MONTEGO BAY, St James — Every other Friday from about 9:00 am to midday, something special happens at Montego Bay’s Meeting Place on Howard Cooke Boulevard as Trumpet Call International Ministry’s six-year-old Mission of Mercy outreach programme caters to some 400 families in need of food, clothing and other basic necessities.

It’s not only about the physical needs which have increased with the onset of the worldwide recession, but also about the spiritual experience that Pastor Mary Wildish Reece, her team and the hundreds who benefit from the programme share through praise, prayer and music.

And, according to pastor Wildish, God willing, come 2010 the ministry will expand its programme as there are plans under way to introduce classes in reading and rehabilitation.

“We’ve already identified a teacher and we anticipate starting early next year,” she told the Observer West last Friday.

In the meantime, the ministry, which is funded with 15 per cent of the tithes and offerings collected from the congregation that Pastor Wildish heads, is hoping to attract more support from the local corporate community in order to realise its goals.

So far, Montego Bay businessman Mark Kerr-Jarrett is firmly on board.

“It’s such a blessing to know that we can reach out and touch people through this ministry,” said Kerr-Jarrett who sits on the church’s board of directors.

Several others expressed appreciation for the programme on Friday.

“This is a good thing that the church is doing…it is helping us in a really big way… to God be the glory as they keep up the good work,” said an elderly lady, noting that she too was longing for the day when the ministry realised its goal of eliminating hunger in Montego Bay.