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

End of Day 2

Really?- All God really wants us to do is to willingly give ourselves to his work so that we can reach the lost. Today was a day of reflection for me. In our group study, we prayed for a spirit of compassion. In my opinion, compassion begins when we reflect on God's goodness, grace and mercy. Truly, any member of our team could easily be in a worse predicament than where we are today. Starting the day with that devotion in mind, prepared my heart to be more fleshlike- feeling and savoring the moments/encounters with the Jamaican people.

It's amazing how prayer can set the pace for the entire day. My dear sister and fierce worship leader, Tokigui, wasted no time to usher us into a place of worship. As I surveyed the room, I noticed that not everyone was fully engaged. Some passively worshipped. Intuitively, Tokigui sensed the lack of desperation for God and for his will to be done. Eyes begin to open and the people realized the need to seek God with desperation and the praise heightened. LaWanna had a moment to minister and God's presence saturated us with an outpour of power. Later in the service, the team and I had the opportunity to share out 2 minute miracles. Harriet's testimony, being the highlight of that moment, displayed what the team wanted the people of CLF, Kingston and Jamaica as a whole to see - that we came to partner alongside of the works being done. We're no different than them; God saved us from our mess just like he did with them. Together we have a mission to reclaim the island of Jamaica and bring restoration to the people, stir up the gifts lying dormant, prepare the next generation for greatness!

Sitting here, I almost got discouraged that I didn't have a defining moment with at least one individual. However, God used me in the ministry of song. Praise and worship is so powerful! My prayer is that someone was ministered to through the lyrics I sung, maybe the sound of my voice, or perhaps by witnessing my freedom to worship. Lord, give me what I need to minister for each day. If that be a song, a word, a deed, or a listening ear - I give myself to your work.

On another note - It's beautiful seeing God touch my team members that have never been on a mission trip. What they are witnessing is something completely different from what they know. Ruin them for your kingdom God!!!

Tomorrow - We're out for blood! On to Papine High School and to the university to try out the God test. Pray that every team member's tongue has utterance to preach the gospel, share God's word and BOLDLY proclaim that Jesus is the way! Can't wait to do the God test!

Stay tuned....More to come!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations

Crystal

Day 1 & 2 (I Give Myself Away)

Well....After a missed flight, I finally arrived in Jamaica at 9:30 last night. Beyond the hustle and the bustle of getting from the airport to the hotel room, I tried my best to soak in the beauty of the island once again. On the ride to the hotel, I prayed that God would give me a "fresh" experience on this trip. I didn't want to take anything for granted. God honored my request this morning at service. In the midst of reuniting with my Jamaican family, God used the team and I to minister in song. The sound was resounding! It permeated throughout the building and I was completely overwhelmed by God's presence. Moved so much, I made the decision to give myself away-totally- to this trip. As God moved, we worshipped more and a word from Mike Williams was given to the men. His passionate delivery opened the hearts of the men to what it really means to be a man of God. So much more to tell, but I gotta go with the team on trip for jerk chicken! Ya mon'! Until later, here are a few pics from today...so far!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations

Crystal

Two Days Away from Jamaica Part Deux!

I'm two days away from being reunited with my Jamaican family and so many emotions are running through my head. How awesome is it that God would have me to have another encounter with my beloved Jamaica! Fundraising was quite the journey, but every step in the process has brought me a clearer revelation of what perseverance means -steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Surely everyone knows that it was not by my own might or power, that I am able to take this beautiful journey once again.

At my very core, I pray that God does a work within me to share Christlike love to every person that comes across my path while in Kingston. I'm willing and ready to roll up my sleeves in order to do a greater work. Sacrificing myself, giving myself away to His complete work on the mission/battle field. May this trip be both refreshing and transformative! Purge me oh Lord, that I may be used by you - my savior and king! May the warmth of your love transcend cultural barriers and permeate the hearts of the Jamaican people as you shine through me, your servant. The look of desperation that so many will have in their eyes, I pray that Jehovah-Jireh (God of provision), honor the request of humbled hearts.

Excitement is lurking all around me in my final preparation for this trip! I know there will be miracles, fun and unity amongst everyone. Ahhhhhh! Just to bask in the glow of the sun....I can't wait!

