Greater Mt. Nebo AMEC, Mt. Calvary AMEC, Ebenezer AMEC--Maryland
Jamaica Outreach July 31-August 7, 2006
Special Report: “Adventures in Missions"
It is my pleasure to give just a glimpse of the way God used a team of 25 servants of the
Lord, ranging from Youth Pastors, Ministers, Stewards, school teachers, musicians, singers,
dancers, YPDers, Seniors and young adult laity to minister mightily, yet humbly throughout
Jamaica on July 31-August 7, 2006. The team arrived open and ready to work—as a result,
they touched the lives of many, and they themselves were transformed in the process!
This team, now known as “The Dream Team”, comprised of members of 3 congregations from the
2nd Episcopal District: Greater Mt. Nebo AMEC, Mt. Calvary AMEC, and Ebenezer AMEC, all
from various parts of the state of Maryland in the United States. While the team included
several seasoned ministers of the Gospel, the official leader was Min. Carlos Perkins and
his wife Sis. Carla Perkins. They are Ministers to Youth at Greater Mt. Nebo AMEC.
Together, we worked, prayed and planned just how the Lord would have the mission to
progress, always leaving just enough room for the Holy Spirit to be the True Coordinator.
Special thanks to the Presiding Elders, Pastors, Clergy, YPDers, officers, and members of
the Jamaica Conference for your prayers, your presence, and your helping hands when needed
most to make the outreach a great success!
Here’s some of what took place:
From Day One of the Orientation Process, Rev. Butler asked the team to keep three key
principles in mind:
1. “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.”
2. “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
3. “Be ye also ready.”
With that established, as well as continuous discussions via role plays, scenarios, and
lively dialogue, the team was prepared in the areas of basic discipleship/witnessing
techniques, cultural etiquette, how to share your personal testimony, and leading someone
to Christ through prayer.
July 31, 2006 (MONDAY) - Arrival Day
The team arrived with an abundance of resources equipped to assist in their ministry for
the week—especially in their focus area of Vacation Bible School. Upon loading up the
truck, and the bus, the team began their ‘uphill’, adventurous journey to the lovely
Parrish of St. Mary, which would be home base for the first leg of the trip. Upon
arrival at the Robin’s Bay Hotel, the staff greeted them with smiles, assistance, a hot
meal, and based on the amount of luggage seen, with the statement, “Wow, how long are
you staying!?” After dinner, Rev. Butler conducted Part One of Orientation and introduced
three representatives from Kyles Temple AMEC—the church community where the team would be
working the following day. On hand were the local WMS President, Youth President, and a
member of the Steward Board.
August 1, 2006 (TUESDAY) - Ministry Site: Kyles Temple AMEC, St. Mary
What a day! The team designated Sis. Cheryl White as “Dean” of VBS, and she immediately
began to organize and plan the day’s schedule and class rotation. Courses included Bible
training, Arts & Crafts, Music, Storytelling, and Physical Education. The team divided
into their respective areas and left room for ‘floaters’. After set-up, the team was sent
on the road to invite the children out to VBS. We could not believe how quickly the
numbers grew, as at first there were just about 10 children-this number swelled to nearly
140 within a few hours! (This year, VBS was not limited to children, but also
included young men, and seniors who also showed up in good number. As a result, we
incorporated special breakout sessions for these groups, led by various team members and
local members.) No matter what was going on, a smile was seen on Sis. White’s
face—service with a smile!
The Labor & Beautification team of men was assigned to assist one of the elderly
widows in the community with collecting water from the river pipe. The ‘Water Ministry’
led by Rev. K.C. White and a Brother in Christ from Kyles, included 5 Team members
ranging in ages from 13 to 50+. A moving and memorable experience for the men, as they
saw first-hand the strength and resilience of this 90-yr. Old woman, “Miss Lattie”,
who regularly walked alone in the hot sun with multiple buckets & containers to catch
her own water, and return the heavy load to her home. The guys returned with a great
testimony of fellowship, ministry, and joy---they also returned soaking wet!
Night Service: POWERFUL! After a great day of ministry, the Lord truly blessed
with a
packed house of worshippers—many of the children and their parents from the day’s
events, and the rest of the community! Jamaica Conference Pastors on hand included Rev.
Millard Davis & Sis. Davis, Rev. Aaron Blair & Sis. Blair, and Rev. Michael Blake &
Sis. Blake. Rev. Tracey Victor-Butler of Mt. Calvary AMEC in Towson, Maryland delivered
the preached word, “A Total Delivery”. The anointing was present to heal spiritual and
emotional issues. Souls were saved and numbers more re-dedicated their lives to Christ.
