From the travel journal of Mary T. Jones, a member of Mt. Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Millington, Tennessee
Do you want to see young adults mature right before your eyes? Do you want to see them evolve from carefree, ‘happy-go-lucky” individuals to caring, focused and committed human beings? Do you want to see maturation miracles in progress?
Solution: Go on a mission trip.
Young missionaries learn the value of faith and teamwork.
Last month, 50 youth and adults from the 13th Episcopal District journeyed to Ocho Ríos, Jamaica (16th Episcopal District) for a mission trip. The 13th Episcopal District Team-13 “missionaries” and “construction workers” paid their own way; some had sponsors, while others were helped by generous parents or grandparents. The stated mission was to build a home and refurbish and paint a church.
Day 1: Monday, July 5, 2010
And the gang’s all here. Showing up from throughout all corners of Tennessee and Kentucky, ministers, laity and youth arrive. Through the capable leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie, congregants gather bright and early at Nashville International Airport ready to make a difference for fellow Christians.
“The blessed gang” consists of: Bishop McKenzie, Supervisor Stan, one General Officer, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III; four Presiding Elders, three Itinerant Elders, and 35 Lay and Youth; 45 soldiers from the mighty 13th. I am sure each person has their thoughts and wonders about what lies ahead.
We arrive! Instantly, we are ready to meet our AME Brothers and Sisters of the 16th Episcopal District. As we ride to the church, roads are a little rocky but the US’s Bus Choir orchestrated by Reverend Kenneth Robinson is singing in such joy and anticipation we hardly noticed the bumps; “This is the Day that the Lord has made,” “I So Glad, Jesus lifted me,” and more. We are savoring each moment, taking in the scenery which includes banana groves, coconut trees, the Caribbean Sea to my left and the majestic Blue Mountain range to my right. When we arrive at the church everyone is singing songs of praise. Smiles and welcomes are abundant. The reception entails a spirit-filled program and a cultural cuisine.
Day 2: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
After such a joyous and humbling experience last night we can hardly wait to see what this day will bring. We will be divided up into two teams – Team One will build a house and Team Two will paint and repair a local church. I am on Team One and today we will start “The House that the 13th Built.” We are about to visit an area where love is rich, families live together and there is a sense of unity for all. And, did I forget to mention, there is no indoor water, no visible well for water, no indoor toilet facilities, no refrigeration, minimal electric lighting, no TV, no radio, no electric stove, NO XBOX-360, NO BASKETBALL COURTS, NO MOVIES ! But there are plenty of smiles, love, caring and happiness.
Ready to build the house, the materials delivered, we begin our work. Using picks and shovels we prepare footings for the foundation. Here we are working side-by-side making it possible for a family to have a place to call home. We work most of the day determined to complete this structure in our two-day endeavor. After a long, hard day’s work we go back to the hotel to shower and change for a street ministry in Friendship Square in the evening.
Laying the foundation of "The House that the 13th Built."
We start our ministry with songs of praise. The message is delivered by the Reverend Kenneth Robinson, “If you know Jesus you are sho ‘nough free.” More than 300 people gather this evening and over 23 surrender their lives to Christ. I realized that some people have come to the square walking in the darkness, walking with no shoes, yet coming to see what is happening. What a great experience it is to see people gather and hear the powerful words of God. As we return to the hotel, the US’s Bus Choir again sing praises for God’s work, God’s will and God’s way. What a joyful noise it is!
Day 3: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
On the road again, back to Islington, St. Mary to complete our house. As we arrive we are told that many of our friends we met from the 16th District continued to work the previous evening and the structure is well on the way to be finished. We start painting and putting on the finishing touches.
Now, it is complete– the “House that the 13th Built.” The Youth Ministry from the 13th are shining stars, working, sweating and experiencing something that could have never been told to them. Their actions and remarks make you realize that these are our new leaders and ones we can be truly proud of. At the end of the day we have a ribbon cutting ceremony and home dedication. Today the keys are presented to Richard, his wife, and their eight children. Now they have a home. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
Day 4: Thursday, July 8, 2010
Today the ladies meet for a Missionary Breakfast. We arrive at Galina Breeze Hotel, to a restaurant along the seashores of the Caribbean Sea. Bishop Davis and the missionaries from Kyle’s Temple and Grace AME Church were there to greet and fellowship with us. We learn what their needs are and talk about what we are doing in their lives. The Reverend Dr. Charlotte Sydnor delivers the morning inspirational word, “Go for it.” In her message, Dr. Sydnor lets us know, settling for the crumbs may be all you need. Because of your faith and your willingness to go for it, you receive all the riches of God’s blessings.
Day 5: Friday, July 9, 2010
Today, it is time to go. I awoke thinking of our many new friends, praying for them and for us. Earlier it was mentioned that the reason so many of the buildings appeared to be under construction was because the owners were constantly building, adding to them. They would build and complete as they could afford. During our travel to the airport and reminiscing of our work in Jamaica someone recalled how valuable an electric hammer would have been, so we passed a hat around and $310.00 was collected for an electric hammer. I thought about Richard and his family and hoped they would be able to continue to build onto their home. I also thought about the song “ I am working on a building, a building not made by Hand,” and thought isn’t that what we should do each day? Minister, seek missions and see miracles from the work we do on the building, one that will be complete when we reach our heavenly home.
Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Supervisor Stan of the 13th Episcopal District presented to Bishop Sara Davis and Supervisor Claytie a check for $10,000.00; children’s clothing, school supplies, books and shoes; shipped 500 pair of shoes to Haiti; $500.00 from Dr. Clement Fugh for the 16th District and a separate donation to the WMS.
We learned a song in the Jamaican dialect that we sang or hummed all the way back to the U.S.
T’ings are ready bet-tah T’ings are ready bet-tahSource: http://www.ame-church.com/With the Lord on my side T’ings are ready bet-tah
T’ings are ready bet-tah Ready bet-tah
