"The small investments we make today can make an even better tomorrow"
19/6/18
My first 18 days in Jamaica have been such an eye-opening experience already. The hard work and investments of people all over Jamaica in helping the community and building people up is extremely amazing; it is an honour and a blessing to be a part of. A few of the things I've been involved in so far include camp counselling training, assisting and leading reading classes for both adults and children, leading bible studies, and spending time growing in the word with the youth and young adults of the Linstead Circuit of churches away on their retreat. The most exciting part of it all is seeing God's hand at work through these activities.
It's been humbling to hear some of the stories and testimonies of adults who once found it very difficult to read that are now able to read confidently. This has opened many doors for them, including being able to read the Bible for themselves and apply for jobs. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Education empowers. This happens because of the hard work and willingness of people who make a decision to give up some of their time in hope that others make progress.
Another thing which has stood out to me is the investment in young people that the Jamaica Baptist Union and the churches here do. Their desire for young people to know the bible, have safe spaces where they can speak to others about their problems and enjoy life is amazing. I think back to the times where I have been poured into by those adults who gave their time serving in church as I grew up, putting on activities and residentials, and they were some of the best moments of my life. The small investments we make today can make an even better tomorrow.
I feel so at home here, I thank God that I've been placed around such loving and caring people. I'm slowly adjusting to the heat and learning how to deal with pesky mosquitoes, and although I've been bitten several times already (perhaps a bit more than I would like), seeing how God has been working in the lives of those around me is far greater than any discomfort I may be feeling. Knowing that a somebody has tried again, had trusted again, and believed again because of your help means more to me than anything else, and all the glory goes to God.