Tourists visit Jamaica for the beautiful beaches, pleasant tropical climate, and fine resorts. Jamaica is also well known for cultural and sporting accomplishments.

Photo Credit: Mr. J. Shaft via Compfight cc

However, many residents of this island nation live in a reality that has little glamor and comfort. Yet there is great beauty waiting to be tapped into:

The Deaf, who society may look down upon and view as "lesser," are being built up, affirmed and equipped to develop their God-given talents and interests.
Orphaned or at-risk children are perhaps ignored by their families but are loved by their Creator and placed into the care of children's homes or foster care.
The elderly and other adults unable to care for themselves and have no family support are placed into government run Infirmaries. But there you will hear incredible stories of faith and service to the Lord, from those who have nothing except for Him.

"Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted."

Isaiah 12:4

Sharing Life and the Lord in Jamaica

Ministry in Jamaica is as much sharing in what God is already doing as it is contributing something new. World Relief works with Christian organizations in Jamaica to help in educating and mentoring Deaf children and adults to become productive members of society while being introduced to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is also an active involvement in caring for at-risk children through a Jamaican children's home which provides Christian love and nurturing. Volunteers at the Goodfield Distribution Center provide regular material aid shipments to the infirmaries, schools, hospitals, and the deaf villages. In the process of sharing life and love, we have the opportunity to share Jesus, which is a true joy and privilege.

Missionary Needed

Interested in serving in Jamaica?

The various ministry efforts in Jamaica have kept our Apostolic Christian missionaries busy. As relationships grow with local people and organizations, so do the opportunities for joining hands in the work God is doing. Currently, Team Jamaica consists of Bro. Blake and Sis. Tashi Widmer, based in Kingston, and Sis. Erin Davis, based in Mandeville. Although the team is committed to Deaf ministry, they are also active in child care, discipleship, micro-business training and pursuing ways to partner with the Jamaican people.

World Relief is seeking a qualified candidate, either a single brother or a married couple, to join our Jamaican team. The role would be based in Kingston, Jamaica. Duties would be somewhat tailored to the gifts and skillset of the applicant, but initially there would be a period of training both in language and culture, as well as transitioning with Bro. Blake to take over the duties of Short-Term Mission Team Coordinator at the CCCD Kingston campus. Those who have experience with or formal training in ASL as educators or interpreters are strongly encouraged to consider application, but it is by no means a requirement.

If you are interested in sharing life and the Lord with Jamaicans, prayerfully consider the position opening in Kingston. An applicant for this position must be a member in good standing of the Apostolic Christian Church and have the support of his home elder. For additional information, please contact the Jamaica Operations Committee consisting of Bro. Loren Dettwyler at lmdettwyler@gmail.com or 503-580-9629, Bro. Alan Roth at alroth60@gmail.com or 309-264-1080, or Bro. Kent Mogler at moglerkent@gmail.com or 612-360-4361.

"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:38

How You Can Participate

There are several ways to support World Relief's mission work in Jamaica.

Pray

Pray for the souls in Jamaica and for our missionaries as they walk alongside the Jamaican people.

Send Items

Donate specific needed items to Jamaica through the Goodfield Distribution Center. See a comprehensive list of items needed in Jamaica.

Visit

Short-term Teams are encouraged to visit Jamaica and assist in the long-term work by participating in ministry activities. This may include some construction projects but is not limited to construction and may not have "hands-on" projects, but there is always a need for visitors to come and be exposed to the ministry, engage with our missionaries and Jamaicans and participate in the work God is doing.