JCS Summer Mission Trip Announced

Destination: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Dates: July 3 through July 10, 2010. Applications are available to download online by clicking here. Applications must be completed by January 10, 2010.

Cost: $1,325. Cost includes pre-trip training materials, air & ground travel, meals, lodging, project materials, team t-shirt, sightseeing costs, and emergency medical insurance. Basically, we cover everything.

What: Our week will be spent serving alongside missionaries John & Amy Banta. The Banta’s are serving God in Guatemala through Global Soccer Ministries. Soccer skills are not required. We will be assisting GSM with a variety of projects throughout the community.

Transportation:

We’ll travel by bus from JCHS to Detroit Metro Airport and fly to Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Food & Lodging:

We will be staying at the Nazarene Seminary in Guatemala City. Most meals will be prepared by the seminary staff. A few meals will be eaten out at restaurants as well. All in-country meals are included.

Communication:

The Royal Servants blog (www.royalservants.blogspot.com) will be our primary way of communicating to friends back home throughout the trip. The blog will also serve as a pre-trip bulletin board with various updates and helpful information. Check out the blog to see pictures from previous JCS mission trips and read stories of how God changed peoples lives.

What will we do:

1. Build relationships: Above everything else, we want to build relationships with people. This takes priority over all of our other goals because we recognize the eternal nature of relationships. Each day we’ll have time to hang out with people living in the slums. We might do this through sports, clinics, and/or feeding programs.

2. Be Christ: This involves an incarnational view of Christian missions. We will be extensions of the incarnation to those we encounter – we have God’s Spirit in us and we want to be Christ’s hands and feet for the world. Sharing Christ in this manner requires an active personal relationship with Christ. We can’t share what we don’t have.

3. Work: We will work and work hard to contribute as much as we can throughout week. Each participant will be expected to do their share as we assist Global Soccer Ministries with various development projects in and around their community.

4. Have fun: It is unavoidable to have fun on trips like these. Though it may not manifest itself in specific activities on our schedule, fun will be present. If you don’t like to have fun you may be disappointed. Fun takes many forms on these mission adventures, often in spontaneous and unpredictable ways.

Who are we working with?

Global Soccer Ministries International (GSM) Because of its global popularity, soccer is one of the greatest sports tools in the world to win the lost to Christ. GSM uniquely presents training sessions using scripture, prayer, the love of Christ and player-coach relationships to lead players to come to know Christ and deepen their faith. The respect that comes with great coaching opens the doors for GSM to identify and assist individuals within the community who have desperate needs both spiritually and physically.

Simply Missions is a division of Global Outreach Development, Inc. Simply Missions exists to provide short-term mission experiences that are simple, effective, and relational with an emphasis on developing leaders who will provide similar experiences.

If you have any questions please contact Joe Neill: info@simplymissions.org (517) 917-0617

5 Keys to Successful Re-entry

Hey Team, thanks for a great mission trip! Now that we are back it can feel like the trip is over. But there are a few things that you can do now to continue getting the most out of your experience. Here they are...

1. Know the #1 Question, "How was your trip?"
Everyone will ask you this question. Be prepared with a short answer that doesn't bore them. Leave room for them to ask more questions if they are interested. Don't be offended if they say, "That's nice." and move on in the conversation. Remember, they didn't have the same experience you had, so it's not as important to them as it is to you.

2. Find a Processing Partner
Find a friend that will be willing to just sit and listen to you for 2 or 3 hours while you talk about your experiences. That time will allow you to hear yourself talk about the trip and you may discover some things that you didn't know you had learned. Remember, we often don't know what we think until we hear ourselves say it.

3. Plan what will change
On trips like these many people make important decisions to change things in their lives. Unfortunately, some hope to change everything and then are frustrated when nothing changes. So, avoid that by planning one thing to change. Be specific and set goals. Find accountability and have someone help you make the changes you want to make in your life in response to the trip.

4. Don't let it end!
Even though the trip is "officially" over, you can keep it alive with two key activities: First, by praying consistently for those people you met along the way. And second, by becoming an advocate for missions. Talk about the trip and how it changed you. Talk about the needs you saw. Inspire others to take action by getting involved.

