Day 5:Jamaica Heritage Day

The celebration continues with LaWanna Wilson and Sa'Mon Smith's birthday.  Happy 40th Birthday LaWanna and Sa'Mon!


The Ten Days team split their efforts between Papine and UTech. Those that were at Papine witnessed a mighty move of God. Ps. Lyndon took a stand for God and boldly set the standard for the children of Papine.  "There is only one blood redeem for one race - the HUMAN race," said Ps. Lyndon. During the assembly for "Jamaican Heritage Day" the kids continued to sing praises lifting up the ways/beliefs of rastafarianism. Even more shocking was the fact that the music instructor encouraged the students to sing of this religion - although, the school believes in Christianity.  In my heart of hearts I believe that the instructor thought he was doing a good thing by teaching the students about one aspect of their island heritage. In the same thought, I am sadden that he didn't see how contradictory his actions were. It was then that I realized that the instructors/ teachers needed more training and prayers. We, the Ten Days team, can pray and believe for the students of Papine while we're here. However, who will take the stand and continue to teach the students the way which is right  - God is Lord and no other Gods stand before him.

On another note - God continued to be glorified through Papine's ISCF (Inter Student Christian Fellowship).  After a moving and engaging teaching session by Ps. Lyndon and some of the Ten Days team, ISCF wandered into the schools courtyard and began to worship.  It was absolutely beautiful.  They couldn't stop singing praises. One song after another, they sung of God's goodness and mercy.  In that moment, God spoke through Samon saying, "Claim your territory."  The team and ISCF began to march in a circle 7 times.  The moment was followed by a charge from Samon to ALWAYS keep their area of the campus liter free.  Students began to walk around to clean their new territory. At that moment, Ps. Lyndon knew where we, Ten Days, would do our 2nd service project - beautifying the ISCF area.

Here are a few pics and video footage from the moment:

The cap off our day, we continued to celebrate the life of LaWanna and Samon. But, the funniest thing happened on the way to the hotel that night. We stopped to restock our water supply and Ps.Lyndon brought back a visitor (seen in the last picture).  How funny is our God? We were talking about having one race, the human race earlier that day.  Well, we ran into an authentic Jamaican that looked to be more Asian. His grandparents were Asians.  Honestly, it was delightfully weird looking at someone who resembles what America would call Asian, but was more Jamaican than anyone on our team that night. :-) God is FUNNY!!!

Day 4: BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Dear God:

Thank you for another year!  28 years have come and gone and I can't believe that you still love me - despite my flaws.  I pray that my life is a reflection of your love, grace, and mercy through the eyes and hearts of the ones I encountered today.  Thank you for my dear friends and family that made this day extra special.  With everything in me, I long to be a vessel for you for the rest of my life. Thank you for sending special words/messages to me through Mama Millie, Jennifer, and the love of the Ten Days team.

Your servant daughter,

Crystal


Today's post is going to be quick! Between pictures and video, everyone should have an idea of how today went. My only wish for my birthday today was to share the gift of Christ and impart his love into lives. God was faithful and exceeded my expectation!  The started with a fabulous birthday breakfast, followed by words from Mama Millie, a visit to AugustTown Primary, lunch and birthday cake, campus ministry at Papine and ending the night with dinner and flowers from the Ten Days team. Enjoy the events of day through picture and video.

One Lord, One God of Many Nations,

Crystal

Day 3:Introduction Day

9:21pm

The team just arrived back at the hotel exhausted.  God is so faithful! Everything we prayed earlier came to fruition while out in the field. Earlier this morning the team discussed perseverance and what it means to persevere. Every trip I'm always amazed when reading the bio on George Mueller.  In spite of what his eyes were telling him, he still believed.  To briefly summarize his story - Mr. Mueller prayed that 5 individuals would come to know Christ. He prayed every day, regardless of how he felt and where he may be at the time.  After 18 months, the first was saved and 5 years later the second converted as well.  Another 6 years passed before seeing the third give his life to God.  Thirty-six years later he Mueller wrote "But I hope in God. I pray on, and look for the answer. They are not converted yet, but they will be." 

