2010 Jamaica Mission Trip

A dedicated group of 25 youth and adults from Clough United Methodist Church participated in a mission trip to Whitehouse, Jamaica from June 19 to 26, 2010.  All the money raised from dog washes, bake sales, rummage sales, and community donations over the past two years was finally put to good use helping people less fortunate on this beautiful island.

The mission team stayed at My Father’s House, a home for orphans and abandoned children, run by former Anderson Township residents Jim and Penie Koch.   The mission team passed out coloring books, Beanie Babies, and hats to the children who lived there and built close relationships that will never be forgotten.

Each day, the mission team members headed out into the nearby communities to help wherever needed.  Team members bought and delivered 16 bags of cement for a local school to build a library and media center and helped students enjoy an outdoor field day with races and games.  When visiting a local nursing home and a hospital, the team spent time talking to the residents, singing with them, and giving them small gifts.  Jamaican fishermen received compasses to help them navigate home safely no matter what the weather.   A donated Braille Bible was given to a young blind lady, who was extremely happy that she could finally read passages on her own.  

Team members spent several days at the town of Gully Bank, a very poor area,  and held Vacation Bible School for the local children under tent awnings in a large open field.  Only a few houses in Gully Bank had electricity.  Several men built bunk beds in a woman’s small two-room house to hold the 10 people who lived there.  In addition, the team passed out hats and bags of beans and rice to the people.    

The team made a lasting difference in the lives of the people they touched, but they also gained an appreciation for the brave spirit of the Jamaican people.  The poor of Jamaica have few material possessions as compared to our American lifestyles, yet they are giving, loving, and happy.  The visit enriched the team members as much as it helped the people there.  see photos