Jamaica Mission Trip

When people think of Jamaica they often think of resorts, beaches, fun excursions, and cruises. Your Jamaica mission trip will take you beyond the tourist coverings to experience the real Jamaica.

You and your team will discover the open and friendly culture of this beautiful island nation, and see firsthand that beyond the beaches, hotels, and tourism, life in Jamaica is not easy for the typical family.

Your Jamaica mission trip will have a significant impact on families, churches, and communities as you participate in vacation Bible school, construction, sports, mercy ministry, or any ministry that God has gifted you with or placed on your heart.

Whether your passion is for urban or rural ministry, Praying Pelican Missions will partner you with a local church for ministry. You will get to know the local people and community and be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About a Jamaica Mission Trip


Price Information

Features
$595 $825
Full Service Mission Trip
7 Days/6 Nights
Group Leader Handbook
Online Trip Handbook
Promotional Materials
Unlimited Trip Consultations
Fundraising Ideas Manual
Customizable Ministry Options
Attend local church services
Safe drinking water
Airport transfers
Transportation to/from ministry sites
Evening worship, prayer, debriefing
Group T-Shirt
35+ hours of ministry
Partial day of recreation
Sleep at a church, school, or community center during week
Sleep at a hotel during entire trip  
Meals provided by local community
Final day at Jamaican beach recreation area
Extra recreation such as Dunn's River Falls, Y.S. Falls, Negril, or similar  
AVAILABLE JAMAICA DATES

Sample Itineraries

View $595 Sample Itinerary View Sample $825 Itinerary

Ministry Options

Ministry
Description
Children’s Ministry Vacation Bible School and/or dramas, puppets, crafts, worship, interactive games, Bible stories, sports, or skits
Service Projects Construction, repair work, painting, landscaping, clean-up, etc.
Church Ministry Attend or participate in church and Sunday school
Sports Ministry Soccer, football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, frisbee, or any large group games
Prayer Ministry Prayerwalking, prayer meetings
School Ministry Lead chapel services, sit in on classes, participate in recess, and fellowship with kids during and after school
Mercy Ministries Hospitals, prisons, senior citizen
centers, orphanages, visit shut-ins
Evangelism Hand out Bibles, door-to-door evangelism, street evangelism, or sharing the gospel through DVD
Youth Ministry Lead evening youth gatherings and provide teaching, worship, and fellowship
Adult Ministry Parenting classes, Bible Studies, topical studies, or leadership training
Medical or Dental Ministry Available for groups only
Other Ministry Drama ministry, music ministry, clowning, juggling, speaking, etc.

FAQs

What is included in the cost?

Prior to the trip you will receive a group leader manual, which includes fundraising ideas; online trip handbooks and resources for participants, promotional materials, and unlimited pre-trip consultations with your trip leader.

Once in Jamaica you will receive transportation to and from the airport, transportation to and from ministry sites, three meals a day, safe drinking water, sleeping accommodations, group t-shirts, customizable ministry options, an opportunity to attend local church services, evening worship, prayer, debriefing meetings, and a local sightseeing activity.

What is NOT included in the cost?

Airfare, passport, vaccinations, spending money, offering at church services, construction and/or ministry materials, personal insurance, and optional recreation.

What language do they speak in Jamaica?

English is the official language. Patois, the Jamaican creole or language combining English, French and African languages, is also widely spoken. Many Jamaicans are bi-lingual.

Is it safe?

Yes. We take extra precautions and lay down strict ground rules to ensure safety. Crime occurs in Jamaica just like everywhere else, but we have never had a PPM team experience a major incident of crime. Our genuine partnership with pastors and other community leaders in Jamaica ensures there is always someone looking out for the well being of our teams.

What about bugs, snakes and other poisonous creatures?

Jamaica has no poisonous snakes or spiders....just a lot of goats!

How do I get from the airport to the ministry location?

PPM staff will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive in Jamaica. We will then provide transportation from the airport to the ministry location and back again at the end of the trip.

How does transportation work within country?

All transportation within the host country is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged by PPM. Most often, teams will be riding in buses or smaller buses called “coasters.”

What airport do I fly into?

There are two international airports in Jamaica. One is Montego Bay (MBJ) and the other is Kingston (KIN). Before you register for your mission trip you'll be able to see which airport you're team will need to fly into, in order for your team to plan properly. After you register for your trip your airport destination can be found in your account online. Please be in close communication with Praying Pelican Missions about your flights, and please inform us before you book as to your proposed travel plans.

Can I eat the food and drink the water?

All food and drink provided by PPM during trips is safe for consumption. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Jamaica.

Will there be an opportunity to buy souveniers?

Yes. There will be a time set aside to buy souvenirs if so desired.

What kind of food will we be eating?

