Over the last two years OSJ has established and developed relationships with some of the main leaders of the Maxfield community. This has given us credibility and respect and has begun to break down some of the historical barriers between the church and the people.
Outlined below are some of the ways in which OSJ has helped so far:
The main interaction between OSJ and the people of Maxfield has been through the breakfasts which we have held.
Concerts have now become one of OSJ’s best tools for reaching into the inner-cities and ‘ploughing the land’ in preparation for further work. It was one of the leaders of the Maxfield community who gave us the original idea and challenged us to stage one here. The first concert was held in 2001 and there have been two others in Maxfield since then, as well as numerous others across Kingston.
OSJ has played a major role in a back-to-school programme, helping some 50 students get back into education since 2001.
People in Maxfield are still rearing and selling chickens, a business which OSJ helped launch back in 2001. Some were so encouraged and motivated by their success that they have moved on to other, bigger businesses whilst others who weren’t previously involved are now keen to get started. For the future we need to provide extra business skills training to sustain and expand the programme.
The community recently asked for help with a project to build a sports centre. OSJ has close links with Christian Life Fellowship (CLF) in George Town Road. CLF owns some land in Maxfield and negotiations are being held to see if it can be used for this project. OSJ will then help the community leaders to formulate a business plan to get the building constructed and determine how best it can be used.
Discussion sessions have begun in Maxfield between OSJ and members of the community. The purpose of these sessions is to share alternative ways of thinking, to listen to their concerns and seek out practical ways in which we can help. The first was held on 18th February 2003 with Les Isaac, our guest from the UK, giving helpful input. The event was met with interest and a positive attitude and our plan is to hold these sessions on a regular basis in order to build our relationship with the people. It is now our challenge to respond to the issues they have highlighted.
As well as those future plans mentioned above OSJ intends to work to get the pastors of the numerous churches in the area working together with a united vision to see the community transformed. We already have links with two of the pastors and plan to expand from there.