Today was ALL about perseverance - which is what I anticipated. Usually, the lesson studied in the morning with the team is the lesson/theme that resounds throughout the remainder of the day.  Team A and B  stayed to connect with the high schoolers and team C went to UTech for college ministry.  Papine is not a place unfamiliar to me. However, I sensed a transition when I stepped from the bus.  The children began to recognize us as we unloaded the bus and I was thrilled - yet I couldn't help but notice that the kids were taller/stronger/more mature physically. Beyond the natural eye, I could see that not only had the children grown but so had their problems/their distance from Christ/their despair/ their love for wanting a greater good.  What had happen to the seeds we planted in the last two trips? Were they gone to waste? Had we done a good enough job? And it was then that the Lord reminded me that His word does not return to him void and that the race isn't given to those who run faster, but to those that endure.  Ahhhhhhhh! This is a lesson in perseverance.  I spoke to everyone that God lead me to speak with and there were some that heard the message and genuinely received Christ. However, the majority had an interest but hesitated to close the deal because they were fearful of backsliding by the end of the week. On one hand, I was extremely appreciated that they respected how serious their commitment to Christ would be. On the other hand, I was deeply sadden that they had developed this numbness to the gospel and wouldn't dare seek to learn more due to their fear. Of course, myself and many other team members explained what it means to be saved (Christian: Christ-like) and that depending on our own strength/power to walk the walk of faith daily would land us know where - we'd fall  up short every time.   Yet, in every encounter I was reminded that the words I spoke fell on good soil. Someone or something may encounter him to help bring them along to be closer to having a relationship with God. 

Here are few words from Ps. David on what he was feeling around mid-day.

Pics of the day

Oh! In case you're wondering about the last two friends of Mr. Mueller.  Well, in 1897, fifty-two years after Mueller began to pray; those two men were finally converted - after Mueller died. On e of the mean, seeing Mueller's coffin being lowered into the ground, received a revelation of eternity and was converted on the spot.  WHAT PERSEVERANCE!!!!! I'm inspired and you should too. Let's not wait to live as missionaries in another country. There are lives at stake and lying in the balance right where we live.  Choose to consciously engage.

One Lord, One God of Many Nations,

Crystal

Day 1: Touchdown in Jamaica

Wow! What a day! Where shall I begin? Initially, I was so caught up in the motions of traveling that I almost forgot to stop and take a moment to communion with my father.  As I settled into my seat of the first flight I took a moment to meditate on the goodness of God and my purpose for this trip.  Third time is a charm they say and I am definitely anticipating a powerful, life changing trip for the people of Jamaica and for myself.  A rush of emotion overwhelmed me as the Blue Mountains slowly inched into view as we were flying inland.  I can't believe God would find me useful for the Jamaican people 3 times in a row.  With that thought in mind, I created a mini alter on the plane cruising at an altitude of 30,000 ft. in the air.  There's nothing that I want more on this trip than to accomplish the mission that God gave me to fulfill.  As a veteran to the Kingston, Jamaica Ten Days team,  I know it is my duty to be sensitive to the holy spirit in order to deposit seeds into the hearts of his people.  In fact, Mama Millie -a mother from my church and a  genuine Jamaican, eloquently shared that her prayer is for us to connect with at least one person.  I know all too well that the team will connect with many people. However, I'm agreeing with Mama Millie and asking the Lord to send the one person I am destined to connect with - the one that is the reason God sent me to Jamaica.

Tomorrow is church at CLF. If you've followed my blog from previous trips, you know that Christian Life Fellowship is a church that we partner with while in Jamaica.  You should also know that mighty things happen whenever we attend the Sunday service.  The team and I are looking forward to worshiping with them.  There is a sound that only the Jamaican people can create that reaches deep into my soul and cause me to worship like never before - so powerful. I think the sound is created with a heart/spirit of desperation. They know that their island is far from what God intended it to be - a nation devoted to him.  (Ephesisans 6:12) Together, CLF and Ten Days, will lift our voices to the heavens to praise the God of Jamaica, Lord of Kingston, and King of Papine in gratitude for what He has done, will do while the team is here, and will continue to do through the people of this island for years to come.

IN OTHER NEWS -  I'll share a few brief highlights of my day.

• Nashville Ten Days team and Orlando Ten Days team united today. WOW! The blending of the two teams into one was seamless.  We're definitely cut from the same cloth. I'm looking forward to make some lifelong friends.
• Two ladies (Sara and Precious) immediately went into their missionary mode of looking for an opportunity to touch lives in Jamaica when they gave food to a gentleman looking through the trash. (see the pic above)
• FOOD - Oh my! I love my Jamaican food. Bring on the plantain, festival, coco bread, jerk chicken.......more soon to come!
• Seeing the growth of the team. What started off as 8-10 people has now grown to a team of 24.  God you're faithful!
• Seeing Ms. Peirt (former principal of Papine high). 
• Hearing Adrian and Sara's story of courtship.  It is so encouraging to know that there are REAL MEN that believe in pursuing their lady of interest the correct way.  Way to go Adrian - for submitting yourself to leadership and waiting on God's perfect timing.  I'm praying for you guys!

