Church started on verandah reaching new heights

A few years ago, when Dixon Neita started the Healing Miracles and Deliverance Ministry church in Windsor Heights in St Catherine, the gesture was the laughing stock of the community.

Not only were the services held on a verandah, but there were only four members in attendance. Fast forward to 2025, Neita and church officials were able to serve their community through a back-to-school programme that catered to more than 50 children. The programme, that was initiated and partially funded by the church's youth director, Jamal Black, offered scholarships, back-to-school vouchers, bags and other items.

Speaking with THE STAR during the church service, Black said he felt the need to assist parents within the area with their back-to-school expenses.

"We did not only cater to members of the church but to the children of the area. There are mothers who are sending back more than one child to school, so this is our way of helping. Also, we had an essay competition where children got to express themselves and speak about some of the challenges they have as it relates to growing up and peer pressure and so on. I was moved by some of these essays and it tells me that while our children are focused, they are also stressed and pressured as well," he said.

A MESSAGE FROM THE ALMIGHTY

As he watched the queue of children collecting their school bags, Neita said he never dreamt of starting a church until six years ago when the Almighty sent him a messenger.

"I would usually go and help build churches. I had a shop down by Coronation Market and a friend came there and told me that the Lord wanted me to do more. Can you imagine that the Lord would send me to a place named Windsor Heights? I used to drive past this place and say I wouldn't go there because of the violence and I ended up here," he said.

With next to no followers, Neita said he approached a member of the community, Reverend Donna McGibbon, who offered assistance.

"Reverend McGibbon and me started the church on her verandah and it was only four of us. Some people used to mock and laugh at us. We had four chairs and there were the dining table chairs and we didn't have a microphone or anything. Then we grow to six and then we cleaned out a small shop and turned it into the church," Neita said.

"Next thing you know, we have over 70 people in our 'shop church' and vehicles parked outside. It's not just a church but a community builder. We don't just preach the gospel but we try to nurture our space. We are growing day by day," McGibbon added.

Currently the church is being hosted at the Windsor Height Community Centre, a location that Neita said is rumoured to be haunted.

"Everybody refused to have service down at the centre because people say it is creepy and carry a lot of demons. People were scared of it, especially Christians, because some say it is a burial place for witches and warlocks and all sort of things. But, we came and we are worshipping the Lord here," he said.