If Christ Can Change Me

Team Jamaica '09The Inaugural trip to Jamaica was nothing short of amazing! Although it was a small team on a short trip, it was not short on testimonies. God showed His sovereignty by placing just the right people on the team to carry out His will. Our main project was working with teens and young adults at a couple of ministry centers in inner-city Kingston. Here are some ways God used testimonies and difficulties in our lives to touch the hearts of these young people:

Making Things Right

One team member shared about how, when finances were tight for her family, she had developed a habit of stealing. She also told how God set her free from this temptation and helped her make restitution. By the time this story was shared, we had become used to the background roar that seemed to accompany each lesson (maybe we'll teach attentiveness next year), so the silence during this lesson was a marked difference. Lots of interaction followed and we found that many of the young people were facing similar struggles.

From Hatred to Forgiveness

A couple of team members shared about hurts that had turned into bitterness, hatred, and depression. Forgiveness? Not likely! They didn't want to even look at certain family members, let alone talk to them or build a friendship until God completely changed their hearts. After one team member shared his testimony on bitterness, hands went up and questions began. "I want to forgive, but I don't know how. How do you do it?" "I haven't talked to my dad in four years. Where do I start?" "What does it mean to really have a relationship with God

One-on-One

The testimonies also gave us opportunities to counsel and pray one-on-one with some of the young people. One guy attended just to meet the Americans. He had been involved in a fight - apparently finishing off the most recent round of the feud by hitting his opponent over the head with a board. After hearing Mr. Forman's testimony, he talked with him individually about reconciliation. Celina spent time hanging out with some of the skills students (she was brave enough to let them cut her hair!) and was able to lead one of them to Christ. Leah spent time counseling a girl who said she hated her father and had tried to forgive him, but was unable to do it. Toward the end of our time in Jamaica, the girl came back to Leah with tears in her eyes. She said that she had forgiven her dad. She had even given him a hug, which was miraculous since she hadn't said a word to him in years.

Surprise! I Have Problems Too!

For some reason, Jamaicans aren't used to hearing American teens talk about spiritual things. I wonder why? I guess we kind of surprised them! Because of God's work in each of our lives proir to the trip, we were able to share real stories that touched the lives of those we were teaching. These young Jamaicans assumed that Americans lead perfect lives and cannot relate to the everyday stuggles of a Jamaican teen. As we built friendships and shared honestly with them, however, they learned that we share many similar struggles but Christ was able to bring victory in our lives. If He could change us, He could do the same for them- By the Jamaica Team, with contributions from Drew Gaddis, Amanda Forman, Rob Bennett, and Leah MolinaRead more about the Jamaica Team's adventures on their blog!