Jamaica

     Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, following Cuba and Puerto Rico.  This English-speaking nation has an economy based on tourism, mining, and agriculture.  Although Jamaica has such beautiful natural features, such as clear waterfalls, jungle mountaintops, and cozy beaches, the greatest resource may very well be the Jamaicans themselves.


     Jamaica has one of the largest per-capita numbers of churches in the region, and daily devotions are provided in the school systems.  This has led to a general knowledge of Jesus Christ; however, with very little discipleship training and a sense of economic hopelessness; most don't have that personal, saving relationship with our Lord.


     Jamaicans are a very friendly and honest people; they always try to make visitors feel comfortable.  The region of the island we minister to is very poor and away from the benefits of the tourism dollar.  Our central location is the town of Morant Bay; which is on the southeast portion of the Island.  From Morant Bay, we branch out to the outlying communities and mountain villages.


The Trip

     This trip will take us via chartered bus from Chattanooga, TN to the Atlanta airport.  From there we will fly out on the Jamaican Airlines to Montego Bay, approximately a two-hour flight.  From Montego Bay, we will make the short hop, which takes about 30 minutes, over the mountains and into Kingstown, the capital of Jamaica.  At the Kingstown airport, our logistic coordinators will meet us and provide our transportation to Morant Bay.  Morant Bay is only 35 miles from Kingstown, but, due to the poor road conditions, it takes about 2 hours to get to our base of operations, the Morant Bay Villas.  Our activities begin on Saturday with the meeting of church representatives.  Sunday morning worship is a very formal time, with evening service and the Children's hour beginning Sunday night, lasting through Wednesday night.  Thursday is usually a day set-aside for sight-seeing and souvenir hunting; while Friday is the day of our departure back to the U.S.  We leave the Chattanooga area very early on Friday morning and return the following week very late on Friday night or early Saturday morning. 


The Purpose

     The leadership of Safe Pasture International, a non-denominational ministry with evangelical theology, organizes this mission trip.  The purpose of this trip is evangelism in its simplest form.


     We will spend the mornings visiting our assigned schools and clinics, providing a time of devotion, testimony, and invitation.  The afternoons will be spent preparing for the evening's activities with the children and worship services in our assigned churches.


     Our testimony for the Lord and our availability for sharing His Gospel should be as natural as one of our senses; we should always be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, taking advantage of every divine encounter.  Bus drivers, airport personnel, shop keepers, beach goers, school children, and hundreds of others have come to know the Lord through these trips.


Cost and Requirements

     The total cost of the trip, including all expenses from Chattanooga to the airport and back home, is $1100.00.  This is payable as follows:

-Deposit: $100 by Dec. 1st; Balance by Jan. 23.

All team members should be willing and able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If you are unable, then training will be available. 



     Other costs that aren't included in the above figure might be: passport, personal items, souvenirs, etc.

A valid U.S. passport will be required.  They are easily acquired for about $65 and must be applied for 6 weeks in advance.



If you have any questions or comments, please email Tony Wilson at pttmm@frontiernet.net