Quindell Ferguson – IVP for Caribbean & Americas

I first joined the St. Johns Kirk Girls’ Guildry Company in Garden section when I was 8 years old and remember learning the laws and motto, Wise Unto That Which is Good. We did Bible study, drilling, playing games, and learning about the Girls’ Guildry. I went up the rank to Greenwood on to Guildry Girl. I can remember on 10 June 1968 attending the service to mark the merger of the three groups that made up Girls’ Brigade at the inaugural service held at Torrington Dis. Of Christ Church. My first Guardian was Mrs Thomas who kindled my enthusiasm for the work and that enthusiasm has continued even to this day.

In 1981 I started the 6th Kingston Company at the St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk United Church of which I served as the Captain for 36 years.

Girls’ Guildry teaching gave me a firm foundation for, and an opportunity to, share my faith and to be trained in leadership. I’ve learned so many things during training sessions, but above all I thank God for His faithfulness, giving me health, strength, ability, and enthusiasm to share His love with young people for so many years and that so many have committed their lives to serve our Lord.

In 1984 I served as adjutant for many years for my District and then as commandant for 4 years during this time I became deeply involved in new officer training at District level – a challenge I enjoyed. When I was elected to the position of divisional commissioner in 2004 it brought a whole new dimension to my Girls’ Brigade work – attending more meetings and visiting the company meetings, the girls and their officers. I’ve also held several national GB roles.

In addition to Girls’ Brigade work I’m Co-Founder and Artistic director to the Jamaica Youth Theatre, a group of young thespians who have entertained and delighted audiences of all ages, at home and abroad, for the better part of 10 years; I’m also Chairperson of Secondary School’s Drama Festival and the Caribbean Secondary School’s Drama Festival.

I also run a local theatre costume design and rental shop. I’m one of Jamaica’s leading collectors of period costumes and theatre props. I’ve served as costume designer for several of Jamaica’s national events, film and theatre productions such as Marcus Garvey, Don’t Look For Me In The World Wind, and The Ity and Fancy Cat show to name a few.

I’m an active member in my church where I serve as Technical Consultant, Chairperson Fundraising and member of the Property Committee.

I was awarded 2nd place for Kingston for Nation Building through Voluntary Service, For Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), and, in 2017, The Government of Jamaica Badges of Honour for meritorious service BH(M) for Voluntary and numerous contributions to Girls’ Brigade in Jamaica.

I’m really looking forward to this new post. Your prayers and support would be appreciated during this time so that God will help me to carry out my duties.

As to the future of Girls’ Brigade – I believe it’s as strong now as ever and will survive for a long time as long as we have offices for the vine year, for me I can think of no better way to serve the master and I pray that I will enjoy with good health to continue for a few more years.

Finally, I must close with some verses from the scriptures;

1 Chronicles 28:20

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished (RSVCE).

IWD 2018

GBI was proud to celebrate International Women’s Day with wonderful testimonies and stories from all around our worldwide family. We hope you read them, if you are not linked to our Facebook site why not link up now?   Here is another story about GB members engaging with this special day:

In Jamaica, Women’s Day is a day when we shine a light on how women have impacted our country and the world in general. In order to shine our light this year, GB Jamaica launched a video which relates to our awareness of human trafficking one of our main concerns here in Jamaica. GB Jamaica as a Christian organisation has taken a stand against this social evil and at our Young Leader’s Training last year we had a session on human trafficking. This video, among others, was produced by our young women for our yearly National Competition last year.

International Patron on U.K.’s Honours’ List

International Patron,  Mrs Olive Miller was recognised in the U.K.’s New Year’s Honours’ List. Mrs Olive Miller began Girls’ Brigade in the Cayman Islands in 1946 and she is currently GB Cayman’s President.  She was awarded her OBE for her ‘many and numerous contributions to the people of the Cayman Islands’.  However, she is reported to have said that she is ‘most proud of starting the Girls’ Brigade.’  She added that all of her accomplishments were ‘made possible through her faith in a higher powers.’  She will receive the award during the Queen’s Birthday celebrations in June 2018.  We remain thankful to God that at the age of 96 Mrs Olive Miller continues to be active in contributing to her country and in particular to Girls’ Brigade.

Girls’ Brigade International wishes to send their congratulations and thanks to this faithful servant!

Disaster Appeal

GBI is a family and as such we care about one another, learn from each another and support one another. Over the last few weeks we have heard of the absolute devastation caused by hurricanes in some of our GB countries in the Caribbean and Americas Fellowship.  The monster category 5 hurricane Irma swept through and left devastation.  The British Virgin Islands, Barbuda, St Martin, Turks & Caicos and Anguilla suffered extensive damages and are left with a trail of chaos, wreckage and flooding as it was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the region in the last decade. Other countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Bahamas were also affected though not to the same degree.

Our Caribbean friends are grateful for our prayers and our messages of love and support.   But now is the time to consider how we can support them practically.   We are launching an appeal to help them and if you, as an individual, or your company, or group, or church is able to send a small gift it will be gratefully received by our sisters in need. You may send donations via your fellowship, or donations can be made to Girls’ Brigade International simply by clicking here. Please reference your gift ‘C&A Disaster Fund’.

Thank You in anticipation for your generosity.

#iamgb story

Being a member of the Girls’ Brigade has given me the opportunity to harbor exciting moments into my daily life as I learn more about God. I am excited to know more about God through Bible lessons taught at meetings. I was amazed to discover how powerful God is and can be, and how I can depend on Him for everything I need within my life.

Beyonce (10) from British Virgin Islands.

 

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