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Praying Pelican Missions Logo

Moorpark Presbyterian Church- Youth Cartel

Serving In Jamaica
June 20, 2016
Staff: Brent Kirk, Cathy Kirk, Rachel Turnquist, Javanie Byfield

They have made it!!!!

by Javanie Byfield | June 20, 2016 9:14 PM

The team of 24 from the Moorpark PC has made a successful entrance into the island of Jamaica. They have all had their first Jamaican meal for the week and are now settled in doing their team meeting and debriefing for tomorrow.
They have made it!!!!

Our 1st Full Day (From Dave)

by Dave Hubbard | June 21, 2016 9:54 PM

Hey all back home! Dave here! I'm actually using a computer right now to post this (those do exist here). We've been living in ridiculous humidty, sweating like crazy, and if only you could've heard the thunderstorm last night. I thought it was a hurricane. The drought would be over back home if we had just 10 minutes of that kind of rain (I was a little scared, not gonna lie). Anyway, we just tried to post a few pictures but it's not loading, so all you get is this (however, follow Brent Kirk on fb and you'll be able to see a ton of pictures). We are having an amazing time and God is already moving in some pretty cool ways. This group of kids and leaders is pretty special. We are being challenged to care for each other and work together in ways we just haven't been at home (nothing against you, but...God). Today was our first full day and we're really excited for what we get to do the rest of the week. In the mornings we're working in two 1st grade classrooms with about 20 kids in each room. It's chaos. They jump all over us and just want to use my camera. They are incredibly adorbale kids (athough they still fight and get mad) who just love being with us. This afternoon we went to an elderly infirmary, so many of the kids shared very moving stories tonight during debrief about their experience. I can't wait to share more of this info with you. Food is REALLY good. Message and worship with Marko is awesome. And other people are in line waiting to post...so I gotta finish up. We miss you all and are doing great. Please continue to pray that God does some cool things on this trip. We love you mommy and daddy (that's from your children). See you soon and I'll try to post more! Dave
Our 1st Full Day (From Dave)

Ready for our day!

by Cathy Kirk | June 22, 2016 10:31 AM

What an awesome day we had at Duncans Primary and St.Ann Infirmary yesterday. The team served hard, loved hard and shared Gods love in amazing ways.
Ready for our day!

Worshipping together!!

by Cathy Kirk | June 22, 2016 10:54 AM

Amazing worship led by Noah, Zach and Caleb. 83 5th graders singing their hearts out at Duncans Primary today. WOW!
Worshipping together!!

83 5th graders!

by Cathy Kirk | June 22, 2016 10:56 AM

This is what 83 5th graders worshipping at school looks like. They had a blast!
83 5th graders!

Duck! Duck!

by Cathy Kirk | June 22, 2016 11:00 AM

The children are having a blast playing Duck Duck Goose! These 1st graders have really enjoyed having the team here. Lots and lots of laughter and love!
Duck! Duck!

Caroline Sharine Some Love!

by Cathy Kirk | June 23, 2016 8:41 AM

CAROLINE
Caroline Sharine Some Love!

Sweet Baby Girl!

by Cathy Kirk | June 23, 2016 8:42 AM

Zach
Sweet Baby Girl!

Good morning from Jamaica!

by Cathy Kirk | June 23, 2016 8:50 AM

Good Morning
Good morning from Jamaica!