Jamaican food is very flavorful and generally made from local resources. A typical Jamaican breakfast may include salt fish and ackee, a native fruit. A local dinner may feature fried fish or chicken with rice and beans.

Trip Locations


View PPM Jamaica Ministry Locations 2012 in a larger map

Trip Journals

  • Acworth United Methodist Church: Jamaica, June 27, 2009
  • Adventure Community Church: Jamaica, July 11, 2010
  • Agape Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 27, 2010
  • Asbury UMC: Jamaica, March 13, 2011
  • Bay Leaf Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 26, 2009
  • Berrien Center Bible Church: Jamaica, July 3, 2010
  • Beryl Wisdom Adventist School: Jamaica, March 1, 2009
  • Bethel United Methodist Church: Jamaica, August 1, 2009
  • Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church: Jamaica, May 22, 2010
  • Bldg28 Church: Jamaica, July 11, 2009
  • Browncroft Community Church: Jamaica, July 2, 2009
  • Calvary Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Calvary Presbyterian Church: Jamaica, July 30, 2011
  • Central Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Central Student Ministries: Jamaica, July 11, 2010
  • Christ Fellowship Church: Jamaica, August 6, 2011
  • Christ the Servant Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 5, 2011
  • Christian Community Church North: Jamaica, July 18, 2010
  • City of Hope International Worship Center: Jamaica, July 12, 2008
  • City of Hope International Worship Center: Jamaica, July 10, 2009
  • Coastal Missions : Jamaica, July 25, 2010
  • Coastal Missions : Jamaica, July 24, 2011
  • Cokato Evangelical Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 26, 2011
  • Columbia Community Church: Jamaica, July 23, 2010
  • Community Christian Fellowship: Jamaica, August 1, 2009
  • Community Reformed Church: Jamaica, April 1, 2011
  • Cornerstone Chapel: Jamaica, July 24, 2010
  • Covenant Presbyterian Church: Jamaica, July 18, 2009
  • Crossroads Covenant: Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Dayspring Christian Academy--Jamaica-: Jamaica, March 15, 2009
  • Deer Flat Church: Jamaica, June 5, 2011
  • Dunwoody United Methodist Church: Jamaica, July 5, 2008
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 13, 2009
  • Elijah's Fire Int'l Church Wildfire Youth: Jamaica, June 19, 2011
  • Elim Lutheran Church: Jamaica, July 4, 2009
  • Exciting Woodbine UMC: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Exciting Woodbine UMC: Jamaica, June 11, 2010
  • Faith Bible Church: Jamaica, July 5, 2008
  • Faith Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Faith Church: Jamaica, July 18, 2009
  • Faith Fellowship: Jamaica, August 7, 2010
  • FBC Aledo: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • FBC Augusta, GA: Jamaica, July 17, 2011
  • Fellowship Bible Church: Jamaica, June 12, 2011
  • First Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 28, 2008
  • First Baptist Church of Baytown: Jamaica, July 18, 2010
  • First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens: Jamaica, July 17, 2009
  • First Baptist Church Of St. John: Jamaica, June 28, 2008
  • First Baptist Church Richmond: Jamaica, April 1, 2011
  • First Baptist Church, Morganton NC: Jamaica, July 24, 2009
  • First Federated Church: Jamaica, July 2, 2011
  • First Presbyterian Church of Maple Plain: Jamaica, June 26, 2011
  • First Presbyterian Church of Marietta: Jamaica, June 5, 2011
  • First Presbyterian Church, Houston: Jamaica, June 12, 2010
  • First Southern Baptist Thatcher : Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Forest Hills Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 20, 2010
  • Fort Bend Baptist Academy: Jamaica, March 8, 2009
  • Fort Bend Baptist Academy-Jamaica: Jamaica, March 5, 2011
  • Fort Bend Baptist Academy-Jamaica: Jamaica, March 6, 2010
  • Galatia Presbyterian Church: Jamaica, June 14, 2008
  • Get Real Outreach: Jamaica, July 3, 2011
  • Glendora Community Church: Jamaica, July 4, 2009
  • Good Hope Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2009
  • Good News Bible Church: Jamaica, July 30, 2011
  • Gospel Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 13, 2009
  • Gospel Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 14, 2008
  • Grace Church: Jamaica, December 28, 2011
  • Grace Community Christian Church: Jamaica, July 23, 2010