5. Write a prayer letter.
Take time to write a letter to all of the people who helped make the trip possible for you. Tell them about your experiences and about what God did in your life. Ask them to continue praying for you as God continues to show you how to be involved in Missions.

Jamaican Airport

They team made it through security at the airport and will be home soon!! Aren't you excited? I am soooo excited!!!! Yes, this is Laura. : )

Student Perspective: Rachael

Wow!! What an incredible week—and what an incredible trip to remember. As our time in Jamaica winds down, I cannot help but stand in awe of how fast this has gone. Not simply how fast this trip has gone, but how fast these four years have gone. I am so incredibly filled with the Spirit of God as I reminisce about all of my trips and remember the things I have experienced. One thing is for sure—these past four years have been so filled with God and so filled with growth that there are no words to describe the things God has done in my life and the ways He has changed me and drawn me closer to His heart. It is truly a bittersweet feeling as I come to the end of my last trip.

As I think about my years of traveling and serving the Lord in various places around the globe, I am overwhelmed at the vastness of my God and the way He teaches me and speaks to my heart on each trip. My heart is instantly brought to a state of worship. Although I have been on many trips throughout the years, I have come to know that each individual trip contains its own individual lessons. This trip is no different. There are so many things that I have learned this week, but one thing is prominent in my mind.

This week, our group devoted our time and effort to building a house for a family whose home was destroyed by a fire. We completed our project yesterday, and as Solomon and his family stood on the front porch smiling for their first pictures at their new house, I was overwhelmed with a sense of God’s healing. At church on Sunday, a woman who was preaching said something I will not soon forget. She said, “There is not one broken vessel that our God cannot mend.” As I stood watching this broken family take their first step towards healing, the meaning of these words rang true and strong in my heart. Our God is an Awesome God. Our God loves His children, hurts when His children hurt, and tenderly holds them while they are in the midst of sorrow. But even more than this—Our God MENDS the broken hearts of His children and REDEEMS them to a place of hope and healing. And that is exactly what God did to Solomon’s family, and that is exactly what God can do in each of our lives as well. In fact, that is the very reason that Jesus suffered and died on His cross—to provide each one of us with redemption and hope that does not dissolve.

Our God is an Awesome God. There is truly NO broken vessel that OUR GOD cannot mend.

Rachael H.

Day 7 Recap (In Pictures)

Day 6 Recap (In Pictures)

Sunday was a welcome day of rest for our team. We've been working hard on the house and everyone needed a break. Church was a unique cultural experience and I think everyone enjoyed it. A few of the students gave testimonies and the choir kids sang "Blessed be Your Name". It was great. In the afternoon we went snorkeling and hung out at the beach. Many found various sea creatures including the large conch shell pictured above. Unfortunately those items smell horrendous a day later when they are sitting out by the pool. Let me just say, be careful when you open those suitcases!

Leader Perspective: Cheryl

Our time in Jamaica so far, this is the subject that Joe asked me to write about and as I think about this over all experience I am amazed at what God has shown me from the smallest detail to the great things he has been doing here. To come to a Tropical Island in the Atlantic and experience the same God we experience in our own city is really special, the people here live lives completely out of our understanding, very simple lifestyles, yet they are content with all they have. We have had an opportunity to build a home for a couple that lost theirs in a fire along with all of their belongings they come up the hill to the Jungle area that we are building on and watch and smile at their new home, it is a great blessing to serve this couple by building them a new home, they are extremely grateful for the workers here. Its also really great to work alongside Jackson Christian kids doing hard work in hot humid conditions and not hear complaints but praise songs as they work and laughter. Everyone by now knows where we are needed on the project and we seem to work together like clockwork. Today was a really special time for me, we had an opportunity to visit a Jamaican Church service we arrived at noon the service had already been underway for a while it was a tiny building with wooden pews and no air conditioning we went in and found seating we actually doubled the size of the congregation! A local lady was reading scripture she had struggled with a few words and as a few members of the church corrected her she continued on with out any embarrassment worshiping God. The service was simple and we felt Gods presence in the service and saw the love of Christ in these church members. Going on a mission trip I often thought in the back of my head the idea was to go share Christ with these people, Christ is already here we are here to share Christ’s love by serving. Being part of this group is a huge blessing devotional time in the evening brings so many different thoughts from each person sharing their experience from the day. God is using each one of us to be an encouragement to the other in so many ways for that I am really thankful. Please continue to pray for us as our time here winds down this is bitter sweet as it will be good to come home to our homes and comforts yet it is hard to leave these people we have been with for the last 6 days and break the group up. Happy Fathers Day to all
Cheryl