Jamaica, land I love!

One God, One Lord, Many Nations!

Crystal

I'm Going Back (February 12-19, 2011)

As if one trip wasn't enough.........

I'm heading back to Kingston, Jamaica with the TenDays crew and I can hardly wait. Who wants to come with me? It's hard to believe that only 6 months ago I touched down on the beautiful island of Jamaica. My intentions were to go, share the good news, and hope to change one life. Overwhelmed by the abundance of love and generosity, the Jamaican people taught me so much in such a short amount of time. When I returned to the states, life as I knew it could not remain the same. My perspective on life drastically changed for the good. No longer was I going to be a bystander, but I would be a conduit of change for the world in my generation. My eyes became more aware of how I had taken the smaller things in life for granted for so long and I couldn't help but to cherish the blessings that God had bestowed upon me - so undeserving! Although the initial team was small in number, it was strong in might! We witnessed so much while being in Kingston. Lives were saved, people were healed, children were loved, and many got the priceless gift of HOPE! Ahhhhhhhh!; hope for their family, hope for their lives, and hope for their country. This wasn't your typical volunteer effort. We were engulfed in the culture and experienced what was done in the scriptures thousands of years ago.

Here I am today; another opportunity to impact a nation. Relationship and trust has been established. Now comes the real blessing - nurturing those relationships and multiplying God's army! I sit at the beginning of another faith trying process of raising funds for yet another trip. My prayer is that God will divinely connect me with the right people to sow into my efforts for this trip. I'm believing I will EXCEED my goal of $2000. People are looking for a chance to donate, be apart of something bigger. Bring those people to me and give me the boldness to ask God!

To view a little clip of our last trip click the link below to view:

http://vimeo.com/11092259

If you'd like to make a contribution please do so TODAY! I need your support and all donations are tax-deductible:

· Visit www.TenDaysMissions.org

· Click “DONATE NOW” under the quick navigation on the left side.

· Select “I want to make a single contribution”

· Select “the ministry of a Ten Days Missionary”

· Select “Kingston, Jamaica February 12-19, 2011”

· Select “ Crystal Simon” and follow the prompts from there.

Reaching the nations, but starting with JAMAICA!

Crystal

Visit to National Heros Park

It's the end of another successful day!!! We're up to 116 children giving their loves to Christ. More is to come....I'm execting great miracles on tomorrow- the final day of our trip. Keep us in prayer.

From yesterday.....












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Visit to August Town Primary

Early yesterday morning we drove into town to begin out day. The plan was to minister to August town, another founding place of rastafarianism. We went in ready to pray on behalf of the children and walk away having shared the love of Christ with each and every one of them. As I unloaded the bus I knew I was going to make a personal connection/impact with the kids. Slowly, the kids started filing out of their classrooms. As they stood in line, I gave them biblical trivia and they enjoyed it. Of course it helped that I had pencils as a prize. Once again, I was surprised at how much scripture had been embedded in their memories. My objective is to get it embedded I their hearts.

The assembly started and I realized that the students had to stand the entire length of the assembly in the sun. To think of all the times I complained, these children didn't have a problem with it. Yes! They have been use to it, but ally complaints don't seem to measure up to what they had to endure.

By this point, everything was well underway. The kids were enjoying the drawing and dancing. Pastor Lyndon then asked me to sing , "I am not
Forgotten". As I was singing, I could see the life that God was breathing into the children through this song. At that very moment I realized that God sent me here for those children. Afterward, I wandered the school and went from classroom to classroom. I stopped in one class to do more trivia and i had another realization that the children were breathing life into me.

I continued to roam the schools and Lawanna and I came upon Ms. Burke. We went to give school supplies to one girl. Unknown to us, God sent us into there for Ms. Burke. Ms. Burke shared that she struggled coming into work and that she was heavy burdened. However, after hearing the song, "I am not Forgotten" she says she felt her burdens lifting and began to dance. Bless God! Ms. Burke knows that God knows her name. God's work is being done here.