All in all, I'm so thankful to have had another opportunity to grace the island of Jamaica.

One Lord, One God of Many Nations

Crystal

Jamaica Pt. 3: Excitement is Building (Countdown to Launch)

"The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"  15 "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you , and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive." Judges 6:14-16 (NIV)

Like Gideon, I remember asking God if I was capable of offering anything to Jamaica on my first missions trip. "But I'm a youngster myself and who says I'm adequately equipped to speak life into the lives of the children we will encounter?" I asked. Well, it goes without saying that God qualified me and sent me to the beautiful island. Never could I have imagined falling in love with some of the most resilient, easygoing, heartfelt, gorgeous people in all the world. 

Now, I patiently await my return to Kingston to be reunited with those that are dear to me and encounter those in dire need of hope. I have to be completely honest with myself. My moment of weakness during the fundraising process almost convinced me that I would not return for this month's mission trip. However, God saw differently (as He always does in times like these). Grateful that He saw my heart's desire, I am ready to fully embrace what He has for me during my week long visit to the island.  Tuesday, October 11th marks my 28th birthday. With all that is within me, I can't even fathom wanting to be anywhere else in the entire world that day. I look upon that day with great expectation and a holy anticipation of meeting God, releasing things of old and soaking in the warmth of his love. Something stirs inside me as I think on the goodness of God and everything He has allowed me to experience during my life.  If I had a million tongues I still could not express my sincere gratitude to my heavenly father.  My prayer is that the people of Kingston hearts and minds are being prepared to receive a powerful impartation from God - love demonstrated through man from their creator  - hope to inspire change in their nation for many generations to come. In your name Jesus, I humbly ask - Amen!

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35 NLT

One Lord, One God of Many Nations

Crystal

Our Visit to August Town & The Beginning of a Beautiful Garden

Children truly are a gift from God! Our visit to August Town was full of affection for the kids and appreciation received from the kids. It touched my heart to hear the children singing "Not forgotten" as they emerged from their classrooms to attend the assembly. Clearly, the songresonated within the hearts and minds of the future of Jamaica. How mighty is the statement that God has not forgotten you! I can only imagine the number of times the lyrics may have ministered to the children individual.

My heart was filled with joy! Joy and hope! When I looked into the eyes of the children, I saw such promise and innocence. It was an answer to my prayers from last year's visit. Jamaica is notoriously known for a high tolerance of perverse sexuality and robbing the youth of their innocence. However, I knew that God had honored my request when out of the lips came cheerful hellos and "Do you remember me?", and "I remember what you told me last time and I've been good." Today my prayer is that God continues to protect the hearts, minds, and souls of every child at AugustTown.

Later in the day, the Ten Days team rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty with our service project - the Papine farm. At a glimpse, anyone can tell that the farm had not been cared for in ages. With the help of the team, hard work, and Godly laughter, we prepared the land for what God intended for it to be. Looking at the service project as a whole, I likened the experience to God taking the time to carefully prepare each of the team members for a season of fruitfulness/harvest. Initially, like the farm, we all started as unmanageable weeds with potential to grow into our full capacity - yet directing our growth along the wrong path. God, the ultimate caretaker, took the time to show us love by digging up our roots, plucking off old leaves, planting new seeds, watering us, fertilizing the soil, and watching as we blossom into his beautiful creation. With that revelation, I observed how each person in our team had blossom in such a short amount of time since arriving in Jamaica. While the team is diverse with seasoned pastors and the willing hearts with less evangelizing experience, I could recognize a difference. God had used this trip to fertilize his Ten Days crops, so that they would have the nutrients necessary to sprout in order to feed his people (Papine, August Town, UTech) while we were here. I am amazed at God the creator and have a new appreciation for farmers.

Talk with you tomorrow!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations

Crystal

The Harvest was READY!!!!

Christie, Michelle, & Masani

Where do I begin on today's post? So many great things occurred today and I'll try my best to give an account for every stirring encounter.

The team rose early to eat breakfast and do our daily devotion on "perseverance." Amazingly, God would have us to study that character trait to prepare us for our journey throughout the day. Several times throughout the assembly the children tested whether we'd persevere. In complete respect for our men on this trip, I admired how they stepped to the plate and pressed forward to get the message to God's people. I kept thinking, "That's an awesome love that God has for these kids. He cared so much for them, that He touched people's hearts to give in order to send the right missionaries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ." Wow!

