For those of you like me who have only been part of the Mandarin Family for a couple of years or less, you might not be aware of Mandarin’s missionary support of Leroy Swaby. Leroy is the preaching minister for the Negril Church of Christ in Negril Jamaica. He is a graduate of the Jamaica School of Preaching and Biblical Studies, located in Kingston, Jamaica. Negril is one of the top tourist areas in Jamaica. The congregation has several members who work in the food service or tourism industry. They have a little less than 50 members, with an average weekly attendance in the mid to upper 20s.
The Negril Church of Christ has maintained a steady, consistent presence on the island for many years. They host a yearly Vacation Bible School, and their ladies and men ministries include fasting and prayer days. In addition to the work in the Negril congregation, brother Leroy trains preaching candidates and sends them to various locales in Jamaica for evangelism and church planting.
In late February, Gary Eaton and Troy Regas spent a weekend with Leroy, his wife, Shelly, and our brothers and sisters in Negril. Gary and Troy both were deeply impressed with the spirit of the congregation and its members. They reported to our shepherds that this work is steady and impactful. Upon their recommendation, our shepherds renewed our commitment to the Swabys for the foreseeable future.
Very soon upon our regathering, Troy and Gary will personally share their findings with the Mandarin Family, and they will share with us some specific ways we can grow our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Negril. In the meantime, please remember brother Leroy, Shelly, and the Negril Church of Christ in your prayers.
-Mike Johnson