Mark Beckford, Gleaner WriterBEFORE HE died, Andrew Lawrence, pastor of the Bible Teachers International Ministry, had wanted to see the warring factions within Wilton Gardens (Rema) and Trench Town lay down their guns and come together.
In the wake of his death, it seems as if this will become a reality.
A day after Pastor Lawrence was found with several stab wounds in his home at Shortwood Drive, Kingston 8, members of those opposing factions were worshipping together in church yesterday at the Bible Teachers International Ministry at 33 1/2 Eastwood Park Road.
Sadness and loss
Bishop Carleen Davis, pastor of the church, said when members of the ministry in Trench Town found out about the pastor's death, the mood was one of sadness and loss.
"Yesterday when we had prayer with this side and that side, both sides felt the same way ... because they appreciated Andrew's ministry," she said.
"Members of the warring sides were in church worshipping today, and in Andrew's memory they have indicated a willingness to come to the table and talk," she continued.
In church yesterday, Pastor Lawrence was remembered for his service to persons from all walks of life.
Devon Graham, 30, a resident of Trench Town, was one of those individuals whose life was touched by Pastor Lawrence.
Lived for others
"Me can't believe a good youth like him dead, you know, 'cause a youth like him good to the whole Rema," he said.
Graham, who described Pastor Lawrence as a "godfather", said he was hurt by thepastor's death as Lawrence had helped him and others in many ways.
"Yeah, you have some youth inna a deep dark thing, and Andrew come and show us the light so that Rema can get back to how it stay. Rema was a wicked piece a hell and Andrew come and show us the way."
"He loved people, he was a nice person, he would give his last to anybody. He was the type of person who lived for other people," said Bishop Riley, whose church will be establishing a foundation which will continue Pastor Lawrence's vision for Trench Town.