Student Perspective: Alex

First off, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE DAD’S!!! Anywho, today was an amazing day. 10 of us got up at 6:30 to go snorkeling at the reef. While the rest of them got to sleep in until breakfast which was at 9:00! When regularly we have breakfast at 6:30! So the one day we get to sleep in we get the chance to go snorkeling…oh well it was simply amazing! The reef was gorgeous, we went out for 1 ½ hours. The salt was a little hard to get used too, but we managed. Of course the showers were crowded, especially since we had to go to church today. When we say church you usually mean the nice clothes, programmed service, organization, and ROOM to sit…but here it is totally different, pretty much the opposite. We walked in and the things that we took for granted were very difficult for them. We enter the room to scripture reading, what we would think as easy and just an everyday thing-easy to read. But everyone was helping the individual read the words that they couldn’t pronounce-since the regular language is patois (Pot-wa) and they have the English translation of the Bible. It was great to see how diligent they were to read that verse, they didn’t just give up or let someone else do it for them. The worship was a little bit different-actually A LOT different. Most of the songs were just thrown together and very out of tune, but that didn’t matter to them because they were worshiping the same God that we do-who cares if we are 8,000 miles away-WE HAVE THE SAME GOD. And that is what God really showed me today that it doesn’t matter if I don’t think that it is “normal” or what I see as the “right” way. God is everywhere, anywhere, at all times. Well, the rest of the day was pretty lazy-we just went to the beach ate lunch, ate dinner, and swam. (I think that swimming is kind of pointless here because the pool water is literally warmer than the air-but that’s just me) Well I am verrrrry tired, hope to see you all soon! Only 3 more days! Can’t actually believe I’ve been in Jamaica for this long already! Be home soon!
-Alex

Student Perspective: Brianna & Jadie

Hey Everyone! It’s Brianna and Jadie!!
We just got back from church and it was an amazing experience! It was cool to see that no matter where you are in the world, we all are worshipping the same God. So many people from the church gave testimonies of how Christ’s sacrifice changed their lives and how much they loved Him. We were both in awe of the presence of the Holy Spirit in this church.
On a less spiritual note, at the house there are four dogs – Hercules, Joy, Honey and Biscuit. Hercules, aka the Devil Dog, is a giant German Shepherd. He attacks people when they are having too much fun, but if things are boring, he just takes a nap. Joy, Hercules’ wife, is also a German Shepherd. She is much nicer and more pleasant to be around. Honey (rat or dog??? Still up for debate) is a small creature with stringy golden locks. And now last but certainly LEAST, Biscuit. Biscuit struggles with his appearance, and has low self-esteem (no thanks to us). Everyone hates Biscuit, except for Paige and Felix (the cutest kid at the house). Paige says he really is ugly but still cute. Felix says that even though he drinks dirty water you shouldn’t call him nasty. Biscuit desperately is in need of some major orthodontic work. His obvious underbite is extremely unattractive. When we get home, you all must see our impression of him, we are pretty good. When we pulled out for church this morning, we thought we hit him with the van, but to our disappointment it was only a rock.
We miss you all and can’t wait to come home, even though we are having tons of fun! Please keep praying for us as we survive the ugliness of Biscuit and the bite of Hercules. Thanks so much for everything! See you soon!
Love, Bri and Jadie
P.S. And Happy Father’s Day to all you awesome dads out there!!!! Love ya Bruce and Rajah!! 

Leader Perspective: Sandy

Hello Everyone back home!!

We have been so busy and working so hard!! We have had very few injuries, a few cuts, scratches and bruises, so I guess Jacob Hendrick still holds the record for injuries! Some of the kids have been a bit homesick but have been able to talk it out and get hugs, all the kids are wonderful at building each other up. I am SO proud of each one of them for working so hard with joyful hearts and so willing to serve. In spite of the heat they continue to keep focused on the task at hand and find ways to make it fun! I can’t think of anything more beautiful then hearing them break out in song to God with all their hearts!! Their lives are a great testimony of all your work in raising them and the influence of JCS and their churches. It has been heart breaking to see some of the conditions that people live in and at the same time heartwarming to spend time talking with the people we have met. At the church service we went to today the people were so joyful and alive in their worship, it was cool to be a part of it!! We will see you soon! Thank you for allowing me to spend this time with your kids!

