The church in America (at least the Baptist Church) is well known for their addition by division. In other words, many of our churches in the USA grow, or add, at the expense of the church down the road dividing. It's something that always bothered us when we were in stateside ministry. Because most people in Jamaica don't drive, you see very little of that. They pretty much stay with the church that is within walking distance of their house. However, this blog is not about adding by dividing....it's all about multiplying!
If you follow us at all, you know that we have a lot of groups that come down each year to help us in ministry. Those groups range from children traveling with their parents, all the way to senior citizens who still feel they have something left to give God in ministry. Although it can make for a lot of work for us, we LOVE having mission teams come down and spend a week or two ministering with us. We are amazed however that some missionaries do not enjoy them at all. We have heard comments like, "Sure wish they would just send us all the money they spent on their trip...I could use it a lot more." Our jaws drop when we hear such comments. Could we use the money...ABSOLUTELY. Would we prefer the money over the physical ministry...NO WAY! This is where our prayer for multiplication comes in. Fact is, both of us are past the half century mark now. We know that we will not be able to minister forever in Jamaica. Our physical ( and maybe mental :)) limitations will at some point hinder us from serving in this capacity. Every time another person comes to our island and ministers to our people, we pray that they will catch the burden for Jamaica. We often warn them that though they must physically leave Jamaica, they will never get Jamaica out of their hearts. Many of them can attest to that being true. We pray over every group that God will call young people and adults to come down here and help us shoulder the load and give out the good news of Jesus Christ. So for us, we are praying to multiply ourselves. From the two of us could come many missionaries in the days ahead. Doesn't that sound like a great plan.....trading two aging people for several young people? Will you pray with us to that end?
In closing, let me say this: Missions trips don't cost...they pay. The benefits you will reap in the lives on the trip will far outweigh the cost and hardships of getting down here. We would love to have you. Help us multiply God's workers in the harvest field of Jamaica and around the world. You will NEVER regret it.
This has been the rambling of one tired Jamerican....SELAH~
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