Luke De Winter

Hey, what up. Luke De Winter here.

This is my chance to share a couple words about my experience in Jamaica. I have to go back to before I even flew there in order to flesh out how my perspective has changed. Back home in Canada, whenever I heard about this far away island in the Caribbean, the only picture I had in my head was of a tropical place with fancy hotels full of pasty North American tourists looking for an escape from reality. A place where you might park your yacht when you're old and you want to spend the rest of your life sucking exotic drinks through a straw under a palm tree. In that sense, I had never even considered it as a destination for a short term missions trip. 

I think that my first impressions began to change somewhat when Frank and Elsie shared a little bit at Richmond Alliance Church about what their ministry was in Jamaica. They showed a video of the inside of a humble looking school full of smiling kids swarming them. I was intrigued when they talked about how easy it was to show the Jesus film in the classroom. Of all the things they could have shown about Jamaica, this was the thing that they were the most passionate about. They were so giddy and smiley about these kids that it was almost irritating. I wondered if I could ever talk about the same adventures they were talking about with the same twinkling in the eyes, and so I eventually, I packed my guitar and went.

In short, the trip was a tremendous blessing. I could wax poetic about how it made me thankful to have the opportunities I have at home, or share my thoughts on what it looks like to actually be happy regardless of how much stuff you have. I could write about the bonding, and the camaraderie I had with people that on paper, I would never think that I'd connect with otherwise. I could talk about the amazing food, fellowship, late night singing and horseplay, but I think overall, God gave me just a small glimpse into just how big a disparity there is between life and reality. You hear people talk about karma so casually these days, but I think it's really fitting that the name of that school that we went to was called Mount Grace. After being there, I have to believe that grace beats karma every time. Despite how high the odds seem to be stacked against all of them, I've got to believe that those kids deserve a shot at knowing what their true purpose in life is. I felt overwhelmed. There's so much work, and so much potential in Jamaica. To take part in this growing ministry was a humbling experience, and I hope I get a chance to do it again one day.

Teresa

I worked as a nurse for over 30 years and retired in 2005. I prayed to the Lord to use me as a missionary. Since then I travelled to Cuba, Mexico, China and Jamaica. Distributing clothes and giving love of Jesus Christ. I truly enjoyed loving the children of Jamaica. I was amazed how much they are open to the gospel of Jesus.

Melissa

My name is Melissa and I was one of the lucky people who participated on this exciting missions trip. I'm just going to briefly tell you a little bit about my experience in Jamaica. I was really nervous about going for many different reasons; new culture, new food, being away from home. The first two days were tough - I missed my parents and just my regular routine. The next few days everything changed. I was really excited when we got to the school because I love doing things with kids and I thought that this would be such a great chance to be able to talk to kids about God. The kids at the school were so loving; they just wanted to be with you and be loved. Something that really stood out to me is when this little girl Roshell wrote me and a few of the other people letters. When I opened up the letter and read it all it said was "I love you, I think you're very nice and I want to be your friend." That really touched my heart. We really got a chance to talk to the girls in the school. Some of them were really open and honest - it was really awesome to be able to share our faith with them.

The best day for me in Jamaica was when Junior (our driver) took us to his church. This lady got up to tell the message which was found in Ephesians 6:10. She talked about how God wants us to put on his armor - he’s like our back up. Verse 13 says, "Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground." I think the reason this stood out for me is because God worked a lot in my life -  maybe more than I was able to work in someone else’s life. He taught me that we have so many little things to be thankful for. A lot of those things I took for granted, such as hot water, and our house. It was at that moment I knew why God wanted me there. He wanted me to know that if we have God we can face anything. Like he talks about in chapter 6, you really need to trust in him when life brings challenges. The kids face challenges everyday and we went there to show them how with God they can face anything. 

Van

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 

My name is Van and I was truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to witness God’s work and be part of Islandson Ministries during the Christmas holidays. I was in Jamaica from December 18th - 31st 2010. Upon arrival, I looked out onto the country and my breath was taken away. I felt as though God’s presence was illuminating and He was sharing His creation with me. Jamaica, a beautiful country. Lushes greens, white sand, and blue waters; I felt as though I was in paradise. I looked a little silly being dressed in winter clothes and everyone else was in shorts and t-shirts. But, I was thankful for the 26 degrees of good sunshine. Although Jamaica is known for it’s vacation hot spots I was grateful to have stayed in the countryside so I could see Jamaica and not its resorts. Two weeks went by quickly and there, I experienced a whole different culture, taste, sights, and sounds.

