Testimonials

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

Pilgrim United Methodist Church in St. Johns, Michigan recently sent a team of 8 short term missionaries on a V.I.M. team with PAPA'S Ministries to Jamaica. After the awesome experience of worshipping with the Jamaican people the team began their work by reconnecting with a widow that Pilgrim had previously been able to build a small home for. Miss Ruby had been praying for help as her house had been broken into three times and the most recent was three days before our arrival. We were able to provide some security and placed rebar in her home for protection. The next journey was off to the Pringle Children's Home for orphans where the team was able to spend the afternoon doing crafts and playing soccer in the mud.

The following day was spent sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the 3, 4, and 5 year olds at the Clonmel Basic School. The most tragic story of the trip for myself was that of a child of this school who had recently been robbed of their young life because their older brother would not enter the drug trade. They were all so full of life and ready to learn all we had to teach.

We also visited another woman and her family that had been provided a home by Pilgrim UMC. The Port Maria Infirmary for the sick and dying, known in Jamaica as the "poor house", was next on our journey. The team poured themselves out through song, fingernail painting and evangelizing to an amazingly beautiful group of God's children dealing with very difficult circumstances.

The next project we accomplished was to continue the painting of the Methodist Manse (Parsonage) in Port Antonio. The Jamaican laity of the church provided our meal and it was a great opportunity to work alongside our Christian brothers and sisters. The team held Bible school for 30 kids on another day and to provide an afternoon of activities. Pastor Kay Pratt from PAPA's was able to deliver a Christmas message that resonated with the children due to her extensive knowledge of the Jamaican people and their country. God used her that day and we appreciated her adding so much relevance to the seed we had planted.

We were blessed to take 800 lbs. of supplies along with monetary donations to schools, nursing homes, churches, and people in need. Most impressive was the team of Newton and Sheron Hall who have turned their very modest Jamaican Home into a center of care for the sick. Their home is smaller than many of our living rooms and yet they have opened it to three adult patients besides themselves and their own teenage boys. Their love for people and for our Savior was intense and I couldn't help but feel inspired. When our team formed we had nothing to offer but willing hearts. God continues to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things and he may be calling you to serve next."

Ryan Wenburg, Team Leader – Pilgrim United Methodist Church, St. Johns, Michigan

Port Maria Methodist Church