Dear Partners in Christ,

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 107:1 The redeemed certainly can say so. God has kept Grace Baptist Church and their families from the coronavirus through 2020 to this moment. We have lost none to the disease outbreak. Let me hope all is well with you at this time.

Thank you for your faithful support over the past thirteen months. They have been “stormy” days. But you stood with us. God bless you.

Spike in COVID-19 in Jamaica

Since the beginning of 2021, our country has seen a rise in the number of cases of people who have tested positive with the disease. It got worse during this month which has resulted in an increase in the death rate, overcrowded hospitals and health centres, and more strain on our health workers.

This has forced the government to implement tighter restrictions. For the next three weekends, there will be a “lockdown” of the country except the essential services.

Sunday Morning – Church Services

Like March last year, only ten persons can attend. These are the moderator of the service, the Praise and Worship Team, the musicians, and the preacher. Their purpose is to facilitate the service online. All the other mid-week services are held online. In spite of the restrictions, we are thankful to God that He has given us other platforms to deliver His Word. Only He knows what the result will be of the preaching of His Word virtually.

Building Project – the Extension of the Church’s Worship Hall

This was expected to have started in March 2020. Nothing has been done since that time. This is due to the fact that we had to take a great portion from the funds we had in hand to cover the cost for the approval of the building plan in order that we might build lawfully. This money was paid to the government. We really want to finish this building or to bring it to the stage where all four walls and the roof are in place. These will keep rain water from settling on the deck, the concrete slab which presently covers the buildings of the first floor.

Praises:

For open doors to present the Gospel.

For the Lord’s protection and mercy to us all

Prayer Requests:

For the salvation of the lost

For the growth of the saints

For those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic

 

“And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Gal. 6:9.

 

 

Yours in Christ,

Clifton Smith

Pastor

Jamaica West Indies