St Mungo’s financially supported and partnered with Adrian and Tara Devlin as they worked in Jamaica. Here is an update from them:
In June 2018 we left Scotland to live in Jamaica for a couple of years, working with Fusion Jamaica, a small charity operating in the inner city community of Trench Town in Kingston. We were there largely to cover for the person leading the project as they took a sabbatical from the work for 2019. We led a team of volunteers to run children’s and youth clubs as well as offering literacy support and play therapy sessions to the local primary school and work in partnership with other community organisations. Trench Town is an incredibly challenging place to work and although we love the place and people it also took a heavy toll on our overall wellbeing.
After an unexpectedly long break from the work last year to rest and recover we returned to Kingston in January this year. We had work permits and financial support until June and we wanted to finish well while also being open to the possibility that God might open a door for us to stay longer. However….
Coronavirus arrived in Jamaica mid-March and the government moved very quickly to shut everything down which meant that all of our work stopped overnight. Within a couple of days the advice from the British High Commission was for those who were planning to leave the country any time soon to do so while they still could. We felt as though we had little choice and so with heavy hearts made the decision to pack up and come home. It all happened so quickly and not in the manner we would have chosen.
We have now been back in Scotland for seven weeks. We were unable to return and live with Adrian’s parents due to shielding restrictions (our own home is still rented out) but God provided a place for us to stay in Balerno temporarily for which we are so thankful. We are currently looking for work which is a challenge at this time. Please do pray that we find some employment soon. We are very grateful to the church and our many prayer and financial supporters who have been with us through the last couple of years and who are standing with us still as we transition into this strange set of circumstances. As well as praying for us please do pray for Jamaica. The restrictions put in place by the government seem to be keeping the virus numbers relatively low, but will be having devastating financial implications in a country where there is no furlough scheme and no benefit system and where tourism is a major industry and employer.
Our hearts are very much linked to Jamaica and always will be. We will return at some point, even if just to visit. For now we look to God to see how we might still bless and serve the people there in some way and for him to guide our steps in the weeks and months ahead.