I have always had a heart to serve on an international mission trip. But I never really felt called. 2 years ago, my husband, Dave, and I went to Jamaica on vacation. We witnessed only a small part of what life there is really like. Coming back to the states we learned more about Jamaica Relief Ministries that our church already partners with. It was then we decided that we wanted to give back. In 2024, we were called to serve on the construction team.
This was our first mission trip EVER. I will admit I was excited and terrified. Struggling with chronic pain, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. But I felt God kept calling. Jud, our Missions Pastor, told me that there is something for everyone there.
That week was the most amazing, exhausting but enriching week for me. And Jud was right. There is something for everyone. I painted…and painted…and painted, fellowshipped with the family, and painted some more.
I feel so blessed that I was able to go and serve alongside my husband. And the 3 other ladies that went. This year was the first co-ed group to go. I was able to meet and fellowship with new people, have new experiences, and make new friends. I am so grateful to have been able to serve alongside the hardest working, selfless people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Both from our team and that of JRM.
We met a wonderful family there who lost their home to termites. They were in danger of losing their children and needed their own place for the 2 of them and their 6 children. Working with JRM we were able to build them not just a house, but a place they can call home. We fellowshipped with them, their children, and their neighbors.
It was truly a labor of love. We spent 3 days working on building the house in extreme heat, bright sun, and humidity. Never once did I hear serious complaining. Everyone was able to joke around. The energy and vibe kept us motivated. We were even delivered daily, a custom Jamaican lunch prepared by a local woman. Mr. Joe kept us hydrated with fresh coconuts!
Only God could put together such a team! We laughed, we joked, we fellowshipped, we prayed, we shared meals together, we had fun together, we worked hard and, in the evenings, sat around and shared testimonies. This was the first time I ever shared my testimony to a large group of people.
We visited the Mission/orphanage at JRM. They served us fantastic food. Had fun with the children. Learned more about their mission. Then we went to the school in Montpelier and played games, passed out treats and loved on the school children. And even met 87-year-old Mr. White. He had his legs amputated when he was in his 20’s. He wore his boots backwards and farmed on a hilly rocky mountain! That is true resilience!
I witnessed some amazing things. Lives changed; hearts changed (including my own and that of my husband). I can testify to so many occasions where the Lord showed up on this trip that I can’t even list them all here. Going there has made me appreciate more of the advantages we have in the US. It also made my heart burn to help and serve them more. I really look forward to going back and serving again if the Lord calls me.
I think everyone needs to go on a mission trip outside of our country. It truly changes hearts!