Pray for our workers. The team has seen a change in their character already. However, they need God to completely revolutionize their lives. We haven't quite gotten them to put
down "the herb". Pray saints pray!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations
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Impacting Papine High School

Yesterday was beyond words. Over 60 kids at Papine gave their lives to Christ. I was surprised to learn that the children know scripture but needed someone to help bring out the God in them. I was approached by a 13 year old to pray for her. Her exact words were, "I want to walk with Christ." I saw the passion in hope in her tear eyes and prayed for her. Before I could walk away, she told me she was sick with a severe back condition and wanted God to completely heal her

Enounter were made like that throughout the entire day and will continue to happen today. Pray for the young girls with no fathers, the young boys who have been taught to put up a wall and that rastafarianism is the only way and lastly, pray that the teachers will have a constant word of encouragement for the children.

On a funside- You all will be happy to know that I won a foot race against a genuine Jamaican. What can I say... I still got it!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations

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Church with Christian Life Fellowship

Ahhhhhhhhh! Church was so refreshing. The team walked into the church while they were in the middle of Sunday school. Immeditely I sensed that the people came with open hearts and were expecting a great move of God - initiated by the TENDAYS team.

Service finally began and it was powerful. As I observed during worship, I couldn't help but notice that the youth were involved in every aspect of worship (singers, instruments, sound technician, etc). From the song selection to the delivery of the songs, their youth were passionate for Christ. My heart was overjoyed to see such passion directed to our one and ONLY living God. Tokigui Russell, the young lady pictured above, is the worship leader. I was struck by how mighty she was. Her ability to usher in God's presence, declare a seasoned word to the people, and function in the realm of worship continuously brought tears to my eyes. The worship got so heavy that it lead to prophetic singing and a time of ministry at the altar where I encountered Nicole, who was simply broken and battered. I prayed with her and she instantly was put at peace. Praise God!

3 hours later- YES! 3 hours later, we finally made it to the hotel. I ask that you (the reader) pray that we spark a fire in the Jamaican people. God has a special plan for Kingston (town of Papine) that will only come to pass when the Jamaican people realize that they hold the key to the revival here. Restoration WILL come!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations
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Location:Cecelio Ave,Kingston,Jamaica

Visiting Papine High School

Here's a little footage of where the TENDAYS mission team will be building. Please pray for Papine. The high school is situated in the middle of what I'd call the "slums." No kid should have to travel to school in conditions like these. Pray that Papine High School will be restored and will be the lighthouse to the community, beckoning the city to return to knowing that Jesus Christ is LORD and he can bring restoration to the people of Jamaica!

One Lord, One God, Many Nations!

Touchdown in Kingston, Jamaica

I'm in Jamaica!!!! I've made it safely and the team and I are ready to touch the world.

Sat next to a native Jamaican and had great conversation. Checkout the footage of my friend and I as we landed.

One Lord, One God, Many Nations
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Bon Appitte for a Bon Voyage

There's nothing like good eating. I was greeted with a warm home, friendly smile and tasteful food by my good friend Jennifer as I made a pit stop before leaving for the airport. Isn't it amazing how much fellowship goes on over food.

My prayer, as I head to the airport to catch my flight, is that I make divine appointments with the people of Jamaica. Give me what to say and how to say it. Keep me and my entire team safe flying to Jamaica, staying in Jamaica, and returning home to the good ole US of A!

To everyone reading this, DON'T TEXT Me in Jamaica (seriously!)... AT&T charges $.50 per text. I love y'all but y'all will responsible for my bill when I return.

Blessings to ya mon'!

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Jamaica - Restoration

ONE DAY until landing in Kingston, Jamaica!!!

Here I am Lord - send ME! It's the day before I fly out for Jamaica and words can't express how overwhelmed I am. This TENDAYS mission has both tested my faith and opened my eyes to the needs of others. Who would have thought this small town girl from Mobile, AL would actually get an opportunity to fulfill God's command of reaching the nations!?! (Mark 16:15)

With an open heart, a word of encouragement, and love, I am ready to touch the lives of the Jamaicans - as it shall be a divine appointment!

Singing...."We are a chosen generation. We're gonna reach the world" (Israel Houghton)

I feel my island vibe flowing mon'!