The economic crisis has not spared Jamaica which depends on the generosity of tourists for much of its employment. The Port Maria Ecclesia has 13 members, 2 work in retail, one is a chambermaid and one is retired. This means that fully 2/3 of the members need financial support just to provide the necessities of life.

When we had an working farm all you could work were employed. Now as they go out into the regular workforce they are finding that they lack qualifications. And the bar to employment has been raised considerable as thousands vie for a handful of position. Fluency in English along with certification in Mathematics and English are essential.

The young adults have been working toward meeting those qualifications since April when I arrived in Port Maria. I am pleased to report that they have been enrolled in an evening program for adults. They are all taking English, Mathematics, Biology and the young men are taking Accounting.

The work already done has prepared them to research topics, prepare and deliver classes, read the Bible with more clarity and write out their exhortations. The classes they are taking will help them achieve their goals: nurse, accountant, entrepreneur. They are also an inspiration to the Sunday school students who are nearing the end of their formal education and wondering if the struggle is worth the cost.

We all had waited for the morning of Tracey's baptism with great anticipation. It would be the first time that I had been to an immersion in the ocean. The night before there was a tremendous rain storm and when we arrived at the appointed place it was clear that the ocean had not settled down.

Jason would be doing the baptism, his first time. Tracey doesn't know how to swim and the boisterous ocean made her nervous. Bulky would be assisting with an immersion, also for the first time. As the young men searched for a spot that was beyond the breakers and deep enough to fully immerse her, Tracey looked on.

Tracey gave her profession of faith while safely on the shore with a crowd of witnesses. Then it was time for the three to enter the waters of baptism, Tracey held tight to Jason's hand. The waves proved too much for the both of them and they went into the water together. This did not deter them.

It required quite a long journey to the appointed place, but Tracey was immersed and they returned to shore with great joy and relief.