The Jamaica Journal—Final Day—Friday, June 19, 2008

Final Thoughts

We awakened early today to another beautiful Jamaican morning. The sky was strikingly blue, and one could tell it was going to be a “hot one” in Jamaica today as the bright sun beat down on us as we made the short walk from our room to the dining area. The importance of an early start was underscored during the previous evening’s announcement time, and judging from the previous week’s trip from Kingston to Jamaica we had to plan for the unexpected along the way! It has been amazing all week at how the kids have responded to their “appointment” times. We gave specific times for each morning’s breakfast and bus pick up times, and without fail, all of the kids have been right on time (and often early). So parents, take heart—your kids can be on time. Following a quick breakfast, we began our trek to Kingston. We determined (at least hoped) that the coast road (as opposed to the previous week’s more mountainous road) would not be quite as bad. Our judgment was good. The coastal journey is quite breathtaking throughout the trip. We could see the devastation from previous hurricanes, but we also saw some dazzling views of the ocean and the mountains. The best of both worlds! It was interesting to see the sugar cane fields for miles and miles, along with the banana trees. Seeing children carry water in large plastic jugs to their homes reminded once again of the plight of this country. Seeing the dilapidated houses made of roof tin also reminded me that many of these people are one storm away from being homeless. Seeing the street vendors plying their wares reminded me that so many of these people are not privileged to make a “living,” they are simply trying to eek out an existence. It is a sobering experience. The drive was anything but boring. Passing eighteen wheelers on winding roads is just not my cup of tea. There are no markings on these roads, certainly no “double yellow, do not pass” lines. So, it is basically, “If you think you can make it, Go fast mon!” Several times the jury was out on whether we would make it, but thankfully people in Jamaica understand how others drive and they make the necessary concessions—I know that we did on many occasions as well. We arrived at the airport in ample time for our flight. Saying goodbye to my friend, Brother Thompson (who had made the trip on the bus with us), was a difficult thing. He is such a wonderful man and presence. I wish all of you could get to know the depth of this man and the Christian character that he exudes. He is a wonderful role model for this community.

Our flight from Kingston began well. We soon learned that there was a thunderstorm (“weather”) in the Miami area that was delaying the flights into Miami. The pilot told us not to worry we would simply be in a holding pattern heading down toward the lower Keys. I was “okay” with that until he told me that we would soon be clearing Cuban air space (not a good feeling) and then a little later telling us that we might defer to Fort Myers and refuel there if needed. I wondered why he felt the need to mention our fuel! I wondered if he was like me—you know, the gas light comes on and you see just how far you can go before you finally make a decision to stop for gas. I certainly hoped not. We finally were cleared to land in Miami and the pilot landed us quite smoothly about one hour past our scheduled arrival time. We cleared immigration and customs with ease, and I immediately made my way to Burger King! I was in desperate need of some fast food. Following supper, we learned that our Atlanta flight was delayed because of the earlier weather. Our 6:45 p.m. flight finally left Miami at 9:00 p.m. and we arrived safely in Atlanta at 11:00 p.m. We then traveled to Dalton arriving at the church around 1:30 p.m. (you kind of lose track of time that late at night).

As I have thought about closing this journal for this week, I realized that there is no way to convey all that I have learned and felt this week as I have seen God move in variety of ways. I will attempt to convey just a few thoughts to you on those things that will be forever engraved in my hearts and etched in my mind.

1. For more than four years now, I have read it, I have heard it, and I have spoken the words— time and time again. But, this week, perhaps more than at any other time in these four plus years I realized the fullness of the meaning of Together in Christ…Sharing His Love. First, the word “together.” Thirty-two young people and adults together daily for a specific mission and responding to a specific call—Sharing His Love. Together—seeing and meeting new friends that I had only known by telephone or email. Together—being with the Port Antonio churches in a variety of venues and settings to share His love. Together—having the opportunity to minister to preschoolers, children, and youth through song and celebration. Together—sharing in a variety of worship settings with the people of these churches allowed me to experience a spectrum of worship that I have seldom witnessed or been a part of in the past. Together—sharing the culture of this place through song, skit, drama, and worship. Together—“at play” with the people of Port Antonio again in a variety of settings and situations. Together—experiencing the sights, sounds, beauty, and tragedy of these people has transformed my world view. Together—seeing twenty three young people never get cross with one another—no major complaining, no major murmuring, it was remarkable. Together—walking the streets of Port Antonio—our skin color being in the minority transforms how we might view others when we find ourselves in the majority. The opportunity to be together was great—only superseded by the gift of sharing His love. At our concluding worship service on Thursday evening, I was enthralled as Pastor Grant and the deacons of his churches came to share holy communion with us. Having Brother Thompson share the bread and the juice with me was a true highlight of this trip. Seeing the people of Port Antonio join with the members of First Baptist Church at this service of worship showed me clearly that this partnership has been worth every investment that has been made in it.

