, St Ann, had a little grocery shop, but fell upon tough times, asking for help to restock.
- Neighbour, going through a rough patch and is asking neighbours for a stove and a mattress.
- Missionary, Kingston, asking neighbours for a washing machine.
- To help, please call 334-8165, 884-3866, 299-3412 or deposit to acct # 351 044 276NCB. (Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX) or send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; e-mail