Church-led initiative provides showers, meals, and spiritual care to dozens of Castries’ homeless during special outreach.

January 5, 2026 | Castries, St. Lucia | Royston Philbert and Inter-American Division News Staff

Acts of kindness replaced indifference on the streets of Castries, St. Lucia, as Seventh-day Adventists recently extended care and dignity to dozens of homeless and underprivileged individuals through a “Shower on Wheels” initiative.

Led by Evangelism for St. Lucia, the outreach provided showers, meals, clothing and personal support to some of the island’s most vulnerable residents on Dec. 21, 2025. The initiative was staged along Church Lane, Castries, with the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ School serving as the operational base for bathing and meal distribution.

Seventh-day Adventists in Castries, Saint Lucia, support underprivileged residents by providing personal care services, including grooming, to individuals experiencing homelessness on Dec. 21, 2025. [Photo: St. Lucia Mission]
The effort was supported primarily by members of the Maranatha District, in collaboration with Evangelism for St. Lucia and Zone A Community Services (CS) members along with volunteers from across the community. Participants of all ages worked together to ensure the smooth execution of the program.

Approximately 60 individuals were served with breakfast and lunch, while 20 participants also received haircuts and shaves. Adult volunteers managed the logistical and technical aspects of the outreach, while the children’s ministries department leaders assisted by preparing and serving breakfast, welcoming participants, and guiding them to designated shower and meal areas.

“As a church and as a district, we understand that ministry is not limited to preaching,” said Pastor Chad Goolaman, pastor of the Maranatha District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “It includes the social responsibility of caring for people, feeding those who are hungry, encouraging those who feel forgotten, and helping individuals regain dignity through simple but meaningful acts.”

Adventist volunteers provide personal grooming assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness during a community outreach in Castries, Saint Lucia. [Photo: St. Lucia Mission]
Goolaman said the initiative reflects the church’s commitment to holistic ministry, addressing both spiritual and social needs within the community.

Donatus Sydney, personal ministries leader of the Maranatha Adventist Church and coordinator for evangelism for St. Lucia project, said the outreach was intentionally scheduled during the Christmas season, when generosity and goodwill are more visible.

“This is a season when people are naturally inclined to give,” Sydney said. “We chose this time because compassion and kindness speak loudly now. Our vision is to make “Shower on Wheels” an annual initiative that restores dignity and pride to our homeless citizens and reminds them that they matter and that they belong to St. Lucia.”

Sydney explained that the initiative forms part of Evangelism for St. Lucia’s broader mission to share the gospel through service, meeting people at their point of need.

A community member expresses appreciation for the music shared during the outreach ministry in Castries, Saint Lucia. [Photo: St. Lucia Mission]
Volunteers described the experience as deeply moving. One participant said it “felt good to be working for the Master and making a difference in the lives of vulnerable persons.” He recalled a moment that stood out when one individual shared that it had been five days since his last bath and asked not to be rushed so he could fully savor the moment. Another participant remarked simply, “This feels good and needs to be done more often.”

Beyond meeting physical needs, the outreach also fostered deep spiritual engagement. Organizers led worship through song, as attendees requested favorite hymns, joined prayer groups, and shared personal prayer requests. Leaders said the response reflected hearts being touched through service, noting that one individual even requested baptism during the gathering.

Church leaders emphasized collaboration, noting that participation from Zone A churches broadened involvement across congregations, highlighted homelessness as a shared community concern, and underscored the role of Children’s Ministries in raising awareness among families.

Pastor Chad Goolaman, pastor of the Maranatha District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Saint Lucia, helps lead community outreach initiatives across Castries. [Photo: St. Lucia Mission]
Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand the initiative in the coming year by acquiring a dedicated mobile truck. The addition would allow the “Shower on Wheels” program to be offered islandwide.

“We are excited about what lies ahead in 2026,” Goolaman said. “Our goal is to continue impacting Castries and surrounding communities by giving people a good start—one that empowers them to rebuild their lives and eventually contribute positively to society.”