The Final Stretch

Wow! Where has the time gone? In just 6 short days, our time in Jamaica will be over. It doesn't seem possible...or fair. To date, the Mighty Lions are leading the summer competitions, followed by Powerstrikers, then Starfire. Last week we played a game similar to the show "The Amazing Race". It was awesome. On the final event, it came down to a running match between Lions and Starfire, with Lions coming out on top. It was great. Only 2 more days of competition left. Tuesday evening will be our ice cream sundae night. Everyone is getting two scoops with all the toppings. That night we'll announce the winners who will go out to eat with Mama Penie and Papa Jim. Then it's off to the airport on Friday.

This past week was one of our highlights. A team of 12 from our own church, Freedom House, came for a week of ministry. It was powerful. They came charged up ready to make a difference and leave an impression, and that they did. I was so proud of each of them...especially the teenagers. Rarely did I hear a complaint when asked to do chores, or perform a task. Their spiritual readiness and maturity surpassed that of any other group of teens I've met. (Keep in mind I was a youth pastor for 10 years!) As a whole, the group focused on deliverance. Their testimonies and devotions, as well as one on one conversations and skits were all about being set free from the chains that bind us spiritually. They laid hands on and prayed for every child in My Father's House, as well as Jim and Penie. They spoke the Word on the streets and in the church, passed out clothing, spoons,and bowls, prayed with the elderly and infirmed, and genuinely loved people. Many people were ministered to. It was not about what they could get out of Jamaica, but what they could give to Jamaica. Many times, they were in the right place at the right time with the right word for specific people. Their hearts were right and their attitudes pure. Oh, I'm sure within their group they had some issues...no one is perfect, but after having been on 10 mission trips myself, I must say I was especially proud of them, and glad to have been a part of what they did. Dulcie and I did have the pleasure of ministering along side of them all week. Freedom House...you did an OUTSTANDING job! (you can see pictures of their week at www.jaminjamaica.com by clicking on the Freedom House folder under the Photos option.)

On a different note, the reflection of the summer and our time here has begun. We've learned more than can be told here. More than we can share in a 20 minute window of a church service. Much of it is personal. God has definitely brought us here to teach us about ourselves...our strengths...our weaknesses...our likes...our dislikes. We are grateful to have been able to serve in such a place as My Father's House. Our hosts have been so generous to house us, feed us, provide us with transportation to "get away", and cause us to feel like a part of their family for the summer. The children have opened up and made us feel welcomed...making us feel at home with them. We are going to miss their smiling faces and bright eyes; their constant hugs or tickles or jabs when they pass us by; their wanting us to play games, watch a movie, go for a swim or go for a walk. Our lives have been touched by 26 Jamaican children, and we, as a family, will never be the same. Thank you, My Father's House, for a wonderful summer experience. We will never forget you!

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to seek God's will about the future. We want to be where He wants us, when He wants us. Also, please pray for My Father's House, as they currently do not have any interns for the coming school year. This will mean Mama Penie will have to home school 25 children by herself! She will need much prayer, as you can imagine! Please pray that God will provide for them and give them the grace and strength to make it through. There have also been some changes in the home...please pray for Daniel (8 years old) who has been moved to another home for the time being. He has been at My Father's House for 7 years. Please pray for his protection and that God may open the doors for his quick return. Also, please pray for the kids and adults here who love and miss him. There are many needs here at any given day, and God seems to provide for each one. After having been here for 2 1/2 months and seeing what goes on here, I know they could use your prayers.

Thank you for joining us in this amazing adventure. Your love, prayers and support have been so appreciated. We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon. ...until then.