Evangelist Yvette McKenzie-Blake (centre) shows children of Gregory Park Primary an old-time iron during an event at the school put on by the Children of Hope Ministries, headed by McKenzie-Blake, earlier this year. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Evangelist Yvette McKenzie-Blake is known in Gregory Park, Portmore, as a 'mother' to many unfortunate and neglected children in her community. McKenzie-Blake, a mother of seven children (two adopted), who has been married for 10 years, has gone the extra mile to see that scores of children, none of which are her biological offspring, have food to eat and are sent to school to get an education.

She is very serious when it comes to education and sees it as a vehicle for the changing of lives.

"Education plays an important role in the children's lives and I try my best to allow all of them to attend school," she said.

Because of her love for children, McKenzie-Blake, a Christian for more than 10 years, started the Children of Hope Ministries in 2004. It is "a ministry to equip children with the necessary skills to make it in life so that there is hope for them despite their shortcomings and so they can aspire to be better in life".

McKenzie-Blake added: "This is a ministry for unfortunate and neglected children. I show them love, send them to school, assist in processing birth certificates for them and, if I cook, I make sure the one's that don't have food can get something to eat."

The children range from age two to 17. Since the inception of her ministry, she has touched the lives of more than 200 children, and currently takes care of 80 children in one way or another through assistance with lunch or lunch money, bus fare, books for school and medical expenses.

"I'm like a mother to them. I take them on outings, like to Hope Gardens and Emancipation Park in St Andrew, Puerto Seco in St Ann, among other places, because many of them don't know places in Jamaica," she said. "Most of the children are from areas like Portmore Villas, Dover Avenue, Walker's Avenue, Hot Field Drive, Cottage Drive and Christian Pen. People always asking me how I do it, and I tell them by the grace of God. I work a throw partner, and beg things from people and businesses to support the children."

Childhood tale

Explaining the driving force behind her desire to care for children, McKenzie-Blake was quick to tell the tale of her childhood.

"I am from humble beginnings in a district called Bath, St Thomas. At age seven, I went to live with my mother and stepfather in White Hall in the parish. I was abused physically by a relative and I don't want that to happen to these children," she said. "I was forced to live with my auntie at age 12 to escape the abuse. After I was saved by Jesus Christ in 1999, I was given a vision to take care of children and I asked God 'How am I going to do that? I don't have the money.' A voice said to me, 'Ask and it shall be given unto you.' The voice was the Lord speaking to me."

McKenzie-Blake said she grew up with hate and resentment in her heart and started to roam the streets as a teenager. She said she smoked ganja, took other illicit drugs, and even tried to take her own life twice but failed.

"God wasn't ready for me. He had a purpose for me in life. God has now changed me and now I'm overflowing with love," she said. "I gave birth to five children, four boys and a girl, but I adopted two girls, one at four months, and the other at two years old. Even though I didn't give birth to them, I love them with all my heart. They are role models in the community, people love how I grow them. I'm just bubbling over with love for them."

Though a tower of strength for the youngsters, McKenzie-Blake stressed that she did not do it alone.

"I have a number of volunteers that help me from time to time whenever I have treats for the children," she said.

Among those who assist are residents who allow the treats to take place at their homes and churches that give whatever assistance they can.