Sandy H

Day 5 Recap (in pictures with captions)

Above: Solomon teaches the girls how to make "table mats" (we would call them hot pads). They are cool.
Below: Rachael reads her devotional at the poolside.


Above: Chris ponders the cards on the table.
Below: Kasey finds a few minutes to read after a long day of work.


Above: The guys chill at the table before dinner.
Below: Jadie, Brianna, & Bron hang out on the roof for fun.

Student Perspective: Alanna

Matthew 28: 19

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus was with his disciples for a long period of time, even in the last moments with Jesus there was worship and yet doubt. Jesus defeated hell and the grave; yet Jesus is not finished, he is still working every day. He is transforming the world… but how? Jesus is transforming this world through his followers/children. He is instructing his children to go and make disciples. Disciple: a student, Follower, and a learner who journeys with their instructor. Jesus wants us to make disciples, to make followers who are learning with us to love as Jesus loved by laying down our lives for him; a disciple never stops learning. The best way to make disciples is collectively (church) we are called collectively to show grace and hospitality no matter where you are and how you view the world they are all our brothers in Christ. For those who seek shall find so show grace, hospitality and tolerance.

(Just something that I was thinking about tonight)

Jamaica is a lot different than I thought it would be…. In some aspects. I knew that it would be hot and muggy and that every thing I would touch would totally stick to me. The cultural difference at least to me is intense. I love the people here and I love the work that I am doing. I have been able to help out in many ways; I can really feel Christ working through me. One thing I haven’t really enjoyed about being here is the food… I think every thing that I have been fed has chicken in it. Chicken neck stew, chicken foot stew, chicken hot dogs, oh and fish… L if any of you know me when it comes to chicken and fish I am a vegetarian. So I have been surviving on suckers and mints and if I am lucky I will get a corner piece of a pop tart that someone has smuggled in their bag. But other than that things are pretty neat I like learning new things about the culture here. I have had a lot of fun and made a lot of new friends… ha-ha I have also been spanked by Mrs. Hartman if you want to know why you will have to ask me when I get home! Ha ha. I have a lot of good stories that I want to share with everyone when I get home. Anyways please keep praying for everyone here that we will get the field work done and that everyone stays safe. Please pray that Jesus will work through us so that we may make disciples among these people. I miss and love you all. And believe it or not I am VERY homesick. I am very much looking forward to Wednesday. Mom, Dad when you pick me up I am expecting fast food and ice-cream when I get off the plane oh and NO chicken for a month please!!!!!!! Again I love ya!

-Alanna

Student Perspective: Krystle

It was really hard to believe that we were actually in Jamaica until we actually stepped out of the airport into the hot and humid air (it was raining-go figure). We were so excited and just kept repeating “we’re in Jamaica! We’re in Jamaica!” As you probably know, we didn’t even get to see the house we were going to be staying in before we were put to work. I really enjoy the physical work and construction we have been doing on the house. Even though it is incredibly hot and you only have to be out there two seconds before you are sweating all over the place, I would do it all over again given the opportunity. I love the fact that I am able to be a part of the process that helps a needy family out and makes them light up with sunny smiles on their faces. I thank God so much for this amazing opportunity to serve here in Jamaica. I am one of the lucky kids who get to spend their time equally between construction on the house and playing with the kids. Yesterday was probably my favorite day. A small group of us got up early and headed out to the work sight before the rest of the group. There were a bunch of guys, Becky, and me. We were a little bit out numbered. Well, it was the hottest part of the day and Becky and I had to paint a wall with the sun directly on us. We had to wear sunglasses because the wall was so bright! I worked up on the house for the majority of the time. Then Brittnie Jarrett and I went down the mountain/hill to join some others who were playing with the kids. They were coloring and playing games. There were some face paint markers and the kids were having a blast. Then they decided to have a blast on me. I became one big art project. It started out with a little artwork on my arms and spread rapidly to my legs, face, neck, and even my shorts! The kids just attacked me. I honestly don’t believe I’ve had more fun in my life! The kids were laughing and having the best time. They also thought my camera was the coolest thing. My heart aches for them and how little they have and how they can be entertained for hours with the littlest things. And of course, it makes me appreciate what I have all the more. Why did God place me in America? Why wasn’t I born in a third world country? If I was born here, would I honestly be able to enjoy life the way these kids do? I thought going without my makeup for a few days was hard! One of the kids came up to me at My Fathers House and asked me why I wore ‘stuff on my face’. It was the first time I had worn makeup there. I stumbled over an answer they would understand. But I thought about that for the rest of the day. What is the real reason I wear makeup? I haven’t seen anyone here wear makeup besides the girls on our team. I wear it to make me look better. But I ask myself, why can’t I be happy with the natural way God make me? I don’t want to come across as someone who wants to hide behind a mask. I want people to see me as who I really am- a person who God made to spread who word to other people. Anyway, the house is looking amazing and we are just about finished. One more day to work on it! Tomorrow is church and I’m so excited to see what message God has stored for me in a foreign church where we all worship God in the same way. Love you all and many thanks for all the prayers for me. Love, Krystle

