The ministries Initiatives of Won By One To Jamaica seek to participate in what God is already doing in the Harmons Valley.
Through everything we do in our interactions with people we desire to let them know in words and in actions that
they are loved, that they have worth and value as one who bears the image of God. We communicate to others that they too, are invited to join with God in his mission of restoring the world.
Despite a consistent presence in Harmons for over two decades, there are still inherent limitations that come from teams only being in a community for a short time. We believe that it is always better to work with locals, rather than doing things for them that they might be able to do just as well on their own. We also aspire to focus on the gifts and talents the community possesses rather than only focus on problems and deficiencies.
House Construction & Repair
Safe and affordable housing is a dire need in the Harmons Valley. Many families choose to live in unsafe conditions, temporary dwellings, or separated from each other. Using a construction method that allows Jamaican masons and American volunteers to work together, a 12' x 15' hurricane resistant concrete house is built in five days. Home recipients go through an application and vetting process before becoming eligible to receive a home. The new home-owners participate in gathering some of the material needed to begin the foundation as well as help throughout the construction process. At any one given time there are approximately 200 qualified families on the waiting list. Two to three homes are completed each week with nearly 50 homes completed each year. There are also varies opportunities to repare decayed roofs and walls, as well as construct house additions and outdoor toilets.
Harmons Community Church
Clinton O'Connor serves as a Community Pastor and Spiritual Adviser. He also pastors a newly planted church in Harmons. Although there are a number of opportunities for residents to attend church in the Harmons Valley, the hope is that HCC will serve as a safe place for the community to explore the claims of Christ and the freedom to find their place in His story. The congregation is small but steadily growing with a wide range of individuals. It currently meets weekly as a congregation in Harmony House.
Life Groups
Pastor O'Connor also helps guide small groups in the community who intentionally meet with the desire to do life together. Groups regularly meet to study Scripture and discuss how to live a life with Christ and build deeper relationships with each other.
Medical Clinic
A walk-in clinic is maintained at the Harmony House with medical supplies and medicines to serve the immediate community residents in need of assistance. Emergency first aid is available and people may be referred to a local doctor or hospital if the need is outside the scope of the help available. At least once a year a medical trip occurs where medical professionals come to serve in clinics inside and outside of Harmons. The clinic is available throughout the year for individual medical professionals who are serving with a group to help in their area of expertise (Dentistry, Optometry, General Practice, Education, etc).
Clarendon Infirmary Outreach
Each Parish in Jamaica maintains a public facility that cares for those with physical & mental disabilities and have no one else to provide care. Due to both underfunding and the inherent challenges found in caring for the residents, the conditions of these facilities are quite harsh. Won By One To Jamaica has partnered with the Infirmary that serves the parish of Clarendon in MayPen. Needed supplies, equipment and are provided when available and each team spends time with the residents. A full-time nurse who concentrates on physical therapy and engaging in creative activities is employed by Won By One To Jamaica
Intentional Interaction
Much of the ministry in Harmons occurs through building relationships with the people who live in the community. It may be through talking to someone on the work site or enjoying an evening in the courtyard with them. It may be a personal story told while being hosted for dinner in their homes or conversation while shooting hoops at the Harmony House after a long day of serving. Because these experiences are often organic in nature and more freely happen when an alternative agenda is not forcing the conversation, there are many opportunities or 'free time' to enjoy the Jamaicans naturally built into the weekly schedule.
Economic Development
Despite having a healthy and highly motivated workforce, the Harmons Valley finds itself with an approximate unemployment rate of 75%. When jobs are available, they are often temporary, lower paying, and require costly transportation outside the community. Although Won By One To Jamaica hires around 50 people each week, those positions only occur when there are team present within the community. Won By One To Jamaica is actively involved in creating full-time employment that both benefits the community as well as being self sustaining. Click here for examples.