Journal

Dear Christos Ministries Supporters, Your unwavering support has enabled Christos Ministries to complete our eighth school project in Jamaica. As a supporter of Christos Ministries, you are more than a contributor. You are a partner in providing educational opportunities for under-served communities. The St. Robert Bellarmine Preparatory School was founded in 1962. The school serves approximately 12 communities surrounding the Chapelton area with an enrollment of more than 200 students. The high academic performance of its students, along with the school’s vibrant extracurricular program and dedicated staff, have resulted in a long student waiting list. The completed project provided the school with a new school building complete with 4 classrooms, bathroom facilities for the students and faculty, kitchen, playground, rainwater harvesting and storage system, and exterior fencing. The new building addresses classroom overcrowding and provides an exceptional learning environment for the 3-6 year old students.

In the lush hills and vibrant towns of Jamaica, where reggae rhythms echo through the streets and the island sun casts its golden glow, there exists a quieter, more urgent reality: thousands of children are growing up without access to a stable education. In too many communities, children walk miles to reach overcrowded, under-resourced classrooms. Others are left behind altogether—trapped not by a lack of potential, but by a lack of opportunity. For these children, the most powerful gift anyone can offer isn’t just food or clothing. It’s not even temporary shelter or healthcare, though those needs matter. The most powerful, transformative gift is education. Here are five reasons why education is the most lasting, life-changing gift you can give—especially in places like Jamaica—and how your support can spark a ripple effect that lasts for generations. 1. Education Breaks the Cycle of Poverty Poverty isn’t just a lack of money—it’s a system of limitations. It limits what children believe is possible for their future. It limits their access to jobs, resources, and dignity. But education flips the script. A quality education equips a child with more than just literacy and math. It gives them the tools to think critically, dream boldly, and pursue a future beyond their current circumstances. According to UNESCO, each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by up to 10%. That impact is multiplied in communities where opportunities are scarce. In rural and impoverished Jamaican communities, education is the most realistic and effective long-term solution to poverty. When a child gains access to a proper school, they gain a foundation—one that empowers them to lift not just themselves, but their families, out of generational poverty. 2. It Protects Vulnerable Children When children aren’t in school, they are more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and unsafe environments. In some areas of Jamaica, where tourism flourishes but economic inequality persists, many children fall prey to trafficking, child labor, or early pregnancy—all of which derail their future before it even begins. Education acts as a shield. A school is more than a building—it’s a safe haven. A place where children are supervised, mentored, and taught to believe in their self-worth. Schools become a second home, filled with role models, structure, and hope. By supporting the construction of safe, local schools in Jamaica, you are helping protect children from the dangers of the street—and replacing those dangers with dignity, structure, and opportunity. 3. It Empowers Girls and Strengthens Communities In many underdeveloped areas, including rural parts of Jamaica, girls face unique challenges in accessing education. Cultural expectations, domestic duties, and poverty often keep them at home. Yet when girls are educated, everything changes. Educated girls are: Less likely to marry young More likely to earn an income More likely to invest in their families’ health and education When girls go to school, entire communities thrive. Educated women become community leaders, advocates, and stabilizers. They start businesses, raise healthier children, and influence generations. A gift to education is a gift to gender equity—and it’s one of the smartest investments you can make if you want to transform a region from the inside out. 4. It Builds Peace and Reduces Crime In areas of high unemployment and poverty, crime rates naturally rise. Young people without access to education are statistically more likely to engage in gangs or criminal behavior—not out of desire, but out of survival. In contrast, education instills values like cooperation, responsibility, and hope. It provides a roadmap out of desperation. Studies from the World Bank show a direct correlation between education access and reduced violence. In Jamaica, where communities are often plagued by unemployment and instability, a new school doesn’t just help students—it stabilizes neighborhoods. It signals to everyone that change is possible. That a better future is being built, brick by brick. 5. It Leaves a Legacy That Outlives You The most powerful gifts are the ones that keep giving—long after we’re gone. Education is one of those gifts. When you give toward building a school in Jamaica, you’re not just helping a child today. You’re shaping the trajectory of their entire life. You’re helping them learn to read, write, think, solve problems, and one day—teach others. You’re sowing seeds of hope that may grow into businesses, churches, clinics, or nonprofits. Your gift creates ripple effects that will still be felt decades from now. Every classroom is a launchpad. Every student, a future leader. Every donation, a legacy. 🎓 The Mission of Christos Ministries At Christos Ministries, we are on a mission to change the story for children in underdeveloped countries—starting with Jamaica. We raise funds to construct educational facilities in communities where children need them most. But we don’t stop at buildings. We also provide ongoing financial support to ensure those facilities thrive long-term. Our goal is simple: every child deserves a future worth dreaming about. And we believe the best way to unlock that future is through access to safe, consistent, Christ-centered education. 🙌 How You Can Help The need is urgent. Right now, there are children in Jamaica who want to learn but have no school to attend. They are bright, curious, full of potential—but waiting. You can be the answer to their prayer. 👉 Your donation today will help us build the next school. It will provide desks, supplies, teachers, and the foundation for a future that doesn’t yet exist. We invite you to give generously—because the most powerful gift you can give isn’t just a donation. It’s a doorway to a new life. 🟡 Donate Now – Give the Gift of Education Together, let’s build something that will stand the test of time.

