On Tuesday, October 30, 2018, six (6) members of the Island Missions team left New Providence for a mission trip to Long Island, The Bahamas.  The effort was initiated by Elder Warren (Buck) and Sister Carla Rodgers, to assist a church member in Long Island whose family home initially sustained damage from Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.  Subsequent hurricanes and storms added to the already severely damaged roof, as well as other areas of the home.

Island Missions’ undertook to repair the roof to stop the leak and the water damage resulted from it.

On the day of arrival, Island Missions got to work.  The roof was found to be severely damaged and leaking profusely.  The work begun by removing damaged plywood, and stripping felt existing shingles.  These were replaced by new plywood, ice & water shield, and shingles, all provided by donors whom the Rodgers sourced.  For the duration of the Long Island venture, the team was assisted by local carpenter and church member Sherlock Turnquest.

The building being repaired was a two-storey building with a high foundation, situated on a hill.  This considerable height presented a daunting challenge for all but experienced roofers. Challenge encountered, challenge met. By God’s grace, the fears of the height was conquered by the mandate to complete the mission.

No workers can work without food, and Island Missions was well supported in that regard. Sister Jennifer Moultrie and Nurse Erica Joseph, with the support of local church members Sisters Ethel Dames and Carla Rodgers ensured that the workers were more than adequately nourished.

Island Missions also had the opportunity to lead out in the church services.  Elder Ian Greene brought the message on Wednesday evening (October 31), encouraging members to recognise that as people of God we have access to all the blessings God has promised, spiritual, personal and material.  On Sabbath (November 3), Deacon Norman MacFarlane led out in the Sabbath School lesson study.  It was a surprise to us visitors to be allowed extra time to review the lesson study, a privilege hardly ever afforded in the city.  Elder Nelson Moncur preached the sermon, reminding the members of our special heritage as members of God’s family, encouraging members to take hold of our royal identity and to represent God in all aspects of life.

Nurse Erica Joseph provided blood screening services, and dispensed health advice.

After Sabbath divine service, the brethren of Long Island hosted a healthy, delicious fellowship meal that was accompanied by warm fellowship.

The work continued from early in the morning until after sunset each day, except on Friday as the Sabbath approached.

On the final day of work, Sunday, the Island Missions crew worked up until two (2) hours before leaving for the flight was due to depart.  On that day, the workforce was augmented by church members from the local Adventist community.

As the mission was being progressed in Long Island, Island Missions, in conjunction with Great Stories Ministries, was working in South Andros at the Blessed Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church.  The church at Driggs Hill, South Andros is preparing for dedication and needed some masonry and tiling.   Along with masonry and tiling, Elder Vincent Simms, was a one-man team, ministering in story-telling – his specialty in ministry – enthralling and captivating both young and old.  He completed the floor and progressed the tiling, working from morning until night for more than one week.  At the time of this publication, Elder Simms continues to advance the work at the Blessed Hope Seventh-da Adventist Church in Driggs Hill, South Andros.

Thank you to all who donated money and other material support, and to those who prayed for the effort.  We are grateful to all who accepted the challenge of leaving their familiar surroundings and made the effort to assist the work in Long Island and South Andros, bringing relief to members in need, assisting in the construction of church buildings, and carrying out the gospel mandate to look out for our brothers and sisters.  May God’s love and mercy abide with you always.