Tesi Johnson and Nashauna Drummond, Gleaner Writers
A roaming evangelist, waiting for the next bus on which he will deliver his sermon. - Photograph by Tesi Johnson.
The practice by some over-zealous Christians to impose their doctrine on a trapped audience, is common in Jamaica.
These individuals often board public transportation and as soon as all are settled, begin to sing and preach, usually to the annoyance of passengers who are sitting ducks. Often, after being forced to listen to sermons, passengers are expected to contribute a 'collection' to the 'mobile minister'.
While many may doubt the sincerity of some mobile ministers, others who are already Christian converts, willingly lap up
a dose of gospel as they enjoy their bus ride. But in a world where the consequences of religious arrogance and intolerance are increasingly
manifested by wars and random acts of terrorism, should Christians continue to force their beliefs on people in this way?
"Good morning passengers! I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Can I get a hallelujah?" He is met by faint murmurs and some audible sighs of annoyance. "Cho man, not again," laments one passenger, while another earnestly proclaims, "Praise the Lord!"
Though lambasted by some, he feeds on the energies of those who accept his message and fervently encourages those 'lost sheep' to follow the path of Christ.
These mobile ministers are a common feature of travelling on public transportation. While you commute, they promise salvation through the glory of the Lord, sometimes prophesy hell fire and damnation, and outline the dire consequences of a life without Christ, with a sermon usually backed by a barrage of appropriate Bible verses.
To some, it is a welcome blessing, but to others it is a nuisance, and a violation of their right to a peaceful commute.
Regardless, they preach. Despite hostile comments and even assault, they preach. Some are unemployed, and in 'full-time ministry', others are gainfully employed but feel inclined to spread their faith.
While hanging on to the rails in the bus with one hand, and sometimes a Bible in the other, they all preach.
Singing sermon
"My Jesus, my saviour, Lord there is none like youuuu....", he belts out after taking his seat in the bus. This is actually my favourite song, but he's sitting so close to me, my eardrums are starting to quiver.
"All of my daaaays, I want to praaaise, the wonders of your miiiightyyyyy looooove!"
I can hear a faintly audible hum of the melody over the roaring of the bus engine as some passengers join him in chorus.
"Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing! Power and majesty praise to the king!"
By the time he gets to this line, the entire bus has become his supporting choir.
"Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your naaaame!" They all sing.
"I sing for joy at the work of your hands, forever I love you forever I stand," resonates through the vehicle and the people seated in nearby cars in traffic look up to see where the powerful sound was coming from. I too feel compelled to sing.
"Nothing compares to the promise I have in you." We end the song, he stands and says, "Thank you for worshipping with me," then exits the bus.
Full-time ministry
The bus route from Cooreville Gardens to downtown Kingston has its own resident preacher. Almost every day at varying times, he's on the bus. His messages are always the same. He never quotes any specific scriptures, he just recites well-known Bible passages such as, "if God be for us ..." and those listening would respond, "who can be against us."
He does not speak about the church at which he worships and his focus is always on vague social problems that everyone is aware of. I've never seen him with a Bible but there is his famous invocation that I always wait for.
He proclaims that he has been doing full-time ministry for two years now. He left his regular job and he does not know his going out or coming in but God always provides - and some of the passengers usually do.
Occasionally, he will whisper something unintelligible (apparently speaking in tongues). But at the end of it and right before he prays, he will ask for a contribution (everyone thinks this is a form of begging).
The fact that he asks for money makes everyone believe it's all a con. Why doesn't he invite persons to his church?
One morning as he was into his 'testimony', a couple got to the steps of the bus, saw him and muttered, "Mi not in the mood fi him this morning,' and they exited.
The elderly are his main audience. Others usually ignore him but young and old usually give him a contribution of $20, $50 or $100.