Day 2 & 3...whoa

by Dave Hubbard | June 23, 2016 9:10 AM

Hello to everyone back home. Dave here, again. I can't believe we're on our third full day in Jamaica already. Time is flying by and that makes us sad. Not because we don't miss you all (because we do) but because nobody wants to leave Jamaica. Well, I suppose if I'm honest we're looking forward to AC, but we're adjusting to the sweat. We've really enjoyed our time here. Everybody has said that Jamaica feels safe. You really don't see anything crazy, excpet maybe the guy who we bought sugar cane from. But safety wise, I feel better here than I do on our San Francisco missions trip. Yesterday we did a prayer tour (which we have some cool stories about) but the main thing is that we walked around the city center in Duncans (which is really close to our camp site) praying for people that we met on the street. Duncans isn't very big (about 800 people they told me) and there's a clock tower in the main intersection (which is very confusing...and oh, they drive on the wrong side of the street here and that's also a little scary, but our bus driver is a stud). There are a bunch of little businesses and people just sitting out on the curbs. The thing we noticed here is that people are very responsive to us asking to pray for them. Not one person said no. They are very considerate and happy to see us. It's a pretty cool experience to just interact with some of the locals here. Other than that we've been working at the school and the kids are developing some good friendships with the kids there and will be very sad to leave. Today we're off to an awards ceremony for the kids we've been working with and will be leading about maybe 300 of them in worship (pretty cool). Then we're off to work at Wes Haven Chidren's home for kids who have been discarded by their families. Should be pretty intense. Pray for us. I'll post more later. ttfn (throwin it back to the old school there) Dave

Awesome Awards Ceremony

by Cathy Kirk | June 23, 2016 9:54 AM

What a wonderful time we had this morning at an awards ceremony for Duncans Primary. The team was asked to provide worship for the ceremony. It was truly wonderful to worship with everyone teachers, parents and students and even people from the community that came and stood in the doorway to see what was going on. God's love has been so evident during this week, we have loved watching the team grow in Him.
Awesome Awards Ceremony

Last Day, are you kidding???

by Dave Hubbard | June 24, 2016 11:29 PM

Oh my goodness tomorrow is our last full day here in Jamaica. We are officially done with all our hard work from this week and are off to our recreation day tomorrow at Ocho Rios to swim in the warm water, kayak, snorkel and so on. Just driving by the ocean all week has made us so excited for this day to be here. It really does look like what you see in the pictures. WE'RE SO EXCITED!!! Today was a bittersweet day because we had to say goodbye to all the little first graders that we've been working with everyday. I can tell you that both our youth and these first graders were very sad. I have pictures to show you of these new friendships and you're just gonna melt when you see them. They'll be bringing home stories and new names of young people that have become very dear to them. After our time at the school we went back to the infirmary and spent time with the elderly. This place was very difficult for many of us because most of these people can't speak, and the ones that do are very hard to understand. Our kids did incredible. Wyatt sat with 3 different men and just shared stories. Noah read scripture to a seemingly blind woman who didn't even budge until he randomly spoke some words about God loving even the blind. When he did she started to kick her legs in some kind of reaction to what she was hearing. He stopped and just prayed with her. Brennan met a woman who after not speaking at all for much of the day looked at him, heard his name, and said, "Hello Brennan." He'll tell you this moment was very profound for him. I could keep going because every one of the kids has an interesting story to tell you about these interactions...but again, there are others waiting to post to their trip journals as well (we only have one computer here). Yesterday at the children's home, which houses kids with disabilities (many who've been either found on the street or dropped off at the home and abandoned by their families), was another incredibly hopeful experience for us. I can't wait for you to hear these stories. Tonight during our last message and worship time, Marko talked about hope. He read Romans 5:3-5. These people knew hope BECAUSE of their suffering. He said that hope isn't the same as optimism. Hope isn't just looking at life positively, or even as seeing the glass as half full, but that hope comes from the confident assurance that God is continuing to author the story of my life. How amazing to be here in the midst of people who might seem to be suffering from our standpoint, but who greet you with the biggest smiles, just so happy that someone cares enough about them to stop by and spend some time with them. Your kids miss you, and are excited to see you again, but they don't want to leave Jamaica. It's been a truly amazing trip and we're excited to share all of our stories with you. Here we come Ocho Rios. Pray for our continued safety and great time together. And oh, Sunday we have to wake up at 3 am for breakfast and then we're off to the airport. Yikes! Another early morning. See you soon! Dave PS love you lara :)
Last Day, are you kidding???

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Comments

Paul & Jennifer Watson

June 25, 2016 3:31 PM

Thank you so much for your updates! We can not wait to hear about all of your wonderful and moving experiences! You are all in our prayers. Love to Reiley and everyone!

Kathleen Butman

June 25, 2016 10:04 AM

Can you say pizza , hot shower and pillow? Cant wait till you are all safely home..I miss my kids!! Have a wonderful time today and see y'all tomorrow!!??

