In his groundbreaking book on justice, The Locus Effect, Gary Haugen addresses the need to change systems, not merely save individuals if we are to effectively help the victims of poverty. Spring Village Community Development Foundation is a vocational-technical college for young people ages 17-30 that clearly fits that model. (http://www.springvillage.org/training_institute) We were impressed to see about 200 young adults learning skills such as welding, electrical, chef, hospitality, and customer service. The head of the school, Randy Finnikin, told us that short-term teams such as ours provide a much-needed support to him and his over-worked staff. “You are like Aaron and Hur, holding up our arms in this battle,” he explained. (Exodus 17:11-12)
Our team comprised of several therapists and children’s workers who were invited down to Jamaica to teach parenting and marriage skills, do some counseling, and reach out to the children. We felt God’s anointing as we addressed dozens of young adults on the topic of Dating & Relationships, and they asked pointed, honest questions. How to manage your feelings, how to show respect to others, and how to take care of yourself were three of the topics we taught on.
One missionary’s daughter said, “This is how you should do short term missions- have a staff that you can minister to year after year, and a new crop of students (each year) to hear what you have to say!”
We counseled quite a number of the staff members at the community center, and encouraged everyone we had the opportunity to share with. Training a woman to lead a domestic violence group was one thing we left down there this year that promises to multiply itself.
Particularly dear to my heart was a young couple, who came for premarital counseling two years ago, and in the ensuing years I have been able to address their needs as they grow together. Budding leaders, they were eager to learn God’s way of beginning their relationship. In Jamaica, 80% of children are born out of wedlock, and long lasting marriages are very rare, so this couple is courageously leading the way in going against the norm. Others we spoke with expressed desire to do likewise.
We were able to give beads to some people, and instruction on how to make jewelry. How this changed their countenance! It gave them hope and dignity for their future. Each year we haul suitcases full of books down there as well, which they receive gratefully.
The children touched us deeply as we tutored them in reading skills, and lavished them with attention. In the afternoons we ran a VBS, teaching Bible verses, songs, stories and crafts. “Why are the white people from America so kind and nice? one girl asked. “Jesus has done so much for us, we want to let others know of His great love!” I replied. Our team leader told us that these children probably would not get any hugs until the next team comes down to minister. Lord, raise up laborers for the harvest, and change the system.
The first year, while we were in Spring Village, the initiator of Jamaica Missions, and spiritual father to many (including Randy) passed into glory. This added element of grieving and scurrying to make travel arrangements for bringing half a dozen Jamaicans to the funeral in Minnesota added another dimension to our time there. We felt grateful to be a small part in the overall picture of God’s plan for Jamaica that was made into a reality by this visionary; and we were challenged as we got a glimpse into the legacy of a great man of God. His life truly has borne tremendous amounts of fruit.
The other women I went with were some of the most encouraging, godly people I have ever worked with on an overseas trip. Because of their rich years of single-minded devotion to the Lord, I learned much both personally and professionally from them, and have come home very refreshed in my heart each time. Who would think that going to a developing nation to serve would restore one’s soul? Only God can do such things!
We needed to be concerned for safety, as there were pockets of danger around. The culture of poverty is strong, and violence is very real in some of the villages. Lord, raise up laborers for the harvest, and change the system.
Please pray for Jamaica. This heart-gripping ministry leaves an indelible mark on all of us, and there’s a reason we return there year after year. Someday there will be no more tears and suffering, and people from every nation and tongue will worship around the throne. Until then we serve on, confident that His word will indeed bring sweet, beautiful, eternal fruit.
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