Workers and members of the Seventh-day Adventist church braved the inclement weather condition to feed approximately 400 homeless, aged and indigent persons during the annual Day of Kindness last Thursday.

The day was organised by the North Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Drax Hall, St Ann. The office workers, the St Ann's Bay High and Preparatory School fraternity and church members all participated in feeding homeless persons, residents of the Trelawny Infirmary and the indigent in many small communities. The students handed out care packages in nearby communities. Approximately 4,000 Priorities magazines - Adventist Christian literature - were distributed to many individuals.

"Showing kindness is not an event," said Pastor Karl Archer, president of the conference. "It's simply caring for others, genuinely showing empathy for other human beings by giving them what they need. As children of God, we must do our part to care and offer hope to the less fortunate in our communities through rain or sunshine."

Despite the rains and dark clouds in the distant skies, many of the homeless and mentally challenged were sought out from their hiding spots such as under the bridge of the Ocho Rios bypass, the bus shelters, under huge trees, brushes and behind the markets.

"God bless you for taking care of these people. They really needed the help," said Garceline Johnson, a vendor in the Ocho Rios market.

Overwhelmed with gratitude

While intermittent showers threatened to spoil each stop, the journey persisted, and at the Trelawny Infirmary, where approximately 60 residents received dinner, many were overwhelmed with gratitude.

"The residents all enjoyed the dinner. The dessert was wonderful and the personal contact tremendous," said Elaine Clarke, a clerk at the Trelawny Infirmary.

"The beauty about your visit was that you didn't just come and distribute the meals, but you stayed for a while, prayed, and inspired each person. Your interaction was highly appreciated and the residents enjoyed it."

The Day of Kindness and Compassion is an initiative of the Inter-America Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the Adventist Development Relief Agency.