Paul H. Williams, Sunday Gleaner Writer

THEY WERE on time, most of them. Quietly they went under the shelter and took their seats. They were assigned a number and duly registered. It was lunchtime on Wednesday. After a song and prayer, lunch was served. Having had their midday repast, they chit-chatted for a while. Then, they strolled out of the premises, one by one, two by two. They are gone, perhaps to come back on the following Sunday for a bigger feast. They are needy people.

The food that they ate was provided by The Good Samaritan Inn located in National Heroes Circle. Vermont Murray, who manages the programme, says the Good Samaritan Inn is "an outreach project sponsored by the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventist and the Adventists Services and Industries, a group of committed Christian businessmen, who joined together to sponsor a programme in which needy people in the community can get lunch and a bath".

Concept

The idea was conceptualised about two years ago, and was put into action last December. The purpose of the programme is to provide for the less fortunate, mirroring the image of the biblical good Samaritan. At present, it is open to participants on Wednesdays and Sundays, and caters to people from all over the Corporate Area. A third day is soon to be added to the programme.

Murray, who has been involved in several other community outreach programmes, seems quite satisfied with the operations so far, especially when, as he said, "I see the transformation that has taken place within the individuals who have been coming here - their hygiene, their manner of behaviour, their calmness, as opposed to the rowdy behaviour which we saw at first."

Alleviating hunger pangs

But, he is not the only one who is happy, for the beneficiaries have nothing but praise for the opportunity to be fed twice weekly, especially in these hard times. Arthur Sterling, about 66 years old, is in dire financial straits, and looks forward to the Good Samaritan Inn to alleviate some of his hunger pangs. "A really appreciate the comfort that they give the people because I can know on Sunday I don't have to fret about food; and the next thing, they cook it so nice and clean. You can sit down and enjoy it and feel comfortable," he said. "This programme is wonderful."

Charles Forsythe is another beneficiary. Coming off the streets where he has been living for years, he now works with the programme as a caretaker, and assists with the day-to-day functions. "It's a beautiful programme, couldn't be better!" he exclaimed.

Yet, there is room for more assistance. "What I want to see happen is more of the private sector come to help us, that we can achieve some little things like toilet paper, soap, so that when these guys come and these ladies, they can get their shower and other things," Forsythe says.

paul.williams@gleanerjm.com