I am a lover of food so the food there was delicious. Thanks to Elsie and Winston for their amazing cooking skills I got to taste authentic jerk chicken, pumpkin soup, brown stew, dumplings and much more. I have to say though, I thought I was going to die during one of the taxi rides. I’m not used to cramming 6 people into a car while the driver passes other drivers on a road going about 90 km/h. But, it was definitely worth experiencing. Another amazing thing I noticed was the friendliest of Jamaicans, everyone greeting each other on the streets. Also, the beaches are great, and the sunset perfect. All shouting God’s workmanship. I knew I was going to be teaching VBS to the students around the Cave Valley community, but I was not prepared to what God had in store. Meeting the kids during the VBS was one of my greatest joys there. They were all so welcoming and they just love you, no strings attached. At certain points all the kids were clinging on to me so tightly as though they were afraid I was going to disappear. One highlight of my stay was Bunny’s baptism! The women from Christian Fellowship church sang praises all the way there, and witnessing the change in Bunny was incredible. God is good.

Though Jamaica is wonderful, I saw a lot of poverty, corruption, promiscuity, and hopelessness. Most times it was heartbreaking to see. In a country with the most churches per square mile, it felt as though their hearts were far from God. School systems failed, health care was not adequate, and there were no institutional facilities for those who fell through the cracks. In the end, the children suffer. But, as I reflect back, I realize, the children and people blessed me more than I could imagine. Somehow they get into your heart, and you can’t let them go. Many friends I made, I will miss them. I still can not fathom what I’ve experienced. I learnt that reliance on God, prayer, and acts of love is the way to the hearts of Jamaica. God loves the people, and I truly believe He called Elsie, Frank, and Carl to be the lamp stand in a dark country. If another chance was open for me to return to work alongside Islandson in Jamaica, I’d take it!

“For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.” 1 Cor 13:13

Denise Hampton, Continuous Flow Christian Center, USA

My experience with Islandson Ministries was truly one of the best experiences of my Christian Life. Falling in love with God's people is the easiest thing to do. We assisted in the local schools and to see the faces of the children when they realize that there are people who genuinely care about their welfare was priceless. I had the privilege to teach the Bible to adult church leaders and lay members whose education rarely exceeded the seventh grade level. It was truly the Holy Spirit that gave us a plan to elevate their level in reading comprehension to grasp the Word of God without intimidation. To see the light bulbs of their spirits click on when they finally understood the structure of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi was something I will never forget. To absorb their excitement when I promised that I would come back to teach the overview of the New Testament had me fighting back tears.

Breaking the chains of perpetual inactivity of preaching to the same Saints Sunday after Sunday can only be done by going beyond the walls of our own church and reaching those that are crying out for a savior. It will erase whatever void you feel while sitting in the pews every Sunday yearning for something more or different. God intends for us to give away the Word as we get it.

Giving of ourselves causes us to understand that it is not about us, it is about Christ and others. We truly are our brother's keeper. Islandson under the direction of Frank and Elsie O'Brien has answered just about every point of call of Matthew 25th Chapter, vs.31-45. When I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, when I was a stranger you invited me in, when I was naked you gave me clothing, when I was sick you cared for me, when I was in prison you visited me..........when you did this to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.

While I was there I witnessed Frank and Elsie feeding members of the community that were hungry thirsty, many times stretching their own meals to feed sometimes 15 people at a time; the doors of their mission house were open to all to come in and they would come from near and far to visit for many reasons, sometimes just to be in their company. Children would come to play with toys and use their computer for homework. They gave out clothing for the children with the help of churches from Canada and now the U.S. Frank and Elsie took a child with Sickle Cell into their home and have nursed him back to good health. He is now vibrant and full of joy. Truth be told, Elsie is spoiling him rotten. LOL

I encourage anyone that has a heart for missions to join Islandson in their efforts by way of donations and or scheduling a mission team to visit and help in any way possible. We must keep Frank and Elsie from getting overwhelmed because they can't do it alone. However, they can help one village at a time, one family at a time on person at a time by way of one mission at a time.