Recently, some 280 wheelchairs were handed over to the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in a note-worthy humanitarian gesture by Chair the Love, a Florida-based nonprofit organization committed to restoring mobility and independence for individuals with physical challenges. The donation was made as part of Chair the Love’s 2025 mission trip to Jamaica, led by Director Glen Mather.
Vice President of the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Conrad Duncan, described the donation not merely as charity, but as a divinely inspired act of service
“I believe this is a divine order. A divine design that we the church of God be the answer to as many needs that human beings can have, especially to assist the disabled.”
He continued, “And so, we regard this as a divine commission, an order from heaven to rally the necessary support, acquire these wheelchairs and to make sure those who need them receive them for a better and happier life.”
The wheelchair distribution touched the lives of numerous individuals across the West Jamaica Conference territory, many of whom had gone without a functional wheelchair, either because their previous one was damaged or they simply couldn’t afford one.
Janeth Montenegro, coordinator for the distribution trip to Jamaica and first-time mission trip team member with Chair the Love, shared a moment that left a lasting impression.
“It has been a wonderful experience. There was a young man who was born disabled and his wheelchair got damaged so he couldn’t move anymore and it was such a joy to see him rolling around in his new wheelchair.” She added, “We called it his Cadillac.”
Reflecting on the personal impact of the mission, Montenegro expressed how deeply moved she was by the spirit and strength of the people she met.
“I see the hand of God in every smile that I see. I see the resilience of the people because even while having a disability and having so little, they still praise God and that has been very impactful in my life.”
Mission trip coordinator Janeth Montenegro (far left) and Dr. Conrad Duncan, Vice President of the Florida Conference (second right), along with members of the Chair the Love team, pose with Pastor Glen O. Samuels (centre), President of the West Jamaica Conference, following the donation of 280 wheelchairs to the Conference. :: Photo credit: Shadeka Haye-Campbell
Mrs. Marion Barrett-Popkin, Treasurer of West Jamaica Conference, conveyed her appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the life-changing impact it will have on recipients across the region.
“I am grateful for thoughtfulness and for the people who will be empowered through mobility.
This is a great initiative because there are always people in need of wheelchairs and being able to provide them with new chairs was a great opportunity.”
Recognizing the wider need, Pastor Glen O. Samuels, President of the West Jamaica Conference, also extended the blessing by allocating a portion of the chairs to the East, North East, North, and Central Jamaica Conferences.
He went on to highlight the importance of the church’s involvement in community care at this level.
“Real church does not happen within the four walls. Real church takes place after we’ve ;eft the building called church. The community is where church takes place. Christ is our example and you find Him going place to place ministering to broken people, healing the sick, feeding the hungry and raising the dead. We do this because this is what Christ asked us to do. That's real church,” he ended.
Recognizing the wider need, Pastor Samuels, also extended the blessing by allocating a portion of the chairs to the rest of the country. The Central Jamaica Conference received 45 chairs, 40 were sent to the North Jamaica Conference, 47 to the North-East Jamaica Conference and approximately 35 to the East Jamaica Conference. Plans are also in place to also make an additional donation to the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover.