Welcome to our Missions Trip Blog

44 youth and adults from The Rock of Gainesville will be serving on a missions trip in Maypen, Jamaica, from July 9 - 15, 2008. Throughout the trip, we will post updates about our experiences here on this site. Please feel free to review it often for the latest news. When we return, the students will be posting their thoughts on the trip here as well.

We are excited about the opportunity and ask that you pray for us before and during our trip. We are asking God to do a work in us and through us.

Mission Trip Photos

Mission Trip Photos
Click image to see more trip photos (updated daily).

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Day Two Final Thoughts 9:10PM

We had a great time at dinner this evening at the church. Afterwards, we gathered in front of the church and worshipped and prayed over tomorrow night's outreach. We have decided to set up our stage right in the front yard of the church instead of on the soccer field behind the church. We want to help Pastor Dennis draw people to his house and are confident that this is God's plan for our time here. Please be praying that our efforts will draw the community to the house of God.

A few interesting happenings from today:

1. Her roommates report that when the water stopped and Kelsi had to finish showering under a trickle of water, she was heard singing "God Bless America" with great conviction.

2. Everyone on the trip now knows what marijuana smoke smells like. It was quite prevalent on our drive across town and even in the neighborhood surrounding the church. (But don't worry, we didn't inhale...)

3. One of the young ladies that we met today taught our girls a few Jamaican songs. On the ride home from dinner, I was serenaded by 15 girls singing the Jamaican equivalent of "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round" over and over.

On a more serious side, I have a better understanding now of why Pastor so covets our prayers during missions trips. After traveling to get here, battling fatigue and and even some illness, it's encouraging to know that others are praying for us, because it's difficult to muster up the strength to really stand on your own at times.

We are having group devotions from 9 - 10 pm tonight. Pastor Svend is leading the guys' group, and Jessica is leading the girls' group.

Please be praying over tomorrow night's outreach. We will begin at 7 pm (8 pm EST).

We will be uploading photos each day, so click on the photo link in this blog to be redirected to our photo site. You can browse through and get a glimpse of what we're doing here.

Have a good night.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jim, please ask Andrew to go to the front desk and give them his name and his room number. I have been trying to call him and they say he isn't there.

Anonymous said...

Looking at the group photo, I can only think WOW - what a FABULOUS group of people we have sent to represent The Rock of Gainesville. Knowing many, I am confident that God is already moving mightily in Jamaica through each of you.

I’m praying you are all sleeping well tonight and that you wake up refreshed in the morning.

Especially for the youth – You have already accomplished so much in the two days behind you. The days ahead may seem a little daunting, but you are all so well equipped! You will bless everyone you come in contact with as you show them the love of Jesus through your service and many talents. We are proud of you and will be praying for you (and your families here) daily.

– Love, the Suppe family

Anonymous said...

This blog is wonderful!! T-Mobile misled us about our coverage there so I'm at the blog site often. I'm so proud of all of you. Keep up the great attitudes (that was so great to read)and have a blast tonight at the concert. I know you'll do great. You all went VERY prepared. Do hard things!

Love,
Mrs. Deason

Anonymous said...

It is awesome to see the youth working for the Kingdom of God. We are praying for you everyday. Thank you for the photos,they are really nice. It's good to see all of you. God bless you all!
Please tell Michael we miss him.
Love you all, The Vensamoye family