Initiative gathering momentum in working with churches across Jamaica

The Operative Save Jamaica initiative, which is bringing transformation to individuals, communities and the nation through strategic partnerships, training, empowerment, and targeted comprehensive interventions, is gaining momentum.

To this end, the initiative recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a major church denomination, the New Testament Church of God (NTCOG) for community transformation in Jamaica that has over 350 churches in the island.

Many of these churches are located in the 106 volatile communities which Operation Save Jamaica is targeting for transformation.

As a church body, the NTCOG has included community transformation as a strategic objective and has signed the MOU with Operation Save Jamaica for at least the next three years.

CHANGE WON’T COME OVERNIGHT

Churches are important in Operation Save Jamaica efforts for transformation, as they are service-oriented, transformative and usually permanently established organisations in communities. This partnership facilitates ongoing intervention as we recognise that change will not come overnight.  

The Pastors’ fraternal, in Old Harbour, started some years ago by Operation Save Jamaica, is driving this effort.

In partnership with Operation Save Jamaica and other stakeholders, the fraternal is developing a comprehensive approach to the transformation of their communities.

Operation Save Jamaica, with the support of Upper Room Community Church and Love and Faith Ministries, has begun to train more than 30-40 intercessors and church leaders from different denominations in Old Harbour. This is being done as they prepare to get more involved in the process of transforming their communities and reducing violence in their city. 

Churches within the Old Harbour, Spring Village community are also collaborating to support community transformation and development in seven communities, beginning with Old Harbour Bay – a PIOJ-listed volatile community.