ARTICLE

Crawford and The Hope Vision Fellowship Worship Together

November 13, 2025 | Chris Perrotte | OCN

On October 25, a beautiful but cold Sabbath morning, the Crawford Athletic Department brought its warmth and energy to the Hope Vision Fellowship (HVF) Church.

Founded in 2008 and officially inaugurated on November 16, 2016, Hope Vision Fellowship serves as a spiritual home where visually impaired and blind individuals can come together to worship and connect. On this special Sabbath, students from the main campus of the Crawford Adventist Academy (CAA), led by Athletic Director Akeem Ambrose and Chaplain Sherry Augustus, led the congregation in worship. Both Mr. Ambrose and Pastor Augustus played instrumental roles in organizing this meaningful visit.

“What inspired me to start a program here is that we are a sports program, and I saw members of Hope Vision Church at Crawford. They were dropped back from Camp Frenda one Sunday, and I was inspired by how well they communicated, how effectively they talked to each other, and the relationship they share. I thought it would be amazing if our kids could learn from them because I feel we take things for granted every day,” said Akeem. “When you’re playing sports, you need to communicate with your teammates, and sometimes you don’t see everything. So, working with people who have difficulty seeing or who can’t see at all seemed like a great opportunity for our students to experience. I hope they can translate this to the game and life.”

Students from CAA Main Campus (JK–8) led the entire Divine Service. Gabrielle, Melodi, Sophia, and Vanessa opened the service with a heartfelt praise and worship segment, featuring timeless hymns such as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” This was followed by an interactive Scripture reading, a children’s story, and a special musical selection.

The theme for the sermon, “Touch of God’s Love,” was presented by three students—Gabriel Katreeb, Malkiel Sutherland, and Sophia Ellis—each sharing an engaging and interactive message with the congregation. For instance, Gabriel invited Mr. Ambrose to pass around pieces of cinnamon stick for members to smell, encouraging them to identify it by scent alone. His sermonette, aptly titled “Smelling Like Jesus,” reminded listeners that just as scent leaves a lasting impression, our lives should reflect the fragrance of Christ’s love.

“I just thought it would be a good idea because we’re always focusing on how we smell, but we should really ‘smell like Jesus’—by focusing on being like Him and loving like Him,” said Gabriel.

One of the facilitators of the program, Dr. Maria McClean, was happy that the students came to visit.

“Having the students and staff from CAA’s main campus host the worship service for Hope Vision Fellowship added a delightful, youthful energy, according to members,” said Dr. McClean.

Not only did the students lead the entire worship service, but they also helped guide members to their seats and assisted them downstairs for the luncheon. Before visiting HVF Church, the students received an orientation on how to interact respectfully and provide support to visually impaired individuals.

“Students were taught to be mindful of communication etiquette, since members rely on their other senses when interacting with sighted people. This includes speaking clearly and directly, identifying themselves and others in the room or nearby, and being especially descriptive when guiding someone to a seat or up and down stairs,” explained Dr. McClean.

She also emphasized that touch plays an important role in communication, but it’s always essential to ask permission before touching members to avoid startling them.

Hope Vision Fellowship Church was established through the dedication of Charles Thomas, Pat and Ralph Page, Pastor Theodore Sargeant, and numerous volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the church into existence. Today, it continues to provide a welcoming environment for worship and a supportive community for members and their families, promoting well-being and independence.

If you would like to visit and worship with HVF, they meet in person at 24 Nelson Street in Scarborough every fourth Sabbath of the month except in December.

If you would like to visit and worship with Hope Vision Fellowship, services are held in person at 24 Nelson Street, Scarborough, every fourth Sabbath of the month, except in December.

Chris Perrotte
OCN Reporter