At the close of the service, Min. Carlos was led of the Holy Spirit to call the Team
to participate in an early morning river baptism, along with those persons already
scheduled for baptism. We rejoiced and agreed to meet at the river, 5am Thursday
morning. Thank God for the intercessory prayers of Sis. Carolyn Able and the other
intercessors in the house!
August 2, 2006 (WEDNESDAY) - Ministry Site: St. Paul AMEC-Portland
The team traveled about 1.5 hours to the ministry site of St. Paul AMEC in the Parrish
of Portland. An intimate, rural setting surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery
highlighted a full day and evening of ministry. Upon arrival, the team quickly
identified that due to the isolated locale of the church, some walking/ground work
would need to be done in order to encourage the children and adults to participate in
the planned activities for the day. Soon faithful members and neighbors gathered and
our VBS classes went forth without a hitch!
Special ministry to about 10 local seniors took place as Team members led a dialogue
about the challenges of living in rural Jamaica, versus some cities of America. The
discovery was that there were many more things in common, than there were differences!
Especially with regards to raising children, being a grandparent, and keeping active
in the later years of life. All hearts were warmed by the connection.
Teen Challenge was absolutely lively, and in many aspects ‘raw’. Team clergy members
and teens shared in a real-life dialogue about the many struggles and pressures being
faced today. It was an insightful and thought-provoking session, which actually
continued into the evening, and especially among the teen Team members during the
following days.
Instead of bringing a pre-prepared dinner, the team stopped at small grocery shop
enroute to purchase raw chicken, rice, peas, and all the fixings. The Missionaries of
St. Paul agreed to give the team an ‘experience’ in preparing a meal the old
fashioned way—via coal stoves. It was a joy to see the senior Team members interact
and serve in the ‘kitchen’ with the women of St. Paul. The young people were highly
impressed and humbled with the great effort (and aromas), which came forth!
When dinner was served, there was enough to feed EVERYONE and it was delicious!
Night Service began after just about 1.5 hour break from the day’s festivities.
The Team has now, only after 2 days, learned that Jamaicans don’t mind praising God all
day, and into the night!
A Combined choir was formed! It included several team members and local
participants—led by Team member Brother Brian Faulcon, who to my surprise, had no
formal musical training—(he is the church accountant and steward board member at his
home church), and had never been in a choir before…but he sure could sing! So, this
new gift was brought out before our eyes on the outreach.
Henceforth, Brian became the Team Choir Director, and was affectionately known as
“Kurt Carr”.
Maintaining the flow of worship, Rev. Melynda Clarke (GMNebo) delivered the preached
word powerfully---under one lone hanging light bulb; Her message, “Don’t Block My
Flow”. A singer/psalmist in her own right, she ministered in song and then brought
forth a liberating message of following the flow of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Already
a high time in the Spirit, worshippers were led into another dimension of praise,
celebration and Freedom in Christ. Rev. Michael Blake and Sis. Blake, many thanks and
respect for your hospitality, and humility.
August 3, 2006 (THURSDAY) - Ministry Site: The River
5am At the River—No one but God could have orchestrated, or even known that the Team
members would be led in such a dynamic and for many, life-changing encounter. At 5am,
we all loaded our bus to meet at Kyles for a brief time of prayer, preparation, and
praise before baptism service.
Led by Rev. Davis with Rev. Butler assisting, baptismal candidates received their
ceremonial rites. The members and community began to gather inside the sanctuary. The
team members were amazed and moved by the dedication of persons to the importance of
baptism that they too, would show up so early in the morning.
Off we walked to the river, singing and praising God the entire way. No one cared that
it was a mile away, and that we would step through mud and slippery rocks to get
there---there was a spirit of expectancy among all who followed. Once at the river,
the praise intensified. Rev. Davis and Rev. Butler entered the water and began to make
the call for each candidate. At that point, the Holy Spirit took over with shouts of
joy, deliverance, healing, and re-dedication.
The most blessed thing of the whole experience was witnessing the teens from our Team
experience this encounter with God! Truly the Lord was with us—so much so that others
who had not ‘planned’ to be baptized began drawing near, lifting up holy hands, and
entering the water! The testimonies have not ceased from Team members and on-lookers
of the miracles that took place that day.
The youngest baptismal candidate, one of our young male teens said, “I can’t describe
it…I knew I didn’t have a change of clothes to put on, but I just had to go in the
water.”
The Team had the rest of the day off, and traveled to Ocho Rios for further
fellowship, bonding, and relaxation—it would not be an experience anyone would soon
forget. Thank you Rev. & Sis. Davis, Sis. Anita, and the Kyles Temple family.
