Jamaica: A Five Day Journey
The beauty of Jamaica is vastly obvious to the world through international advertisement and glorious reports of satisfied tourists. I am confident in saying, "the beauty of Jamaica is only surpassed by the character, pride, and faith of it's people." I did not have time to enjoy the luxury of the island nor lavish in the beautiful shade of the palm, almond, or coconut trees. Daily schedules were from early a.m. to late p.m.
It was my pleasure to participate in a disaster relief mission, offering me the opportunity to visit a mission church, three schools, and two community meetings. One of the town meetings was held on the outside site of ruins caused by Hurricane Ivan. We, coincidentally, entered the community behind a funeral procession of three children who were killed by Hurricane Ivan. Seven people were killed in that village. We passed out clothes, shoes, canned and vacuum packed meats, water, flashlights, batteries, candles, simple toiletries, tracts, and money at the hurricane site. The other town meeting was 'a singing in the rain' town square concert in Manderville, Jamaica. The CIM Connection was joined by local organizations. We shared in encouraging hurricane victims and hurricane helpers through mission work, music, and speeches.
Because of high enrollment and inadequate facilities, the schools operate in shifts, providing instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Jamaican students demonstrated extreme discipline and respectfulness as they stood over an hour to hear and participate in our presentations. (There were no auditoriums in these schools.) Their conduct was consistently honorable and humbling, especially when they stood at attention to sing their national anthem.
Among my fondest memories was the opportunity to share some of my original songs and raps with the children in the schools and community meetings. (Children are just children anywhere in the world.) My heart is still processing this unforgettable experience. I can say I was reminded to count my blessings and offer thanksgiving for everyday simple pleasures we enjoy in America.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Key leaders of this mission were Pastor Brad Rostad (Jamaica), Mrs. Chriss Lott (Illinois), and Mrs. Helen Harris (California). This ministry was Christ-centered with an over-all mission to offer Jesus Christ and proclaim His love through the salvation, healing, deliverance and comfort ministries of California, Illinois and Mississippi Connection. (It is reported that 3,227 souls responded to the call to discipleship!) Are you ready for the next mission? The fields are white!
It was my pleasure to participate in a disaster relief mission, offering me the opportunity to visit a mission church, three schools, and two community meetings. One of the town meetings was held on the outside site of ruins caused by Hurricane Ivan. We, coincidentally, entered the community behind a funeral procession of three children who were killed by Hurricane Ivan. Seven people were killed in that village. We passed out clothes, shoes, canned and vacuum packed meats, water, flashlights, batteries, candles, simple toiletries, tracts, and money at the hurricane site. The other town meeting was 'a singing in the rain' town square concert in Manderville, Jamaica. The CIM Connection was joined by local organizations. We shared in encouraging hurricane victims and hurricane helpers through mission work, music, and speeches.
Because of high enrollment and inadequate facilities, the schools operate in shifts, providing instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Jamaican students demonstrated extreme discipline and respectfulness as they stood over an hour to hear and participate in our presentations. (There were no auditoriums in these schools.) Their conduct was consistently honorable and humbling, especially when they stood at attention to sing their national anthem.
Among my fondest memories was the opportunity to share some of my original songs and raps with the children in the schools and community meetings. (Children are just children anywhere in the world.) My heart is still processing this unforgettable experience. I can say I was reminded to count my blessings and offer thanksgiving for everyday simple pleasures we enjoy in America.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Key leaders of this mission were Pastor Brad Rostad (Jamaica), Mrs. Chriss Lott (Illinois), and Mrs. Helen Harris (California). This ministry was Christ-centered with an over-all mission to offer Jesus Christ and proclaim His love through the salvation, healing, deliverance and comfort ministries of California, Illinois and Mississippi Connection. (It is reported that 3,227 souls responded to the call to discipleship!) Are you ready for the next mission? The fields are white!
