Dear Friends and Family,
First off, let me apologize for the delay in getting this letter out to you. Without going into details, be assured that life, with its ups and downs, has been challenging and distracting. Nevertheless, the rewards of standing firm and the lessons learned will be a major value when facing new obstacles ahead. God is always faithful to those who find their strength in Him!
Now about Jamaica… What an amazing adventure! I can’t thank you enough for you generosity. Because of your willingness to support me and the work and witness team with prayer and finances, the February mission trip to Frome, Jamaica was a great success. It is difficult to put into words the huge sense of fulfillment that we received. God truly blessed all of us, as well as our Jamaican counterparts, in ways we did not anticipate.
From the first day of our trip to the last, God moved! He provided safe travel, good health, extra strength and endurance, team unity, wisdom, and grace. He helped us build roofs and relationships. He broke down walls ethnically and culturally. He reacquainted us with old friends and blessed us with many new ones. God showed us how faithful he has been in growing his kingdom and reaching the community that surrounds the Mt. Shiloah Nazarene Church. Because of your response to God through support of our mission trip, many people needing to know Jesus have been reached. Thank You!
As in 2008, there are several stories to share. God not only helped us build a church building, but he continued to build His kingdom. In addition to the major progress we made on the actual building, there were many highlights, but three specifically that I would like to share. Before I do let me tell you that we successfully constructed the “roof” over the walls of the addition we started 2-1/2 years ago. The reason I emphasized the word “roof” is because once we arrived, we discovered that the “roof” would only act as a temporary roof, as the new plans for future construction call for the roof to become a second floor on top of the addition. The second floor will be a housing area that will be used by the community for weekly events, outreach and compassionate ministries. It will also be used by visiting pastors and students for continual training and district assembly. Although we accomplished a great deal of work, there is still more to do. Please continue to pray as the Spirit reminds you of us. Pray that God will make it clear whether or not we are to return to Jamaica for a third trip or go to a different part of the world to minister, such as Haiti, Africa or even someplace in the states.
Thank you again to all of you who helped us. In the months before we left, two of the original members who were to go on the trip had to cancel. Although disappointed at the time, God revealed to us why this happened as both members had immediate family issues that needed their attention. If they had been in Jamaica, they would not have been able to be there for their families when needed most. Because of the cancelations, a spot opened up on the team for someone to step in. That someone was my middle son Isaac who is 11 years old. What a great opportunity for him to experience life outside of the states. This was an educational, eye-opening, life changing experience for Isaac. We will be praying that God uses this experience to direct him to the place God wants him to be. You never know….
The first highlight I would like to share took place on Friday, February 4, 2011. That morning we had made arrangements to go late to the work site in order to visit the local school, The Frome Technical High School. We were asked to lead the morning devotions by Rev. Lionel Brown (our host) who is on the Board of Directors. Yes, that is correct. There are morning devotions in the public schools in Jamaica. Before class, the students gather in the open air court to sing songs of praise and listen to a devotional. What an amazing experience. Although there are many non-believers in the school, those who choose to vocalize their Christian life are not condemned as they would be in our public schools. Team member and youth pastor, Matt Oaks, shared a devotional from Samuel, emphasizing how God empowered Jonathan and his armor bearer to defeat 20 Philistines. As Matt noted, if you will only say yes to God, he is able to do amazing things through you no matter how great the challenge might seem. After closing in prayer, we passed out over 40 NIV New Testament Bibles to the students who wanted to know more. Pray that God’s word will speak to those who read it and that the Holy Spirit will pierce their hearts and draw them near to Him.
The second highlight took place on Sunday morning, February 6, 2011. As scheduled, we were heading to Rev. Brown’s church, The Burnt Savannah Church of the Nazarene, for morning worship. This was the morning that I was asked to bring the message to the Church. Honestly, although I have never preached a Sunday morning before, I was not nervous nor anxious. I felt as though God had a plan, that He had prepared me for this moment. This was not about me anyway; it was really all about God. My pray was that I would not be seen or heard, but rather only be the vessel through which God would minister to His people. My message was about surrender. It was based on chapter 10 of the Purpose Driven Life. The Chapter is titled “The Heart of Worship”. God used this chapter in this book to help me continue on through a difficult moment for our family. It is vital that we understand what it means to give everything to God. We need to be aware of the importance of living out Romans 6:13 and 12:1-2. The heart of true worship is to live our live as a living sacrifice to God, which is defined as our spiritual worship (NIV), or as our reasonable service (KJV). Everything must be brought to God. He must have our full attention and we must release complete control to Him. Please take time to ask God if there is anything you are keeping from Him. Ask Him to take control and lead you, and then be willing to follow. The moment we take control is the moment we begin to head off course. But when you give God complete control, then you will never be out of control. If you are unsure of God’s plan for you, refer to Jeremiah 29:11-13.
After the sermon was complete, Rev. Brown called his congregation to renew their commitment to God. I saw a few people weeping and many more stand to their feet in response to the Lord’s word and the Holy Spirit. Faith was restored and lives were committed and recommitted to God. I am confident that God knew what His people needed that day and without a doubt He moved among them. Praise God for his Love, Grace and Compassion. After the service Rev. Brown asked me to speak a second time at the Mt. Carmel Church of the Nazarene. God showed His faithfulness as a similar response to the message was witnessed and many more people let God take control. What a mighty God, that He would continue to take time to speak to the hearts of those who need to know Him more. It was humbling to be used by God in this capacity.
After working 7 days side by side with many of the people in the community and with members of the Mt. Shiloah Church of the Nazarene, the third highlight took place. It was Thursday, February 10, 2011. That evening we visited Mt. Shiloah for a special service and bible study. The Lord opened the door for our team to lead the service. Pastor Mike gave a message of God’s grace. Chris Heffernan, team member, gave a testimony about breaking free from worldly vices that keep you from God. Kelly McPheron, team member, sang a song by Matthew West titled “Going through the Motions”. I was able to give an invitation for people to pray and receive Jesus. The host pastor, Rev. Knight reinforced this call to God. Several people came forward to pray, some with simple requests, some for healing and three to receive the Lord as Savior. Umbert, Joy and Sheneil are the names of those receiving Jesus. The Spirit moved and people were saved. Please pray that these three will be surrounded by good Christians. Pray that they will be encouraged, discipled and strengthened in the Lord. I believe it was this night that the Lord showed us a small glimpse of what’s to come in the Mt. Shiloah community and how our work will impact those we may never know. God is always faithful. His grace has no boundaries. Praise God!
What an exciting and fruitful trip. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all your generosity and prayers. Without you none of this would have been possible. Thank You for listening to the Lord and for answering his call to help and pray. Although you were not in Jamaica physically, you were there in spirit. You have had a great impact beyond what you know. Someday, in the presence of the Lord, you will know, as you receive your reward to being faithful to God. Because of One, many were saved. It is my privileged to represent you in the heart of Jamaica. I look forward to the time when we can again join forces to impact a heart and a life for Jesus.
In Him Always,
David