Imagine a classroom where 50 students crowd into a space designed for 25. Imagine being eager to learn, but your school lacks basic supplies—no textbooks, working restrooms, or access to the internet. This is the reality for many students in Jamaica. According to UNICEF, nearly 40% of Jamaican students struggle with literacy by Grade 4. Despite efforts to improve, Jamaica's education system continues to fall short. But why? What are the root causes—and more importantly, what can be done? If you have ever traveled to rural parts of Jamaica or spoken with families from under-resourced communities, you have likely heard their frustrations. The schools are understaffed, teachers are overworked, and infrastructure is crumbling. Many children walk miles to school only to find locked classrooms due to teacher absenteeism or no meals to keep them focused throughout the day. Parents want better. They want their children to have the opportunity to dream beyond survival—to become doctors, engineers, educators, and leaders. But the odds are stacked against them. Here are some challenges: Lack of Resources: Many schools in Jamaica have outdated or nonexistent materials. Internet access is scarce, and computer labs are often wishful thinking. Underpaid and Overburdened Teachers: Educators are expected to perform miracles on shoestring budgets, often without professional development or support. Infrastructure Decay: Leaking roofs, unsafe classrooms, and inadequate sanitation create an environment not conducive to learning. Poverty: Many children come to school hungry or are kept at home to work and help support their families. Dropout Rates: Without motivation, mentorship, or basic support systems, many students fall through the cracks. These are not just numbers or statistics. These are children—future leaders—being denied the opportunity to thrive. At Christos Ministries, we believe education is not a luxury but a right. We are tackling these systemic issues by going straight to the heart of the problem. Here is how we are creating real change: Building and Renovating Schools: We fund the construction of safe, modern classrooms in under-resourced communities. Clean, equipped, and structurally sound schools lay the foundation for learning. Providing Educational Resources: From textbooks and uniforms to internet access and learning devices, we supply what students and teachers need to succeed. Scholarships and Mentorship: We offer scholarships for promising students and mentorship opportunities to encourage long-term success and motivation. We are not interested in quick fixes. Christos Ministries is committed to long-term solutions to empower entire communities for generations. Now, imagine a different Jamaica. A young girl walks confidently into her bright, clean classroom. She has her own books. She has had breakfast, thanks to the school’s nutrition program. Her teacher greets her with energy and purpose, supported by training and fair compensation. She logs onto a tablet, ready to engage with the world beyond her community. She feels safe and valued. She feels inspired. Now, multiply that story by hundreds. Thousands. This is what Christos Ministries is working toward—a Jamaica where every child can break cycles of poverty through education, where classrooms are not holding cells but launching pads for dreams. We believe that education is the most powerful tool for transforming a nation. However, we cannot accomplish this alone. Whether you are an individual with a heart for service, a donor seeking impact, or a church looking to support international missions—you can be the difference.  Together, we can rebuild hope—one classroom at a time.

Every great mission begins with a vision—a calling to serve, uplift, and transform lives. For Christos Ministries, that vision was deeply rooted in faith and driven by compassion. From humble beginnings to a global reach, we have remained steadfast in our mission to honor Jesus Christ and reflect His unconditional love through spiritual, physical, and financial support. Christos is a non-profit, faith-based organization founded by the late Rev. Dr. Monica McKenzie, and it is dedicated to transforming lives. Incorporated in Georgia on June 1, 1999, this organization emerged from a small group of lifelong friends who felt a calling to facilitate the work of the “Kingdom of God.” Their mission was simple yet profound: to pool their resources, expand their sphere of influence, and positively impact the lives of those in need. One of the defining characteristics of Christos is our belief in collective giving. True impact occurs when people unite to share their resources and work toward a common goal. By mobilizing individuals, churches, and organizations, we have achieved far more than any single person could accomplish alone. Christos Ministries has provided spiritual encouragement, financial assistance, and essential resources to countless individuals and families. Whether through providing food, clothing, or shelter to those in crisis or funding life-changing educational initiatives, this organization has remained faithful to its calling. Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming communities. Recognizing this, we prioritize the construction of educational facilities for children in underdeveloped regions. By ensuring that children have access to quality education, we are not only changing individual lives, but shaping the future of entire communities. Through strategic partnerships and generous donors, Christos Ministries has successfully built schools, provided scholarships, and supplied educational materials to children who would otherwise lack these opportunities. These efforts are a direct reflection of the ministry’s core belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to learn, grow, and fulfill their God-given potential. At the core of Christos Ministries’ success is our dedicated team and volunteers. We continue to thrive thanks to the selfless efforts of those who believe in our mission. Volunteers play an instrumental role in executing programs, organizing fundraising efforts, and directly serving those in need. While our impact has been profound, our journey is far from over. As the organization continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and finding new ways to serve. The vision that Rev. Dr. Monica McKenzie ignited in 1999 continues to burn brightly, inspiring new generations to step forward in faith and make a difference. Looking ahead, Christos Ministries aims to establish even more educational facilities, enhance community outreach efforts, and forge new partnerships that will enable us to bring hope and healing to more lives. Through prayer, dedication, and the support of our community, we will continue to be a beacon of light in a world that so desperately needs it. The work of Christos Ministries is made possible through the generosity and commitment of individuals who believe in its mission. Whether through financial donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every contribution makes a difference. If you feel called to be a part of this incredible journey, there are many ways to get involved. Please contact us to see how you can lend your time, talents, and resources. Together, we can turn vision into reality and continue to bring God’s love to those who need it most.