  • Grace Presbyterian Church: Jamaica, August 2, 2008
  • Graceview Baptist Church: Jamaica, August 2, 2008
  • Grads 4 God: Jamaica, June 12, 2009
  • Holy Cross Lutheran: Jamaica, August 2, 2008
  • Hosanna Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 12, 2011
  • Hydesville Community Church: Jamaica, August 1, 2009
  • Immanuel Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 17, 2010
  • Island Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 13, 2010
  • Killgore Dental: Jamaica, June 23, 2010
  • King's High School: Jamaica, March 27, 2010
  • Kings Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Koontz Lake Missionary Church: Jamaica, June 27, 2009
  • Lester Park United Methodist Church: Jamaica, August 1, 2009
  • Life Church: Jamaica, August 9, 2008
  • Madison United Methodist Church Youth: Jamaica, June 19, 2011
  • Manassas Assembly of God: Jamaica, July 5, 2008
  • Milford Bible Church - Youth Missions: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Milford Bible Church - Youth Missions: Jamaica, July 18, 2010
  • Mitchell Christian School: Jamaica, March 28, 2009
  • Morningside Assembly of God: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Morningside Lutheran: Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Mulberry Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 11, 2010
  • New Covenant Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Northern Hills Baptist Church: Jamaica, July 17, 2011
  • NorthRidge Church: Jamaica, July 30, 2011
  • Orange UMC: Jamaica, June 27, 2010
  • Our Lady of the Lake: Jamaica, June 23, 2008
  • Petoskey United Methodist Church: Jamaica, June 27, 2010
  • Pincher Creek First Baptist Church: Jamaica, August 2, 2008
  • Pine Grove Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 20, 2009
  • Poplar Springs Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 19, 2010
  • Red Bank Baptist Church Youth Group: Jamaica, August 6, 2011
  • Resurrection Lutheran Church: Jamaica, August 2, 2008
  • Risen Savior Lutheran Church: Jamaica, July 3, 2011
  • Riverview Church: Jamaica, June 21, 2008
  • Rosalind Hills Baptist Church: Jamaica, April 2, 2010
  • Salem Baptist Church : Jamaica, July 17, 2010
  • Salem Bible Church Jamaica: Jamaica, June 26, 2011
  • Shepherd of the Hills: Jamaica, July 17, 2009
  • South Reno UMC: Jamaica, June 19, 2011
  • South Side Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 28, 2008
  • St. Andrew's Church: Jamaica, July 25, 2010
  • St. Andrew's Church: Jamaica, July 17, 2011
  • St. Andrew's Church: Jamaica, July 25, 2009
  • St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church: Jamaica, June 17, 2010
  • St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church: Jamaica, June 13, 2009
  • St. John Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 27, 2009
  • St. Marks/Wheelersburg: Jamaica, June 15, 2009
  • St. Paul Lutheran Church: Jamaica, June 26, 2010
  • St. Peter's Lutheran Church: Jamaica, July 24, 2011
  • St. Peter's UMC: Jamaica, March 12, 2011
  • Student Connection: Jamaica, July 12, 2008
  • Suntree United Methodist Church: Jamaica, June 21, 2009
  • Suntree United Methodist Church: Jamaica, June 13, 2010
  • Taylor Road Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 26, 2009
  • The Church at Osage Hills: Jamaica, July 3, 2011
  • The Worship Center Christian Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2010
  • Thrive Student Ministries: Jamaica, July 10, 2011
  • Topeka Bible Church: Jamaica, July 12, 2008
  • Trinity Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 20, 2009
  • Trinity Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 17, 2010
  • Trinity Church: Jamaica, July 11, 2009
  • Trinity Church: Jamaica, December 27, 2011
  • Trinity Church: Jamaica, July 5, 2010
  • Trinity UMC: Jamaica, July 3, 2011
  • Union Church: Jamaica, June 28, 2008
  • Union Hill Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 5, 2010
  • United Methodist Church of Cadillac: Jamaica, June 27, 2010
  • United Methodist Young Adults - San Diego District : Jamaica, June 20, 2010
  • Wasilla Lake Christian School: Jamaica, March 26, 2011
  • Westfield Evangelical Free Church: Jamaica, July 30, 2011
  • Westview Baptist Church: Jamaica, June 5, 2009
  • Wildwood Church: Jamaica, July 10, 2009
  • Woodruff Church of God: Jamaica, July 17, 2011
  • Location Information