Each morning I pray that God would allow me to lead at least one person to Christ. As I sit here at the end of my day, I'm grateful to God because He honored my request. Not only did I lead one person to Christ, but also four others. My first encounter was at Papine. After the 1st shift assembly, I was lingering to see if there were any needs unmet or if someone just so happen to decide to give their life to the Lord. I striked up a conversation with a young man that grew into an opportunity to minister. He said, "Miss, I know I need God but I'm afraid that my life/actions won't reflect what it is to be a TRUE Christian." My heart melted for his sincerity in taking the next step by committing his life to Christ. I shared a little about what God expects and how God has ALWAYS given us a way of escape in any situation/temptation we may encounter. He agreed and I could see that everything within him wanted a personal relationship with Jesus. I happily lead him to the Lord. But that was just the beginning of what God had in store for me today.

Being on the mission field and engulfed by the many opportunities to minister, I found myself at a table full of ladies around the age of 14-15. Casually, I asked if they'd heard of the God Test after cracking the ice with a few truths and jokes. They all agreed they hadn't and I couldn't believe that my first chance to share the God Test was with 4 individuals. Slowly, I went though each question and the answers were candid. Right before my eyes, I could see that the questions were making them challenge their personal religious philosophies. By the end of the discussion, they were ALL willing to submit their lives to God. I prayed with them and encouraged them to encourage one another.

On another occasion - I was reunited with so many old friends. I had no idea how excited they would be to see we returned. It meant the world to them that the team didn't sweep through to save the week last year, only to not return this year. They were appreciative that we cared so much for them that we returned. Oddly enough, one particular young lady's reaction blessed me -Shanika. She was part of my group when we visited National Hero's Park and I had to show her tough love. When she recognized me today, she ran to wrap her arms around me and welcomed me back. What a blessing for me to see that after all was said and done, she knew that I loved her with the love of Christ.

The last event of the evening was spent engaging the students at UTech! It was raining, the team was tired and quite frankly, we were ready to call it a day. Ps. Lyndon and Ps.Gregg pushed us just a step further. They challenged us to mingle with the university students and try seeing if God would show himself mighty as we ventured out to give the (cue music) GOD TEST!!!!! :-) Reluctantly, I persevered and there was such a great reward that was given due to my obedience. Immediately, I walked to a crowd of students that were gathering under a building to keep from getting wet. Glancing over the faces, I stopped right in front of a young lady who politely dealt with my conversational questions (Are you from Kingston? What are you studying? What is your classification?). However, the more I talked with her, the more she began to relax. Finally, I saw an opportunity to go in for the kill. I asked if she would be willing to take a simple test and she agreed. Again, she concluded that she wanted to go to heaven but couldn't say that she was ready to turn from her ways. I explained the meaning of true repentance and how God loves us so much that he continues to chase after each of us. Regardless of how far away she may be from God, He's never so far removed that he won't welcome her back in. Then the lightbulb went off and she allowed me to pray with her the sinner's prayer. (All this time, people were walking up to purchase items from her portable store.) After praying, I asked her name and would you believe that her name was Cristal. "Ah! Now I know for sure that God sent you to Jamaica for me." she said. Instantaneously, I was energized and wanted to go save the world. Slowly, I walked away but realized that I needed a picture with her. We posed and I asked a young man, Kushna, to take our picture. Before I knew it, I was sharing with Kushna through the God test. As I reflect, God's strength gave me what I needed to minister to him. This science major, was the last person I wanted to get into an in-depth discussion about religion. However, God had me to address his main concerns before he mentioned them. At that moment, he respected me more for tackling the issue of how to prove that God is real. After an amazing discussion, he allowed Samon and I to pray over him. My prayer? God make him miserable until he seeks you for himself and help him to realize that because of him submitting to God others will follow his example. A quick exchange of facebook info and I was heading towards the bus. Right as I got ready to load the bus, I said hello to a gentleman. He stopped and turned around, thinking that I said more. Since I was on a roll, I took the opportunity to share Jesus with him. After I finished, I asked his name and whether he had siblings. He revealed that he has an older sister whose name is "Crystal". The gentleman then began to proclaim, " This must be God. My sister gives me the God spill almost everyday." I smiled and said that God and his sister had planned this encounter supernaturally. Clearly, I was sent as someone to water the seed that his sister planted. There's no doubt that God will be Lord of his life soon!

Cristal (UTech) and I

Kushna (UTech) and I

I could go on for days.......... more to come!!!!! :-)

One Lord, One God, Many Nations,

Crystal