2. The partnership between First Baptist Church and the Port Antonio Circuit of Churches has reaped benefits that will bear fruit for years to come—perhaps even generations. Seeing the profound work of these three churches in this community is a heartening. Though all three of the churches continue to have “opportunities” that can be met through this partnership, there is so much that has been accomplished. The pastoral manse is nearing completion. The completion of this beautiful home will provide the pastor excellent living conditions. The manse will bring strong stability to the work and ministries of these churches in Port Antonio.

Seeing the remarkably excellent work that has been done by our construction crews at each of the churches was truly rewarding. These crews have transformed these churches in unimaginable ways. Rooms have been provided for spiritual growth and fellowship that would have never been possible without the work of these crews. There are many construction needs that remain. We must prioritize those and begin to work on them with through the partnership. The daycare ministry is going full speed ahead with room for growth. The center is already operating beyond a break even basis providing a small stream of income for the church, but more importantly it is provided a missing service in this community that opens the doors of the Port Antonio church even wider that community.

3. Even with all that has been done through this partnership; I could only envision what could be done in the future. I dreamed…of continuing the growth of the daycare ministry by renovating (perhaps more like rebuilding) the “house” that is on the church property. This added daycare growth would only enhance the ministry of this church. I dreamed…of another possible sports camp and Vacation Bible School or Kid’s Club Camp for this community. These children are so open to the ministries that might be provided to them. I dreamed…of a leadership development conference for these churches by offering to them some of the expertise and training that is so available in our congregation. Not only would we assist them, but they, at the same time would work with us sharing their experience and expertise. Perhaps this might be accomplished through a culture swap, where on one Sunday we lead in their churches and on the next (or same Sunday), they lead in our church. I dreamed…and this was a big one, of how we might use the ministry of micro-business in this area. Port Antonio has an unemployment rate of around 60-65%. I was amazed each day as I saw so many young adults, a lot of men, just kind of “hanging out” each day. Many of the jobs In Port Antonio are provided by and through the government, and those positions are limited. Service industries and positions since the departure of the cruise lines to other areas of the island are basically nonexistent. With the wealth of business savvy in our church and community, I wondered if there might be some business venture that might be transferred to this city. After speaking with Dr. Daniel Vestal a few weeks ago about a new micro-business ministry through CBF, my curiosity was only piqued as I saw such great potential. Again, I am no expert here, but there are some in our church who could certainly at least entertain this conversation. (Again, if we could transfer our equipment, technology, and materials for road construction, that field is ripe unto harvest!) I dreamed…of strengthening the partnership that exists with the Port Antonio Hospital. Can we provide them with some of the equipment that they so desperately need? Can we provide the resources on an ongoing basis that would enable them to provide the medical services that would enhance the quality of life in this area? And, what about those despicable living conditions at the Infirmary? Could we provide clean linens and clothing to these people? Could we go in and work on the electrical aspects of these wards to at least provide constant ventilation of these large open rooms? And speaking of large open rooms, would there be a way to provide some privacy barriers in the rooms? I could go on and on about what might be done in Port Antonio. The needs remain great.

4. Finally, and of such great importance to me, to have the opportunity to be with my entire family on a mission trip is beyond description. I felt so blessed as I saw my wife and children interacting with, embracing, and loving the people of Jamaica. My strong encouragement to all of you who have families—make it a priority to go on a mission trip together! As I thought while I reflected on seeing my family on mission the question that kept coming to me was, “Why have I not done this sooner?” Please, please do not miss this opportunity. I want to thank you, the church, for allowing me the privilege of not only serving you, but opening doors of opportunity like this week to me and to my family!