W3CU
Serving In Jamaica
July 23, 2016
Staff: Ryan Johnson, Fitzroy Fowler, Javanie Byfield, Monique Evans
Welcome to Jamaica!!! (Day 1)
by Vanessa & Shane Bishop | July 23, 2016 9:18 PM
Today can best be described as "The Devil gave us his best effort at spoiling God's plan", and yet Christ overcomes. There were definite challenges in getting here, starting with our 6am flight out of Columbus being cancelled. We ended up having to split into 3 travel groups, flying on 2 separate airlines, but miraculously we all walked out of the airport within about 5 minutes of each other. This has made us all thankful to just be here together. The drive to the school gave us a peek at this beautiful island. Our journey to The Refuge Primary School ended with a 10 minute climb up a huge hill/small mountain to find our school, literally at the top of the mountain! We are pleasantly surprised to discover a nice breeze up here! We had supper together (it was traditional Jamaican chicken and rice and pork it was truly awesome!) and our first meeting. It's been a long day, but looking back we can all see that God was with us all the way. We're looking forward to a great day tomorrow worshiping God here in Jamaica.
Church with a Difference 
by Javanie Byfield | July 24, 2016 1:44 PM
By 8:00 am this morning everyone was already out of bed and ready for an exciting day. The team had their first Jamaica breakfast (eggs, plantain, oats porridge, toast and fruits with a wonderful cup of Nescafe).
Later we headed off to William Knibb Baptist to join them in there worship service. For the team service was not the usual, listening to the sounds of a loud key board, singers and speakers. We could see the amusement on their faces. The group was given an official welcome from the church and Vanessa (team leader) was asked to bring greetings. She became teary eyed because of God's goodness but did an amazing job in sharing.
Shortly after members of the group did a fabulous rendition of "Open the eyes of my Heart Lord" and "We are your church." After the rendition Kaleb who played the drums was asked to stay and play through the entire service, I hasten to say he did a wonderful job catching on to the Jamaican tunes.
This awesomeness did not end here as the team got to enjoy the performance of the steel-ban from the church. The icing was then added to the service when pastor of the church (Rev. Nugent) came and did his third message in a series. His message came from Luke Luke 10:3, where he challenged many to GO! among wolves and be DIFFERENT!!
We are now back at our camp site enjoying lunch and flex for the next hour. We will head over to the Falmouth Infirmary for an afternoon visit.
Ministry in High Gear
by Ryan Johnson | July 24, 2016 6:24 PM
What a fantastic first day! This afternoon we had the opportunity to visit the Trelawny Infirmary, located in nearby Falmouth. While there, we had the opportunity to play games, hold conversation, build relationships, and sing worship with the residents! They left an impacting stamp on each of us, as their spirits taught us of the spirits we ought to have, being much more fortunate, both physically and mentally, than most of them!
Too much for Lunch
by Javanie Byfield | July 24, 2016 10:12 PM
These four went ahead and dug right into the lunches that were prepared. This was the outcome, after the picture was taken they admitted they were a bit tired and just need to lay back for a couple minutes.
Lets Talk 
by Javanie Byfield | July 24, 2016 10:19 PM
Sarah was deeply engaged in a conversation with one of the female residents of the infirmary. Not sure what the conversation was about but it sure sounded interesting.
Tiles Away!!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 25, 2016 11:35 AM
Duane, Alex, Brooklyn, Anthony and Kevin are holding it down pretty well tiling the staff room for the teachers. I'm positive that there will be lots of smiles September morning when school reopens. For a team of new learners I can safely say they are doing a great job thus far.
Rolling Cool!
by Javanie Byfield | July 25, 2016 11:48 AM
Brennan has covered good grounds as soon as he grabbed one of the rollers this morning. He has done an amazing job in beautifying the walls of the Refuge Primary School. A smile to let you know that the work is full of fun. :)
Another Day Complete 
by Ryan Johnson | July 25, 2016 4:44 PM
We have just concluded our first day of work project and VBS. This morning the team was split into three groups (cleaners, painters and tilers) who did a wonderful job in giving the Refuge Primary School a face lift.
They were given Juice Patties and rolls for lunch which they went bliss over. At approximately 12:45 pm the kids started coming in for VBS. They were greeted by America and Sarah who provided each of them with name tags and sent them to the general area. The day ended on a high were the kids were treated to a snack and the team given Guineps and Banana Chips to hold them up until dinner time. Looking forward to another exciting day tomorrow!!!
Giants do fall!
by Javanie Byfield | July 25, 2016 7:02 PM
Anthony played the part of Goliath really well during VBS today, and I'm sure we all knew what was his outcome. He was slain by the little shepherd boy David was played by Will.
Cleaning Crew!!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 25, 2016 7:12 PM
These guys made a lasting impression during cleaning this morning. As I watch most of them they went for the fine details which I consider to be valuable in serving. Way to go!!!
Working Hard
by Javanie Byfield | July 26, 2016 2:18 PM
It is truly an honor to be alive and well another day. It is day down doing work project and the hard work continues. The tile crew was busy cutting tiles for the corners of the staff room they tiled yesterday, while the painting crew began working on the mural on the front of the school building.
Everyone has been doing extremely well thus far and loving the Jamaican cuisine. VBS is now in operations and all three groups are pulling out all the stops to make sure that the kids get what they came for.
We aim to please!
by Javanie Byfield | July 26, 2016 2:27 PM
This team has done another wonderful job today cleaning the walls. As they worked they had their music in the background which gave them the extra push and took their minds off how hard the work was. They were done in good time to get themselves a break before lunch.