    Jamaica Basics

    Jamaica MapJamaicans are a group of people with a strong sense of independence. Jamaica is world famous for its reggae music, jerk chicken, and producing some of the world's fastest sprinters. One of Jamaica's greatest problems is integrating tourism with the local culture.  Jamaica's large beach resorts employ large numbers of people, but also create an environment of the "have's" vs. the "have not's."  Some areas (West and South Coasts) are working to make tourism, the largest industry, a more corporate effort. To the short-term mission participant, Jamaica will appear very developed in some areas (mostly coastal), but it also has many rural areas in addition to grinding poverty in urban areas.

    Jamaica is adorned with beautiful sandy beaches on its north and west coasts, while the south and east coasts tumble down from the mountains to the water in the form of marshes and mangroves as well as few dark-colored sand beaches. Peaking at 7,402 feet, the Blue Mountains are famous for rich coffee beans. The mountains dominate any view of the eastern side of the island. The rest of Jamaica consists of rolling hills and flat beaches.

    Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, is one of the Caribbean’s largest cities. Perched on the edge of the world’s seventh largest natural harbor, Kingston’s population comprises nearly 1 million people. This is approximately one third of Jamaica’s 3 million inhabitants. Other famous cities and locales include Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, which are truly the “picture postcards” of Jamaica. While these tourist locations are beautiful, romantic, and tropical, they do not accurately represent everyday life for the vast majority of Jamaicans. The struggle to make a living and create a better tomorrow dominates day-to-day life for most natives.

    At A Glance

    Location Caribbean
    Language English
    Income US $5,000/person
    Religion Christian (65%)
    Climate Winter Average High: 83 Degrees
    Winter Humidity: 50%
    Summer Average High: 88 Degrees
    Summer Humidity: 85%
    Population & Density 2.9 Million in the country the size of Vermont
    Ethnic Groups African, other mixed ethnicities
    Motto "Out of many, one people"
    Independence Gained From United Kingdom in 1962
    Trip Prices $595: 7 days/6 nights Pick a date!
    $795: 7 days/6 nights Pick a date!

     

    Climate, Language & Safety

    Jamaica: Climate, Language & SafetyJamaica enjoys a subtropical climate throughout the year. The wet season occurs from August through November, raining in brief mid-afternoon showers. The dry season is from December through March. Normal highs year-round range from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures are in the 60 to 70 degree range.

    English is the official and predominantly spoken language in Jamaica. In addition, the locals have their own dialect and slang use of the language.

    All who travel need to take necessary precautions and be reminded to be aware of their environment. Jamaica has its share of crime, but generally it is confined to the urban areas amongst the locals. The Jamaica Tourism Board is continually working to maintain a safe environment for travelers and tourists.

     

    Economy & Currency

    Jamaica: Economy & CurrencyToday, Jamaica is in a relatively stable state with the economy showing slow to moderate growth. This growth is fueled by the tourism industry and bauxite (a base form of aluminum) mining in the heart of the country. As the bauxite mines begin to run out, concerns are growing about what industry will take its place. Other significant exports include sugar cane and bananas. The annual income in Jamaica is $4,100 U.S. dollars per person, creating a thin line between poverty and the middle class. This concern will be paramount to the people of Jamaica for years to come.

    The Jamaican dollar is the official unit of currency, though United States dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately $75-85 Jamaica = $1 U.S.

     

    Food & Fun

    Jamaica: Food & FunJamaican food is very flavorful and generally made from local resources. A typical Jamaican breakfast may include salt fish and ackee, a native fruit. A local dinner may feature fried fish or chicken with rice and beans. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Jamaican Jerk style sauce!

    Jamaica plays host to a myriad of activities. The island is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and dense jungles. Jamaica hosts more than 3,800 plant species and features more than 100 rivers. The wilderness is never far away! Some of the Caribbean’s best shopping is in Jamaica. Open air markets and negotiating a price for an item are commonplace in Jamaica. With a strong local culture and substantial tourism industry, there is always the opportunity to bring a souvenir from Jamaica home with you.

     

    History & Religion

    Jamaica: History & ReligionJamaica was originally settled by the Arawak Indians of South America in the 700s AD. In 1494, Christopher Columbus stopped in Jamaica on his second voyage to the New World. The Spanish were the first to settle in Jamaica while slowly eliminating the Arawaks until the late 1600s, when the English arrived in Jamaica. Near the end of the 1700s, England had begun importing slaves from West Africa. By the end of the century, 20,000 English landowners ruled over 300,000 African slaves on sugar plantations. Lay Pastor Sam “Daddy” Sharpe led the way to abolition slavery through passive resistance. He became a national hero while ultimately laying down his life for the cause of freedom. Slavery was officially abolished in 1834, though thousands died in the struggle.

    Most Jamaicans profess some form of spiritual faith. It is the birthplace of Rastafarianism and its most famous follower, Bob Marley, so many Jamaicans promote "one love." This refers to the belief that we are God and God is us, thus creating "one love." Other prevalent religions include Buddhism, Jehovah’s Witness, Voodoo, and African-based Animist beliefs. Christian churches have a significant presence in Jamaica. Protestant churches are more prevalent than Catholic churches by a 10 to 1 ratio, resulting from the English Anglican influence from past centuries.

     

    Further Reading

    Here are some links to more information about Jamaica.
    (These links will open in a new window when clicked.)

    https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html
    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2032.htm
    http://jamaica-guide.info/past.and.present/culture/