There’s one thing that gets Marcel Bruff fired up: knowing he can make a difference in someone’s life. It’s this very passion that led him to accept an invitation from Pastor Carl Scharschmidt, Director of the School Pastors and Street Pastors Ministry.
Pastor Scharschmidt challenged him to help turn things around at Cumberland High School in St. Catherine—a school struggling with violence and students who were often out of control.
“When Carl asked me to take on the challenge, I felt a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. I didn’t hesitate. I made myself available, knowing that God had a plan to transform the lives of the students,” Bruff shared in an interview with Freedom Come Rain.
Bruff credits the six-week training for School and Street Pastors as instrumental in preparing him for the role. The programme included thorough vetting—including a police record—and was focused on transparency, integrity, and mentorship.
Describing the intervention at Cumberland High as a “game-changer,” Bruff explained that school pastors work in pairs, establishing a strong presence on campus. Their interactions with students have been remarkably impactful.
“We’ve seen a significant shift in the students’ mood and behaviour, especially when we’re present in the halls, engaging them and offering words of encouragement. Our goal is to build relationships, foster a sense of purpose, and help them develop a positive worldview. I’m proud to say our team is committed to building relationships with students, teachers, staff, and even the vendors on campus,” he said.
Since joining the initiative, Bruff said some of his most rewarding moments have come from seeing students respond to the message of hope and redemption.
“We’ve had students ask for prayer, and we’ve been privileged to pray with them—seeking God’s guidance and protection over their lives. The results have been remarkable. We’ve seen a decrease in bullying, profanity, and indiscipline. The students are more respectful, and our presence has helped create a more positive school culture,” he shared.
Bruff is quick to acknowledge that this success is also due to the dedication of the teachers and staff who are equally committed to making a difference in the lives of the students.
As a school pastor, Bruff says he feels blessed to be part of the students’ journey—providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
Reflecting on the experience, he noted that one of the key insights he’s gained is the importance of building trust with students.
“By showing up early, greeting them at the gate, and speaking their language, we’ve been able to form strong connections. This allows us to have meaningful conversations, offer guidance, and provide support when needed. We work closely with the guidance counselor and teachers to ensure our efforts align and are truly effective,” he explained.
Violence and deviant behaviour in schools is not unique to Cumberland High, and neither is the School and Street Pastors initiative.
According to Bruff, school pastors are currently active in a few schools across five parishes, with a long-term goal of expanding the programme to all 14 parishes.
Deeply passionate about spreading the model to other schools, Bruff is determined to empower students and help mold future citizens through mentorship, godly role models, and positive engagement.
“I believe every student deserves to experience the love and guidance of God. We’re committed to being part of that journey. By amplifying mentorship and positive role models, we can help create a brighter future for our youth,” he stated.
Outside of his work with school pastors, Bruff humbly receives mentoring and inspiration from elder Donavan Beersingh. Both travel to Danvers Pen Missionary Church every third Sunday and assist the Missionary Church National Men’s Ministry where Bruff is a vice president, serving alongside President Pastor Philip Cardis.
Speaking about the men’s ministry, he emphasised its focus on the resurgence, rebirth, and rebuilding of masculinity and empowering men to take their rightful place in society.
“We believe that men have a critical role to play in shaping the next generation. We’re committed to providing guidance, support, and mentorship to young males,” he said.
The ministry engages men through a variety of spiritual and recreational activities—prayer, fasting, music, Zoom meetings, workshops, sports, and fun days with football and dominoes, and regular fellowship gatherings.
“We’re working to create a movement of men who will stand up for what’s right and make a positive impact in their communities. We openly invite retired professionals, experts, and experienced father figures of godly character to be a part of this mission to transform the lives of our youth,” he added.
Born in Kingston and raised between Kingston and Portmore, Bruff is a proud past student of Gaynstead High School. He is married and the father of three children—two boys and a girl. One son is currently deployed to Iraq, another is in college in New Jersey, and his daughter works at a university.
A lay preacher, Bruff describes himself as someone with a passion for God and compassion for souls.
“I want to be remembered as a humble servant of God who loved people. I’m passionate about doing God’s will and serving others. I am committed to using my gifts and talents to make a positive impact in our country. I believe that Jamaica’s best days are ahead, and I’m excited to be part of the journey toward a brighter future.”