FRIENDSHIP, St Mary — With the onslaught of COVID-19 Anita Ricketts Blackett felt the need to assist the shut-ins, disabled and the needy children in her community of Friendship in Islington, St Mary, but was unsure of what and how to do it.

Being a praying woman, Ricketts Blackett turned to God for answers and the concept of “On Di Go for Christ” was born.

With her family and a few friends, On di Go for Christ went into the community to feed the less fortunate and minister to them with songs of praise and prayers.

Twice each week Ricketts Blackett and her team hit the streets and On Di Go for Christ quickly became established.

With support from the local business community and overseas partners, they were able to extend their outreach by purchasing well-needed items including mattress and food items. The team also embarked on fixing leaking roofs or rotten floor boards for those in need.

“The first time we cleaned and repaired a shut-in house and placed a new mattress on his bed, he cried for hours and kept saying, ‘Thank you, Jesus’. We cried and hugged each other for hours, it felt really good,” Ricketts Blackett told the Jamaica Observer as she reflected on one of her most memorable experiences a year ago.

The elderly man that she speaks of is now deceased, but that memory will remain with her and encourage her to continue.

According to Ricketts Blackett, On Di Go for Christ faces its challenges where funding at times becomes limited while the need is great as there are many to be reached.

“I have come this far with the grace of God. I am making my impact on others’ lives through Christ who strengthens me,” said Ricketts Blackett as she declared that she is not daunted by the many hurdles she faces each day in keeping her organisation going.

“I feel blessed when we clean or reach out to the less fortunate,” added Ricketts Blackett.

One of the people to benefit regularly from On Di Go for Christ is ‘Mr Smikle’ who was smiling ear to ear as he watched the transformation of his cluttered two-room board structure transformed into a clean, fresh, neat space.

He welcomed the prayer and worship session along with the time spent with him.

“Mi thank them, thank God for them as only them a pay me mind,” the elated elderly man said with a board smile on his face.