The Tribune

THE Urban Renewal Centre in Bain and Grant's Town got a much-needed helping hand from local and international volunteers. The group, brought together by St Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk, gave the centre a complete facelift. Bryn MacPhail, minister of St Andrew's Kirk, said ten volunteers from Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee travelled to Nassau and joined forces with Kirk members for the initiative. He said: "Its all about relationships and partnerships. Our goal is to strengthen the community. We hope that when people see the partnership between church and community, they see Christ's love." The volunteers, he said, "transformed both the interior and exterior of the building, providing a fresh coat of paint and beautifying the facade and interior spaces." St Andrew's Kirk and Hope Presbyterian Church forged a partnership of service just over a year ago. This "successful" visit prompted plans for three additional visits, in April, July and September, for other community outreach programmes. Pastor Michael Leirer, Minister of Hope Presbyterian Church, said his members are passionate about "bringing our mission team to the Bahamas, as Bryn MacPhail has such a great passion and love for community building. The ongoing work by St Andrew's Kirk in Bain and Grant's Town is amazing." The church committed to ministering in the area more than a year ago, and Reverend MacPhail meets every week with young people from the community. The Kirk has also adopted the senior classes of CR Walker High School and provides an after-school tutoring programme at the church every Tuesday.