Church folk overcome depression, other setbacks to welcome New Year
Published:Tuesday | January 1, 2019 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/ Gleaner Writer
Overcoming depression, escaping death, and even getting job promotions were some of the experiences shared by church folk as they reflected on the past year at their Watchnight services on Monday.
Jonathan Garth was overwhelmed with gratitude to God as he shared how his father, the Reverend Peter Garth, almost died on Christmas Day.
"On Christmas Day, my father left out for service before my mom and I. He was coming from the Oxford Road direction heading to Liguanea, and he got to the stoplight at the intersection of Stanton Terrace and Old Hope Road. A woman was coming from the right side, which would have been Mountain View end. She ran the red light and came straight into his vehicle, but the greatest impact was at the front wheel as opposed to his door," the younger Garth shared with the congregation at the Hope Gospel Assembly in St Andrew.
"We just have to thank God because had the vehicle slammed directly into his door, it would have been so much different. Can you imagine losing my father on Christmas Day? I am really grateful," he continued.
He said all his dad had to show were a few cuts on his hand.
At the Church of God of Prophecy on Old Hope Road in St Andrew, Sherine Rodriguez shared how she watched God create a stable job for her after working for one day only.
"Two years ago, I got a job, but it started out with me working one day, then two days, then it turned into one week, then two weeks. The last one I did paid more than the others, so I said to myself that I needed to go on fasting. I go on three days fasting. It so happened that they called me to work for two weeks over the holidays, and the day I was supposed to finish, I got a call from the HR (human resource manager), and she said, 'Can you work two more weeks?' I said, 'Oh yes!'" she said to a burst of laughter from the audience.
"I said to myself, 'Lord, I know you are going to give me this job', and today (Monday), they said to me, 'Don't stop coming till I tell you'. I just said, 'Thank you, Jesus'. I know God has come through for me."
Tameka Robinson, who was attending the same church, disclosed that she had to learn to confront the episodes of depression that she had been encountering and today is experiencing tremendous peace of mind and excitement as she welcomes the New Year.