Student Perspective: Becky

This trip has been unlike anything that I have ever done. I really didn’t like the plane ride it was stressful for me so when I got here in Jamaica I was all shook up then we all piled in a van and started our journey to the house. It was so exciting with jamacians beeping their squeaky horns, driving on the wrongs side of the road and car, the hot weather, and most of all the beaty of the land, so I soon forgot all of the anxiety that I had been feeling the last few days. My thoughts about what the trip would be like were very different to how they are now. Everybody is like my family and I have become closer with my friends and everyone. I learned something in these past few days that has helped me through what I have been struggling with for so long. I learned how to be at PEACE with situations and hardships. In the past six months my life has taken a turn that I thought would never happen that I thought at the beginning I couldn’t survive through. But God has been so gracious to me and He has shone me that even though I am hurting and still trying to work though this I can have peace because I know that He is right here beside me feeling what I am feeling and going though my trial by my side. Also FORGIVENESS I knew that I had forgiven this person but in reality what I really needed was to forgive myself and change my attitude that things happen in life that I have no control over and I love to be in control but I have learned that just because I cant fix something doesn’t make it happening my fault some time things come along that nobody sees happening and people get hurt lives change. I have also learned that some people take longer to heal than others and that I am on the longer side of that measure. On a lighter note I am having a blast and I love building this house it is so much work but watching the families face light up that we are building it for is worth every nasty ounce of energy that I have and it is worth getting up at six thirty for. The children all adore us and the attention that we have for them they are all so precious I don’t know how I am going to leave them. Tonight the weather is nice and we get stay up late! J pray for me as I am still working through this and also for the peoples hearts to just open up to us so that we can share with them about our God. Good Night to America! - Becky

Day 4 Recap (In Pictures)

Student Perspective: Brittany

Hello everyone. First of all I want to say thanks to all of you who are praying for me and the team. God is working in amazing ways and He has shown me many things during the last 4 days.
The main thing Mr. Neill kept emphasizing to us during our team meetings was to not have any expectations for the trip. I thought that I didn’t really have any specific expectations other than what the house was going to be like and what the weather would be like. Someone asked me what my expectations were for the trip last night and I couldn’t really remember any specific ones. But today while I was painting with Rachael and thinking about the expectations thing and I realized that I really did have expectations. I thought that I would be able to make new friends to hang with right away. Whoever I sat on the plane with on the way to Jamaica would become the person I hang out with the most…but I ended up sitting with Sam who is already my good friend...so I didn’t really make any new friends. Then I figured that by the end of day two I would have a lot of friends and I’d be having a blast. In all honesty I didn’t make any new friends. I felt so lonely and I didn’t know why. Another one of my expectations was that I wouldn’t be homesick at all. I figured that I’d be so busy there was no chance I could get homesick. By the morning of day 2 I could barely keep from crying because I was so homesick. That night at the meeting I shared that I was homesick and found out that two other people were dealing with the same stuff as I am. Throughout that day God showed me that ‘I need Him every hour’ as the song says. So now I’m not lonely because I know that God is always with me. And I’ve made so many friends it’s crazy. I love you all so much and thanks again for the prayers!
Britt Johnson

