Jacques and Maydene Small

For many years, the Hartford congregation has been involved in helping the Barnes Pen congregation in Lluidas Vale, Jamaica.  This working congregation is nestled in the beautiful hills of Jamacia, an area well-known for its sugar cane production.  The church averages about 40 to 50 on Sunday morning, and has other activities regularly scheduled throughout the week.

A young man with a lot of fervor, Jacques is deeply committed to preaching the Word of God and building up the church in that community.  The work in Barnes Pen began many years ago when brother Carl Maples and his wife Kathryn worked in Jamaica as missionaries.

Jacques’ wife is Maydene, and they have been married since December 2012.  Both grew up in Lluidas Vale, graduating from local schools before going on to receive further education and training.  Jacques attended and graduated from Jamaica School of Preaching. Maydene is a guidance counselor and a teacher for the public schools in Jamaica.

This past year, brother Sheldon Shirley has been working with the youth at the congregation.  Sheldon is also from Lluidas Vale and a recent graduate of Jamaica School of Preaching.  Even though he will be working in Kingston, brother Sheldon intends to travel back and forth to Lluidas Vale each weekend to continue developing the youth work that he loves.