Night Revival & Gospel Concert: Ministry Site: Open-Air Revival @ Friendship
Community Center
Could God out do Himself with even more blessings? Absolutely! After a brief rest
and refreshing from the Falls, the Team resumed ministry mode for our night
service. It was highly anticipated, as our AME Churches in this community had never
done such a thing—bring in a top-notch Gospel Reggae band, equipped with stage,
lights, and powerful sound…and have a power-packed preacher to match it! The crowd
swelled steadily. Under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, we witnessed a seasoned,
seemingly reserved young Minister to Youth from Ebenezer AMEC in Ft. Washington, MD,
be transformed into a flat-footed, no holds barred, street preacher…no bells, no
whistles, just the Word of God! Seizing the opportunity to honor Jamaica’s
Independence weekend, Rev. Bill Lee preached a relevant word of liberty to the
crowd. At one point, I really thought this big guy (he’s quite tall in stature) was
going to lose his mind. There was such a burden present for lost souls---and the
anointing drew them to Christ! After the altar call and prayer ministry to the new
converts, our spirits were lifted even more by the band, Katalyst who continued in
the flow of praise, freedom in the Spirit, and celebration in dance.
August 4, 2006 (FRIDAY) - Ministry Site: St. Elizabeth, YPD CAMP
This day began bittersweet, as we gathered for prayer and reflection as to all God
had done in just a few days and all that He would yet do. We praised God for the
unity among each member, and we pledged to keep it strong as we moved from St. Mary
into Kingston. This was the day that the Team bid the staff and management at
Robin’s Bay farewell. They had become family—even one of the waiters attended
the Concert and gave his life to the Lord! We gathered in the lobby, along with the
entire staff and prayed for each of them, at their request. We were able to bless
the staff’s children with much needed school supplies. One of the managers thanked
God for the Team’s presence, stating that all week long, there was such a peaceful
spirit around the hotel.
The Team loaded up the buses and headed for their next location of Knutsford
Court Hotel in Kingston, in preparation for the drive to St. Elizabeth. After
checking in at Knutsford, rain began to fall heavily, and a weary-eyed crew
wondered if we would continue in our mission for the evening…
Absolutely! After the rain stopped, of course…a tired and determined team loaded up
the bus again in route to St. Elizabeth…At this point, I must mention one of our
main drivers, ‘Henry’. He sang with us, prayed with us, ate with us, and drove us
with great skill, expertise, AND SPEED that only a true Jamaican can appreciate!
Three hours later, we arrived at the campsite to loud sounds of praise from a
roomful of 80+ YPDers! Truly tonight, the joy of the LORD became our strength!
All who were tired became amazingly revived---this was especially true of our
preacher for the night, Team leader, Min. Carlos Perkins of Greater Mt. Nebo AMEC.
The Lord led him mightily as he further rallied the crowd into praise chants,
dancing, and more! Min. Carlos preached a powerful word about the change that ‘The
Cross’ makes in one’s life; the man even had props. When all was said and done,
young people penetrated the altar—some for deliverance, others for re-dedication.
By now it was after 11pm, but, the praise party continued on until literally,
myself and YPD leaders had to drag the team to the bus—reminding them of our long
journey back to Kingston. What a fabulous time in the Lord! God bless Sis. Tesslyn,
Bro. Dwayne, Sis. Neila, Bro. Shawin, Rev. McNish, and the many other young adults
who received the team in Christian love and true Jamaican fellowship!
And hey, please save those photos of Rev. Butler playing the bass guitar!
August 5, 2006 (SATURDAY) - Ministry Site: Kingston-Mary’s Child and Chapel
of Christ
Saturday’s ministry focused on the females from the Team who visited with the
residents of Mary’s Child—a home for unwed pregnant teens. All of the women (about
14) participated in a special, but sobering time of sharing, encouragement, Bible
study, and crafts. Since many of the Team members were teenagers themselves, it
was humbling and overwhelming for them to be in the presence of 8 young mothers
and mothers-to-be, ranging in ages from 13-17 years. It took a little time for
the residents to warm up to the ladies, but after the ice was broken, praise songs
came forth and one-to-one connections were made. Thank God for our Senior team
members! They really earned their stripes on this one, being true-to-form mothers
and grandmothers full of love and wisdom. They each knew just what to say and how
to say it.
Towards the end of the ministry time at Mary’s Place, I took a chance in asking
the House Supervisor if the girls (and their babies) were permitted to leave the
compound. She said yes, as long as she accompanied them—so, I invited them all to
Chapel of Christ for the Saturday Night Revival and Concert and to my sheer
surprise, she said yes! Transportation was arranged, and they all came to the 7pm
service. The Testimony: two of the girls gave their lives to Christ that night!
P.S. Where did the Team go for lunch to experience one of the islands renowned spots
for fried and steamed fish, festival, and lobster??? You guessed it, Hellshire Beach!
Ministry or no ministry the Dream Team can really put it down!
Night Service: Revival & Gospel Concert
Again, what a great God we serve! This night was highlighted by the fact that we had
visiting churches and ministries from the community, Portmore, St. Mary, and Portland!
