An Outreach Mission of Bethany Fellowship

Antioch Gospel Chapel (Antioch), currently the only Christian Brethren Assembly in St. Thomas, Jamaica, was established on May 15, 1994 when its first Breaking of Bread service was held.

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The blessed hand of the Lord was evident on this work from the start. Poorman’s Corner and its environs in Yallahs, St. Thomas, Jamaica, came to the attention of Bethany’s Missions Committee in 1990. The Lord impressed on evangelist Al Lambert, as he drove through that area, that there were open doors for evangelism there. Returning to Bethany just as members of Bethany’s Mission Committee were discussing rural outreach plans, he excitedly shared this leading with them. Prayerfully, members later journeyed to Yallahs to “view the land.” They were led of the Lord to Yallahs Gardens Housing Scheme. Today this is Phase 1 of 4 housing schemes which subsequently sprang up along the Heartease main road as the population grew. Having journeyed onwards, the group was constrained by the Holy Spirit to stop and return to Phase 1.

 

Bethany’s outreach programme began in Phase 1 with house-to-house visiting, open-air meetings and children’s ministry (including fun days and Christmas treats). There was indeed an open door of opportunity. Residents opened their homes, hearts and even their electricity supply (to supply power for the open-air equipment). Several adults and children received the Lord as Saviour. At their request, marriages were later arranged for some of those first converts who had been living in concubinage. No suitable place could be found in Phase 1 where those who had accepted Jesus as Lord could be discipled, baptized, and taught. The first members of the outreach team included Brian & Winifred Silvera, Kathleen Rogers, Lincoln & Melita Chambers, Dacre & Medora Pryce, Arlen Bryan, Al Lambert, Edward Smith and Calvin & Angela Williams. (Some of these persons are now with the Lord).

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Bethany sought and received approval in 1993 to erect a tent on government lands nearby for a crusade. A plot of land was assigned in East Albion along the Heartease main road, opposite to the vacant lands which today house Phase 3 of the Yallahs Housing Scheme. Later, it became obvious that the developers had made a serious omission. No land had been allotted by them for a church, school or health centre for these new communities of Phase 1, 2, and 3 or for East Albion. Had God led us here for such a time as this? Seizing the opportunity, Bethany soon applied to purchase this plot of land. There a tent was joyfully hoisted in December 1993. To shouts of “Hallelujah!” a group of young men from Bethany, led by the late Bro. Fred Collins (of St. Ann) enthusiastically lifted the tent into the air. Among them were Edward Smith, Hermon Edmondson, Lawrence Nicholson and Noel Reynolds. Just before the tent crusade began the Lord again affirmed His leading. He led an influential lady (Vashti Garnett) from nearby Heartease to the site. She accepted the Lord Jesus on the spot. She alone brought over 70 persons to the first crusade. She continued testifying of her salvation while in fellowship at Antioch until her death in 1999. During that first crusade over 100 persons were counselled for salvation.