Jamaica Mission 2013
This was the first mission of CPGM in partnership with the
Nissi group. God had prepared us to meet the emotional needs of many as He gave
us the opportunity to share His love. This became evident as the Jamaica Ministry
of Health did not give us the permission to dispense any medications without a
physician physically present. The team
made up of two healthcare providers, two nurses and the rest of the team of six
short term missionaries were ready to use every opportunity to reach the lost,
strengthen and encourage those that were already in ministry.
On arrival the vibrant sun of this beautiful island was
reflecting on the Caribbean Sea with a light breeze blowing on the palm and
other fruit trees. The clearance of our medications was not very swift as
customs checked the medications and supplies against our prepared list. This
took a few hours but their diligence in protecting their public was respected.
In Spanish Town we started the week with a vibrant worship
service on Sunday January 27th and our Mission Pastor gave the message setting
the stage for the week and how God’s power can transform our lives. This was a
confirmation of the message God gave us on our first “Morning Glory” devotional
time. God prepared us to speak as He prepared Moses to speak in Exodus 4:10-12.
Pastors Edgar and Lorna Eason of Harvest Pentecostal
Ministries and the membership were very welcoming as we shared the word and
breaking of bread immediately after the worship service. Many stayed until late into the afternoon as
we presented topics on health and wellness including prevention and screening
of diabetes and hypertension which was very predominant across this island. We
continued early the next morning with heath and spiritual counseling. We
referred some acute medical conditions to a neighborhood physician for a small
fee per person which we respectfully covered. I was personally touched by a
middle-aged man that had his prescription for over six months and was unable to
fill it due to lack of funds. He was elated as he was able to do it at a local
pharmacy for a minimal donated fee.
We enjoyed the scenic view during a two hour drive to
Portland Parish from Kingston were we stayed the rest of the time. The highlight for me was Moore Town which was a two day mission and was one of the settlements of the Maroons of Jamaica, As a Sierra Leonean I found the connection of the Jamaican Maroons
to my homeland very fascinating. The Jamaican Maroons
are still well remembered in Sierra Leone today. Those who remained gradually
merged with the larger Krio community, the descendants of various groups of
freed slaves landed in Freetown between 1792 and about 1855. The two day
medical/evangelical outreach revealed a predominantly healthy group of people
many elderly in years but physically strong. It seemed that their longevity was due to the
natural foods and air of this mountainous region. The time there was also a
cultural experience of the Maroons as a people as we visited the elementary school,
cultural center and the home of Colonel CG Harris, retired chief of the
Maroons. My interest in this group of Jamaicans and their rich culture embodies
that of the Krio African culture and was very refreshing to me. In addition the
Jamaican cuisine was scrumptious with the buns, sweet bread, curry goat, Jerk
Chicken, rice and peas. It was difficult to maintain nutritional balance as was
encouraged to the Jamaicans by us as promoters of health and wellness and in
avoiding the trap of diabetes and high blood pressure.
The one day outreach to Happy Grove School was focused on
pupils who very interested in their bodies and sexuality. We had opportunities to
speak to them on maintaining healthy sexuality by abstinence. At the last three days at the Quaker Church it
seemed to me that the church was loosing its young as many were in personal
conflicts of not being worthy of salvation based religious strongholds and “works” instead of “grace” mentality. Many made a fresh commitment to the Salvation message and it is our hope it will last.
My prayer as is that the seeds of the grace of salvation that
was planted in many hearts will bear much fruit.
By Waltona A. Cummings,
Missionary Nurse-Midwife
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