Michelle Colvin

June 25, 2016 12:48 AM

God bless ALL of you for soing God's Work there! Thank you for sharing Noah's story...I am so proud of him! Love you, Noah!

Richard & Stella Erbes

June 24, 2016 3:01 PM

We pray for cooler air, less humidity, no bug bites, safe travels, and good times with God and the people of Jamaica. AMEN! XOXO

Richard & Stella Erbes

June 24, 2016 12:04 PM

We pray for cooler air, less humidity, no bug bites, safe travels, and good times with God and the people of Jamaica. AMEN! XOXO

Lisa Andresen

June 24, 2016 9:15 AM

Love all these pics! It is amazing how God's love just transcends all! Keep doing what your doing! Can't wait to hear about this beautiful tapestry??

Will Dewey

June 23, 2016 5:41 PM

Looks like trip of a lifetime! Can't wait to hear Amber talk all about it back home! Best of luck!!!!

Holly Gratke

June 23, 2016 11:12 AM

Thank you for sharing these wonderful experiences with us through words and photos. May God continue to bless you all and everyone you encounter as you serve in His name in this beautiful place! Sending love to Caroline and to you all! xoxo??

John Colvin

June 23, 2016 10:55 AM

Y'all are awesome! Really enjoyin' getting these updates, and seeing the amazing work that is being done for the Kingdom. Very cool to see you gettin' your servant thang on for our Lord. I know He is well pleased with your efforts, all. Blessings!

McKensie Lara

June 23, 2016 10:09 AM

hello to everyone! I love and miss you all and I'm sending prayers your way. it's wonderful to see all the happy faces! good work doing God's work :)

Greg Gillis-Smith

June 23, 2016 10:07 AM

Seeing all your photos makes me really proud of all of you serving and sharing your lives with others. God is transforming all of you. Isn't it amazing to find out God is Jamaican too.

Beth Gillis-Smith

June 23, 2016 9:44 AM

We are praying for you as you cross out of your comfort zones and trust God! It is wonderful to see the pictures of you. His love surpasses cultural boundaries and is limitless!

Lisa Andresen

June 22, 2016 10:06 PM

It's so nice to here that you are all doing well. Can't wait to hear the stories you have to share! Miss you all, especially Miss Cheyenne??? May you continue to be blessed by Our Lord! In Christ's Name always, Lisa

Shannon Andresen

June 22, 2016 9:56 PM

Thanks for the update. We're all thinking about ya'll. I'm usually the one whose out of town. It's kinda cool reading about other people's adventures.

Jeff Dewey

June 22, 2016 8:42 PM

May God continue to bless you in your work there, those kids are adorable! Love to Amber.

Julie St Amand

June 22, 2016 12:36 PM

Thanks for all the updates. MOORPARK misses you all but we are so proud of all your efforts. Love The St Amands

Brenda Cusick

June 21, 2016 11:56 PM

Thanks be to God!! Do your good works in all our hearts!! Hi Brennan! Hi Zoch!! (Zack). Love to all you MPC kids & adults. ??????

Jill Serup

June 21, 2016 11:33 PM

So incredibly proud and excited for our mission team. What a wonderful youth group. Can't wait to hear all your memories for a lifetime!

Jennifer & Paul Watson

June 21, 2016 11:02 PM

Thank you so much, it's a blessing to have updates, we are very grateful for your message! Our prayers are with everyone and we look forward to your next entry! :)

Julie St Amand

June 21, 2016 12:28 PM

So proud of these Moorpark Youth. Love you Brennan.

Kathleen Butman

June 21, 2016 11:09 AM

Loved seeing all the smiling faces....esp my babies.Nugget Jackson Hunter! God bless you all on this journey.

Karina Stelck

June 20, 2016 11:12 PM

Have fun and stay well! Hi to Amber!

Paul & Jennifer

June 20, 2016 9:19 PM

Have a blessed trip!

Andrea Muehr-Legan

June 20, 2016 5:14 AM

Fly Pelicans! Fly on the wings of the Lord and his teachings! You are blessed! Enjoy your adventure into another part of Gods creation. Be prepared and open to receive his teachings??

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