God has given us everything we need for life and for godliness. He has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (to strategise effectively)
It was a year or two before hurricane Gilbert and time for the world-famous annual Denbigh Agricultural Show. Every area of the country’s agricultural sector was planning to be in attendance, for it was their once-a-year opportunity to “strut their stuff.” Stakeholder entities in the wider agro-industry were also expected to be on board.
Kiskimo Limited, then Jamaica’s largest producer of box fruit juices (Kisko and Big Sip) was not to be excluded. They had reserved their space on the Denbigh showground and were preparing to go and erect their booth. The building supplies/materials, including lumber, had been ordered from the main hardware store on Manchester Avenue in May Pen, a few miles from the event (as we say in Jamaica, “jus roun di caana”).
The day before the big show was to commence was construction day and my very good friend, Banjo, went with his team-mate to collect their goods from the hardware. Having gathered everything, the two men were now ready to roll into Denbigh on the delivery truck that had been hired, but there was some devastating news – the truck had broken down and was no longer available, and all efforts to get another one proved futile.
DON’T WORRY, AMIGO
Then, Banjo, remembering his good friend, Jimbo, who lived in May Pen, sent out an SOS to him. In “two-two’s” Jimbo was on the spot.
Jimbo, one of May Pen’s most astute businessmen, quickly sized up the situation, and told Banjo that he would soon return. “Don’t worry, amigo” he waved as he hastily left the scene. Jimbo had been trained as a sports medicine physiotherapist in Cuba, but after a short stint in the business, he decided it was not for him and switched career paths.
Banjo began to relax because his friend was one of the most resourceful persons he knew and was acquainted with everyone in Clarendon. If anyone could get a truck to move the goods, it would be Jimbo.
After a couple of hours had passed, Banjo began to feel a bit uneasy. It seemed that Jimbo was not going to…then, like in the movies, he looked up and saw something coming over the brow of the hill on Manchester Avenue. As the approaching image started to take shape, Banjo realized it was Jimbo galloping towards the hardware in a large donkey cart!
Without any hesitation, they got busy, and soon the cart was fully loaded with all the materials and supplies, and lumber! Laughing heartily, they manoeuvred through the busy streets of May Pen to the Denbigh Showground, even making better time than the motor vehicles which couldn’t navigate the heavy traffic, as well as the donkey cart, could.
Material and crew arrived safe and sound and the Kiskimo booth was erected in due time.
The next morning, when Kiskimo’s Marketing Manager arrived, she was impressed with the booth and commended Banjo and “the crew” on the great work they had done.
TODAY’S LESSON
When God gives you an assignment, He has already provided the resources to get it done. Satan will put obstacles in your way, but don’t be dismayed, God will make these obstacles into stepping-stones for His honour and glory, and our good.
“Where there is a will, God will certainly make a way.”
I take this opportunity to pay respect to James “Jimbo” Thomas, owner of Hotel Versailles, who passed away in August 2021. I thank my friend, Andrew “Banjo” Reid for reminding me of this adventure which shows that we should never be afraid to think outside the box when confronted with challenges – business or otherwise.
