MEMORY LANE:

2018 is behind us, the year went by so quickly, and we are already in 2019; Wow! Each time I hear someone makes this comment “time flies” I would always respond “for the elect’s sake the days are shortened.”

I was cleaning the office one day- and while going through some papers I saw a newsletter I wrote dated February 27, 2003. The words on the page encouraged me, why? it reminded me why I quitted my full time paying Job to become a full time volunteer.
Let me share a few lines with you.

I was coming from work one day, when I saw a child crying. After investigating I found out that she was being abused. I felt the Lord prompting me to work with children, especially those who are abused, or neglected. Many times we overlook them, not realizing that they have real issues and go through phases. It’s time to speak into the lives of our younger generation and raise up Godly children by teaching them Godly principles.

Before I knew it, I quit my job, went to YWAM and completed the Discipleship Training School. That marked the beginning of my journey with YWAM. Looking back I can say I am happy I did, in spite of the challenges faced, pressures and uncertainties at times. It is rewarding to hear the testimonials, receive the thank you notes and see lives transformed, as I watched individuals progress from a child into adulthood. I have been privilege to attend their weddings, baby christenings, Baptisms and more. I can truly say it is worth the investment. I am happy that I obeyed.

God has a plan for you

As we navigate through 2019, I want to encourage you with this scripture from Jeremiah 29: 11- 13 “For I know what plans I have in mind for you” says Adonia, “plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future. When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly.” (CBJ)

So seek for YhWh wholeheartedly.

Reading Program

It’s so good being back in the classroom with the reading program. My fellow staff member and I enjoy being with the children on Wednesdays. It is encouraging that we do not have a large group this year, because some student’s reading ability have improved to the extent that they don’t need to come to the session any longer. Apart from teaching, we pray for our students, as we realize, prayer coupled with actual ”works” go well together.

Our small group of seven (7) warms our heart each week, as we watch them rapidly improve, of course, some more than others.
Here is a story about a student, let’s call him Shan.

Shan had been through a traumatic experience and was resettled in a new community, He was so fearful and afraid. His principal said that the first time he came to school, he would go and hide under the school desk/table.

On one occasion I went to get Shan from his regular class for Reading program. After a short while in the Reading Program, his teacher was very excited and commented that “Shan did very well in his exams and he almost mastered literacy!” Her countenance was beaming as she relayed this account to me. I felt overwhelmed as I listened, why? because Shan has only been with us for a short time, and besides he is one of our slower students. Soon after the principal saw me and began telling me the same story, of Shan’s improvement. She too was beaming with excitement. It was at this point she told me about the tramautic family experience that not only Shan, but his family went through. The incident had cause him to shut down, but now she is happy to see him opening up, and even speaking more freely.

That story truly encouraged us so much, it gave us hope, that children lives are being impacted and a drive to keep going.

Christmas

On a sad note, one of my aunt passed on, it was a somber time for us as a family. For me it was a time of reflection as I last saw her in August when I went to visit her not knowing it would be the last time seeing her on earth. Looking back I was glad that I went to visit. Her funeral was close to the Christmas holidays, so for us as family the holiday was bittersweet.

Teams

I would like to say a big Thank You to the teams that passed through YWAM Jamaica. You came, sowed and partnered with us. Together we built two homes, you are were a blessing to the various children homes and communities. Again thank you for partnering with us.

Homes of Hope

With the assistance of two teams we were able to build two families homes. One for young couple with two children and the other for single mom with five children three of which are dependent on her.

Discipleship Training School

The D.T.S. has completed the lecture phase and they are presently on outreach in Africa.

UP-COMING PROGRAMS/ EVENTS

Outreach

I will be participating in the following up-coming events:
NIKO Camp, Seminar and Caribbean Staff Conference which will be held in the Dominica Republic -April 22 – May 10, 2019. Estimated cost U.S.$1,500

Praise Report

A big shout out to YAHWEH and as some of us ywamers would say “go deh God!”. The computer I was using got wet by accident, also my phone battery not keeping charged for long. I was blessed with a new computer and a phone. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving to the work of the Lord.

Support

All YWAM staff is responsible to raise their own support through financial gifts from friends, family and churches. Will you prayerfully consider joining my support team for the next two years by giving a monthly or one-time donation? May God bless and keep you and your family that you may prosper in all your endeavours.

Blue Mountain Hike

A group of us did an hike to the blue mountain, the highest peak in Jamaica. Please pray that the foundation that was laid that week-end will be built on. That all the lessons learnt during the hike will not be wasted.

Blessing the newly built home for Sharon and her children

Three persons gave their hearts to the Lord that week, two from the family which we built the home for and one member of the community.  Pray That their walk with the Lord will be deepen and as they grow they will experience the love of God and have encounters with the Holy Spirit. That they will be intentional in practicing spiritual disciplines such as reading the word, attending a church and prayer.

Youth With A Mission

Pray

  • That our staff body will grow in numbers
  • That each staff will see increase in prayer partners and finance partners.
  • That we will grow in unity