Student Perspective: Patrick

Hey y’all. Well, it’s been four days and I’ll tell ya, it’s been amazing. I’ve been sweating buckets and drinking gallons, but I’ve made great friends and have worked so hard. Today we got the roof of the house started. Well mom, sorry to tell ya, but I was up on the roof by myself for awhile loading up on zinc roofing and holding it so it can be attached. It was hot, exhausting work, but I never thought on that. I spent my time focusing on the view from the top. It was beautiful. I felt so close to God, I felt His hand holding me and helping me balance. I think I was up there for two hours in the sun.

The second day I received some news from home……it really threw me. My great-grandma had had a stroke. I just read though that she is doing fine and will be okay. The past few days I pushed myself and all I could think about was how much God has blessed me with having my grandma in my life. Every situation on the work site reminded me of the good memories I have had with my grandma and it really helped me push.

God’s hand is at work in Jamaica and it is amazing to watch people in the group see God and draw His infinite love around them. Please pray for this trip and for the people here. More to come. - Pat Meade

Student Perspective: Bron

The first day we got here everyone was overtired and super cranky. We unloaded a truck full of wood and tin for the house we are building and I thought this is not going to be fun. I don’t want to be here I want to be at home in my bed and sleep for days. Then the second day came and we carried all the wood we unloaded up a huge hill and I still really wanted to just go home. It wasn’t until the third day that I worked with the kids and they totally changed my attitude about being here. I realized this is why were here this not about me this about the awesome people living in this country. One lady brought us all salt fish fritters and juice even though she has nothing, and I realized I have everything so why can’t I just help these people and now I’m excited to help. I love the kids and the people here they are awesome. Last night a bunch of us girls went up on the roof and later on the pool deck for some devos. We talked about what we have learned and what we are struggling with. I love the girls here. I know they care for me I care for them. ~Bron~

Student Perspective: Alex

So for this trip I didn’t really know what to expect. Especially after staying up a complete 33 hours from home to here, I didn’t know what was going to happen! It wasn’t going so well with being overtired! I thought, yeah a missions trip that will be amazing, fun memories, working hard, and helping out a family. But no, it’s been a lot more than that. The people here are amazing, simply amazing. They are completely content with what they have, whether it is food for the day or a pair of clean clothes. It makes me feel so grateful for what I have. What I really wanted to learn over this trip was how to grow stronger with the Lord and trust in Him completely. A lot of things have happened to me, and I hope to go to God more than anyone else. On the first day Mr. Jim and Mr. Neill said okay, one more push and we are done for the day. Now bringing up these materials was like taking stones up a mountain (seeming impossible), but to get it done we all worked together and it was done before we knew it. Even those little words that were said made me think, okay Alex you can push through all these things, you have a team, God is your team mate. I may not do my devotions all the time or read my Bible, but these little devotionals that we have here are like light in a tunnel, they make you think. Doesn’t it seem so ironic that whatever you are going through somehow God shows you signs on how you can get through it? That is what is happening to me this week. I love helping these people; no words can describe it… Yes, I’m building a house for a family whose house burned down, but I’m also building great relationships with my friends, great relationships with my leaders, but most importantly my Christian walk and a stronger relationship with the Lord. Being here makes you realize how important some of your actions and words mean to people. Some of the things we joke about at home could mean a totally different thing here. You have to make sure you think before you speak, to be patient, another thing that God is challenging me with. All these things can not be put into words! But on the hard labor part, so far we’ve brought all the materials (EVERY kind of wood imaginable, ply-wood, metal sheeting, screws/nails, cement mix, paint/primer, equipment, gravel/sand) up a HUGE hill, built the walls, painted the walls, finished the front concrete patio, and started the roof structure. HARD WORK!!! But the best part is just talking to the people, seeing how they live, what they think about things. The kids are just…so fun, so adorable, and so HYPER! They love to play, color, and blow bubbles we know so far from today! That has to be one of the most unforgettable things I will remember about this trip. I can’t wait to see what else this trip has in store for me! Hopefully I’ll be writing more soon! –Alex