Crafts it is!!!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 26, 2016 2:35 PM
These young ladies were proud of theirs in crafts. Today they made a hat and a chain that has the pendant of a compass. This signifies direction and I'm positive that the best person do give directions in our lives is Jesus. They are sharing the moment with Shane who is one of their favorites.
Serious Business
by Javanie Byfield | July 26, 2016 2:45 PM
Kaleb was focused on creating an art piece for the front wall at Refuge Primary. I'm so proud when young men use their talents for the Lord.
Story time!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 26, 2016 9:39 PM
This session is most looked forward to by the kids. We have some really good actors on the team who can make the students put up a really great laugh. Yesterday was a great performance and today was even better with the story of Paul and Silas been freed from prison.
Wonderful Wednesday 
by Javanie Byfield | July 27, 2016 2:59 PM
Today is another exciting day thus far we are grateful for the grace of God and for His mercies that has kept us through the night. We started off our day as the usual having breakfast then heading straight into our work project. It is the last day for the team to finish their project and they were working really hard to cover as much has they could.
When I say to you that we have a team of hard workers who will stop at nothing to get the job done I mean just that. The tiling of the staff room is complete except for the four final pieces to be placed at the doorway. They are almost done with painting the school building, only the murals on the front wall are outstanding.
Currently they are in VBS having a blast and at the end they will try to finish the painting to close of their ministry. It is a blessing to see the people allowing God to pour into them so they can pour into others.
Happy Sweet 16 Sydney!!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 27, 2016 3:19 PM
Wow!! Not many persons gets the opportunity to celebrate their sixteenth birthday in Jamaica not on a vacation, but on a mission trip. The outpouring of love has started from last-night with ice cream and it only gets better as the day progress.
Later we will surprise her with cake and campaign (non-alcoholic) and many more treats. Each and everyone has signed a birthday card for her to treasure this moment.
Final Day of VBS 
by Javanie Byfield | July 27, 2016 3:32 PM
We are rolling down the curtains here at Refuge Primary School as we are almost at the end of our final day of VBS. It has been another fantastic week of ministry where a number of kids turned out and was received by a group of visitors who loved on them like never before. The different ministry were great and I can assure you that each and everyone of these children will be leaving VBS with the confidence that Jesus is love and that even in the midst of the storm they can trust Him, which was the day's lesson.
What a way to end the day!!! The kids are making there final stop at sports camp and then a general assembly of singing songs and giving praises to God . The best part is that each of them will be leaving with a treat! VBS 2016 :)
Praying Pelican Logo
by Javanie Byfield | July 28, 2016 5:16 AM
Kaleb did a fabulous drawing of the Praying Pelican logo on the school. Sydney, Gavin and Erin added the perfect touch of colors in bringing it to life.
Jesus in the Boat
by Javanie Byfield | July 28, 2016 5:26 AM
As Hannah narrated the story of Jesus in the boat every child sat quietly to hear the outcome. Brennan played the role of Jesus, Gavin and three kids acted as the disciples and Kasey and Timani were the boat.
Fun Fun Fun and more Fun!!!
by Javanie Byfield | July 29, 2016 5:38 AM
Yesterday the team when to Ocho Rios for Rec Day. The first stop was at the craft markets for each person to buy souvenirs to take home, then we headed for Dunn's River to spend the remainder of the day. For the first half they spent it unwinding on the beach.
The grueling process would have started later, where every member of the team decided to climb the rock from the bottom to the very top of the falls. Needless to say it was a challenge for many persons but they all stayed the course. After completing many persons wanted to do the climb a second time but we were short on time.
As the day came to a close we went to Scotchies (a Jamaican Jerk center) to have dinner which consisted of jerk Chicken/pork and festivals.
The End 
by Javanie Byfield | July 29, 2016 4:07 PM
Today at approximately 12:30 pm we said good bye to an amazing team from Winchester Ohio, and sent them on their way. The Refuge Primary school gave certificates to each team member as a sign of appreciation.
I can safely say that this team has done an excellent job in building a worth while relationship and a partnership for a life time. We anticipate the future of working with Winchester Church of Christ.
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Comments
Judy Howard
July 29, 2016 6:43 PM
God's hands at work! :)
Keri Kendall
July 28, 2016 7:17 AM
I am so happy to see all that you have accomplished in just one week ! I am looking forward to hearing all about your experiences while there. Praying for safe travels back home!
Rick Fulton
July 27, 2016 1:41 PM
This can be a life changing event for those in Jamaica and the ones traveling. Mission trips are awesome and something they will all remember forever. I just wish I was able to participate. Maybe next time.
Karen T. Hughes
July 27, 2016 8:45 AM
Praying for you every day! So excited to read the posts and see the photos! God is using you as His hands and feet to bless and to be blessed!!
Keri Kendall
July 25, 2016 7:17 AM
I am really enjoying the posts, it keeps me connected with our group! I am so proud of all of you for getting out of your comfort zone and being the hands and feet of Jesus! Love you all!!
Jen Kendall
July 24, 2016 4:03 PM
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! Praying the team is effective and that hearts are bonded to Christ in ways that the team never thought possible. Also, looking forward to more stories about the food! (Ha!) love love love to you all.
Amber Ache
July 24, 2016 12:00 PM
Love you all and praying everyday that God would use you to bless the lives of the people there and that they may bless your lives in return! Love you sis and dad! ??
Keri kendall
July 24, 2016 8:43 AM
I am so happy to see our group made it there safely! Praying for you all to have a great week sharing God's love with the children of Jamaica!