Did you know that 1 in 4 Jamaican children live under the poverty line? Or that 30% of children never attend secondary school due to financial struggles? These numbers represent real families—parents forced to choose between feeding their children or paying for school supplies, and kids dropping out because they lack transportation. Entire communities are stuck in a cycle of poverty that seems impossible to escape. Education is supposed to be a pathway to a better life. Still, for many Jamaican children, that path is filled with roadblocks. Without access to proper schooling, they face limited job opportunities, lower incomes, and a future that looks much like the generations before them—a vicious cycle of poverty. Imagine a young boy named David. His mother, a hardworking woman, sells fruits in the market to provide for their family. She dreams of a better life for her son, one where he is not forced to struggle financially. But, without money for school fees, David’s education is inconsistent. Sometimes, he misses weeks because they do not have reliable transportation and cannot afford books. Eventually, he falls too far behind and drops out altogether. Now, as a teenager, David searches for work to help his family but has no diploma. The only jobs available are low-paying and unstable. He wants more for his future, but every door seems closed. The cycle continues—just as his mother struggled, so will he. This is the reality for thousands of families in Jamaica. Education is the missing key, but too many children are locked out of opportunities. Families want a future where their children can: Find stable jobs with livable wages Break free from the struggles they grew up with Build a better life for themselves and their communities At Christos Ministries, we believe no child should be denied an education because of poverty. That’s why we work to build schools, provide financial support, and offer educational resources to children in underdeveloped areas in Jamaica. Here’s how we help break the cycle of poverty: School Construction: We build and expand schools in communities where education access is limited. Educational Resources: We provide books, technology, and classroom materials so students have what they need to learn. Financial Assistance: We help cover school fees, uniforms, and transportation costs, removing barriers that keep kids from attending school. Every dollar donated goes directly toward creating a future where children like David don’t have to choose between survival and education. Now, imagine a different reality. David is no longer forced to stay home because he can’t afford school. Instead, he walks proudly into a newly built classroom, books in hand, eager to learn. His mother no longer worries about whether he will have a future—she sees it unfolding in front of her. Years later, David has a diploma in hand. He lands a stable job, earns a good salary, and helps lift his family out of poverty. His younger siblings follow in his footsteps because education is no longer out of reach. The solution to poverty is not complex—it’s education. By partnering with Christos Ministries, you can actively contribute to making a positive change. Here’s how you can help today: Donate – Your contribution helps build schools and fund education for needy children. Spread the Word – Share our mission and help us reach more people who can make a difference. Education transforms lives. Let’s make sure no child in Jamaica, or any other underdeveloped country, is left behind. Join us today and be the change they need.

Since our last update, we at Christos Ministries Incorporated, have been busy and have wonderful news to share. Your generous support is impacting the lives of many children, teachers, and administrators in Jamaica. We witnessed the impact firsthand on our recent trip to inaugurate two completed Basic Schools. Past President Thora Levy, current President Mervyn Levy, and Board Member Wendy Levy represented Christos Ministries Incorporated at the inauguration of Hart Hill Basic School in Portland and Glendevon Primary School’s Infant Department in Montego Bay. ​The principal of Hart Hill Basic School, Jen-Marie Pryce, said that Hart Hill Basic School is now the envy of other schools. She added that the community is also proud to have such a nice school. “There aren’t words to describe our gratitude,” Jen-Marie said. “When we were praying and hoping, we did not expect such a big gift. When we started out at first, we were looking to repair the old structure, but the investigators explained, which we knew, that the building was irreparable. We needed a new building and so, the process started. And today, we have this building. There were times when we lost hope, but if it was not (for) Christos Ministries, we would not have this building and our students would not be as comfortable as they are today. This, for us, is like coming from a little hut into a mansion.” The Hart Hill School serves 60 children.