Richmond Park Church of the Nazarene (Jamaica East District) was built from Alabaster monies collected from all over the world by Nazarenes. My name is Kirk A. Nicholson. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1977 and dedicated in the Richmond Park Church that same year. I credit my Aunt Marion and Uncle Keith for their faithfulness in bringing me to church.

Through the ministry of Rev. Mark Lawrence, my first pastor, mentor, and dear friend, I was baptized and received into church membership in 1992. In 1995, my first official church responsibility came as Mission Education Secretary (MES). I initially refused to accept, but with constant encouragement from Sister McHayle, I said I would do it. The Lord eventually used this opportunity to open my eyes to full time ministry as I discovered my love and gift for teaching.

Like many other pastors, I had my own dreams. I wanted to be an important architect, but when that did not work out, I decided on aviation. I attended Wings Jamaica in 1995, but God's calling was too strong for me. I made a vow to God that if He allowed me to drop out of Pilot school, provide for my airfare from Jamaica to Trinidad, provide 100% of my tuition at the Nazarene College, and care for me while I attended school, I would surrender myself to full-time ministry.

God began to take care of every single detail in 1997 when Rev. Brown, Senior Pastor and Founder of Christ Alive Christian Centre in New York (USA), promised to cover all of my tuition needs. Then my mother, who had become a Christian soon after my own conversion, proudly purchased my first ticket to Trinidad so that I could attend college.

At Caribbean Nazarene Theological College, now Caribbean Nazarene College, I pursued a major in Christian Education with a concentration in Theology. I was able to graduate in 2001 with honors. I consider Rev. Dr. Eversley, CNC President, as another important mentor, especially in the area of leadership. I feel my purpose in life is to be the servant leader God desires while fulfilling the Great Commission to the glory and praise of God.

And to think, all of this was possible because I was able to attend a church built by the sacrificial money of others through *ALABASTER*.

Today, Rev. Kirk Nicholson is assistant to his Pastor and District Superintendent, Rev. Ron Grey, at the Boulevard Church of the Nazarene. He also serves as the District NMI President, an active member of the District SSM Council and works with the Boulevard Church NYI .

To find out more about Alabaster and how you can be involved log on to: http://www.nazarenemissions.org/default.aspx?pid=23

 

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