Student Perspective: Lexi

So far, this trip has really opened my eyes. My goal for this trip was to really learn how to be still and know he is God, just by being a tool for him to use. I learned right away that it wasn’t going to be easy at all. We got right off the plane and started unloading some really heavy wood and tools for this house. Now if you know me well, you know I’m not one for real physical work. I really wanted to quit right there, be grumpy, and go to sleep. Through the devotions that we got in our field guide, (our first day was themed ‘BE STRONG’) I found that God made sure that most of the verses that I had read that day kept running through my mind. That for me, really kept me pushing on, but also made me realize that if I couldn’t do just the unloading by myself, I was going to have to have this whole trip relying solely on God. The next day, our devotions were all about ‘TRUTH’. (We’ve been going through Ephesians 6:10-20, so this would technically be the belt of truth). Some of the things I was writing down in my journal after a very hard yet accomplishing day of work really began to start clicking. All I really wanted was to be a tool for God to use so I could make a difference. Even if there were people that I struggled with, hard things that I didn’t want to do, and a lack of sleep, I wanted to do it because God would be the one supporting me and using me to be a living testimony for him. Just because I was building (really just painting for meJ) a house doesn’t mean I wasn’t making a difference. That changed my attitude about everything completely. The next day, God even rewarded me by letting ten of us go to a school to sing and share testimonies, which was such a remarkable experience. I got to play with the kids after school, and began to connect with some of the kids here where we are staying. Building and making relationships is my favorite thing to do, so this was so much fun for me. Even after all of that- our team got all four of the walls up, with all of them painted. We will be finishing that house tomorrow! All in all, just these three days has been so incredible. I can’t wait to write about the rest of my trip!

Day 3 Recap

Today started at 6:30 again. This time, the group struggled to get to breakfast on time. After breakfast all the choir kids went to a local public school and sang some of their choir songs and gave a few testimonies. The rest of the team headed back up the hill to get to work on the house. We took a mid morning break for some saltfish cakes and juice.

Today we finished all the exterior siding, painted the exterior siding, primed and painted trim boards, prepped the front porch for cement, played with the school kids, and much more.

When ladders weren't available, people got creative in order to get the work done.
We did stop for lunch. On today's menu: Chicken Foot Soup! (And yes, that really is a chicken foot.)

It was another busy day and we worked as hard as we could until the rain hit, and it really hit. We all got soaked cleaning up the tools. It passed within an hour or two but we were pretty much done for the day. Once the storm quit, kids were quick to find time to relax in the pool. Tomorrow we hope to put on the roof. Keep praying for good weather.

Day 2 Recap

Today started early with breakfast at 6:30. Surprisingly, everyone made it there on time. Following breakfast and a short devotional, we loaded up the vans and headed to the work site.


We had already staged the building materials at the bottom of the hill, so our first task of the day was to carry the pile of lumber and building supplies up the side of the mountain. This took most of the morning. We took a break for lunch and then started making progress on the house.



By the day's end we had four outside walls up and a few sheets of plywood. It was a long, tough day of work, but the kids were great, worked hard, and stayed hydrated. Before dinner, many were able to cool off in the pool. Dinner was traditional Jamaican fish, yummy.
After dinner, students had down time until our 8:00 debrief meeting. Many shared testimonies of the things that God is already doing in their lives. I'll try to have some of them post here also.


Tomorrow the choir students on the team will head to a local school to perform some songs and share testimonies while the rest of the team stays focused on finishing the house project. Continue to pray for the team and for good weather (it did not rain today until we were nearly finished with our work, and then it just sprinkled... Praise God!).

Getting Here, Getting Settled

It was great to see the whole team today at the airport in Montego Bay. They all arrived just in time for a heavy afternoon rain. We grabbed lunch at Burger King overlooking the bay, then we took the long trek over the mountains to the south shore. There was work to do even before we unloaded the luggage. We drove straight to the work site in order to unload a shipping container filled with materials to build two houses! Once we all got it unloaded we headed to "My Father's House", unpacked, and grabbed dinner. Later kids went swimming, and now the house is quiet. I think they are all pretty tired. Breakfast is at 6:30, then we have lot's of work to do. I'll try to keep you posted as we go.