That’s correct, a number of the persons whom we had been with earlier in the week
wanted to travel to Kingston to take part in the worship there—Discipleship works!
Also present were a great group from City Life ministries in the inner city. A high
spirit of praise was again resonant in the sanctuary and the team was in rare form!
By now, each member knew to ‘expect the unexpected’ in the sense that they may be
called upon to do almost anything as the Lord led.
Praise and Worship was led by a combined team of Americans and Jamaicans, with just
the right blend of songs and rhythms. The entire church was on its feet praising God
freely. The Mt. Calvary Dance Ministry, led by Min. Linda Bailey ministered an
effective, lively piece entitled, “Victory”. The atmosphere was ripe for the word,
again delivered powerfully by Min. Carlos Perkins. The Holy Spirit flowed through
the hearts of many guests from the SouthSide community, and the two young girls from
Mary’s Child who all invited Christ into their lives. Shouts of victory over sin from
the congregation set the stage once again for the soul-stirring sounds of Katalyst—who
sang and danced us right into the night’s benediction.
August 6, 2006 (SUNDAY) - Ministry Sites: Redemption AMEC, Talbot AMEC, Gaines
AMEC &
Chapel of Christ AMEC
Team Preachers had an opportunity to bring the Word during a Sunday Morning Worship
experience at one of our local AME Churches. They were Rev. KC White, Rev. Melynda
Clarke, Min. Carlos Perkins, and Rev. Tracey Victor-Butler. The team split, with 3-4
persons going to each of the designated host Churches. Upon returning, it was
wonderful to hear the perspectives from the different ministry teams; All had great
reports of their time of Worship and the Word, but they were especially blessed by the
fellowship and reception they received from the pastors and members of their churches.
The Team returned back together to rest and prepare for their final ministry in the
streets of SouthSide in Kingston. Thank you Rev. Samuels, Rev. Lazree Davis, Rev.
Rufus, and Rev. Turpin!
SouthSide Community Street Meeting: Church on the street corner—that’s what it
really was.
And we could not have asked for a better way to close out the 8-day adventure in missions.
In collaboration with City Life Ministries, the Team journeyed to the inner-city
community of South Side. There is no good description of what may be experienced in this
community. From the poverty, to the pigs, to the scantily clad young girls, to the smells
of marijuana, and the many, many children about the place—some barefoot, some a bit dirty,
some malnourished---You just had to be there…
But what I can highlight is the spirit of the people! Upbeat, humble, welcoming, and ready
to praise the Lord! Equipped with a DJ, Gospel CDs, booming sound, and one microphone,
all ministry participants were ready! The crowd in the streets was great in number and in
energy. The night kicked off with dance ministry from Chapel of Christ AMEC and Mt.
Calvary AMEC, songs from the Team’s Combined Choir, and all out party for Jesus!
The real highlight came during preaching time when the two mild-mannered ministers Rev.
Tracey Victor-Butler and Min. Carlos Perkins did some Holy Ghost tag-team preaching! The
word was direct, powerful, affirming and anointed as they preached about knowing who you
are in Christ, and gaining one’s true independence in Christ. I must say that for all the
visiting ministers---I don’t know what their preaching ministry was like before, but I am
sure that after 8 days in Jamaica, their preaching will never be the same!
Immediately following the Word, the call came forth for all out celebration and
thanksgiving for the Word. The Real Party broke loose here amongst the entire team, City
Life members, and the Community as we offered God praises in the streets, doing the
Electric Slide, and fellowshipping one with another.
August 7, 2006 (MONDAY) - Team Departure Day
Praise God from whom All Blessings flow;
Praise Him all Creatures Here Below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;
Amen!
IN CLOSING:
As John said in Chapter 20:30-31 of his gospel, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in
the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written
that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that in believing,
you might have life through His name.”
It never fails that those who set out to be used of God to minister to others, find that
they are the true recipients of an outpouring of ministry. No doubt that our visiting team
felt this way as they left Jamaica and returned to their designated homes. Thank God for
the hearts of this team and many others who have—and will, journey to serve with me.
Their imprints will forever be throughout the Caribbean and South America. And thank God
for the AME Churches in Jamaica. All things are possible to those who believe!
While the physical and material needs are great, I remind myself that each of us are on a
spiritual journey, which often times, compels us to serve. Each visiting Team Member has
a divine appointment with God—sometimes they are aware, sometimes they don’t have a clue;
but God trusts us, as good stewards to facilitate the meeting. As God heals, convicts,
restores, changes, and transforms individuals right before my eyes, I realize that it is a
privilege to be a Believer and even more an honor to serve Him the best way we know how.
Until the Next Adventure,
Rev. Stephanie
August 13, 2006
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