Today we did several new things.  It was our first time of doing devotions at Flankers Primary and Junior High School and our first trip to WestHaven, a home for “less abled” children. The work projects continued and we had another good day at the after-school program.

Flankers Devotions:  When our bus arrived on campus at the school, we knew it was going to be a fun time.  Out of school room windows peaked a dozen little faces with huge smiles and enthusiastic waves.  As we entered the assembly area where the children had gathered, we heard sweet singing… “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus…”

Jamaica is unique from the US in that public schools still have devotions every morning, whether an all-school assembly or in classrooms.  For more secular or non-religious head-masters, they read a psalm or a prayer, give the kids a pep talk, sing the Jamaican national anthem and call it a day.  But if the school administration is Christian, daily devotions become a hotbed of evangelism and discipleship. And Ms. Barnes is one of those principals.  We introduced the whole team to the children, gave a devotional about Jesus giving us strength to overcome temptation and trials. After prayer and dismissal, the children swarmed our team to talk, giggle and give hugs.  Our teens were quite flattered by all of the attention.  As we left, I said, “So this is what it’s like to be a rock star!” Tomorrow and Thursday, we do in-class devotions and our teens (and adults) will be getting to know the children even better. Then on Friday, Isaac will be leading the final all-school devotional assembly.

WestHaven was challenging, but very good.  Our teen girls  interacted with the residents as we sang with them, pushed them on swings, went on walks and assisted them at lunch time.  It was emotionally wrenching to see such brokenness, but joy was also there in the innocent eyes of young ones who know nothing of their limitations and have a ready smile for anyone who takes the time to notice them.

I spoke with several of the workers.  Ms. Dawn & Ms. Charlene work the laundry (to the right).  There are 98 residents at WestHaven and that makes mountains of soiled laundry weekly.  Ms. Dawn has worked the laundry for thirteen years and walks 4 miles one way to and from work every day.  Doing laundry at a facility for disabled children can’t pay much. I didn’t ask how much she made, but it can’t be much.  I do know that the Jamaican minimum wage is $13,000 JD per month, which works out to $87 US.  They view their work as a ministry and a calling. I always come away humbled by my conversations with the people of Jamaica.

The work projects at Canterbury are going reasonably well.  The windows & painting at the church are almost done but the roof/ceiling project is going slow. The house siding and step project will be completed on Wednesday.  I have spoken several times with Ms. Bea.  She’s lived in Canterbury her whole life and has come out to church twice in the past month.  It was the first time she’s ever been to Redemption Chapel, even though it is a very small community.  It’s almost impossible to describe what Canterbury is like.  Houses are jammed together without rhyme or reason in a steep gully.  The land is owned by 3 families who collect rent on every property.  The church, however, owns its land outright.  I’ve prepared a time-lapse video of the walk into Canterbury.  Perhaps that will give you a sense of the community in which we are serving.

Below are additional pictures of our work. Everyone remains healthy, but tired.  Pray that we can finish strong.

Steve