Supporting Locals in Jamaica

Bought these handmade bracelets, for my mom for her birthday, from a lady named Dalia, selling them on the beach. She walks up and down the beach 6 days per week selling her jewelry, to earn a living to provide for her two daughters! I highly recommend buying these handmade items when traveling abroad, to support the locals, AND, to ask them their story so that you have a personal understanding of how rough life can be, and how your single purchase can make a difference!

I also bought this friendship bracelet from a 14-year-old boy who was selling them for $3 to earn money to go to school. $3 may not sound like much, but can be a big deal to some. Am I certain that this boy really was earning money for school? No, I am not! But, I'm a sucker for helping people out, and in the grand scheme of things, what is $3?

Village Life in Jamaica

A few weeks prior to my mission trip to Jamaica, I had put a post on Facebook, after having a vision, that I wanted to take food to an elderly person, while on my trip. But, to whom?

Two days into my trip, Ms. Linda received a phone call from an elderly lady named Jess, who lives in a village in the mountains, called Congress. She was asking Ms. Linda for some shoes and food! Her size shoes I did not have, BUT, food - I can do that!!!! smile emoticon So, me and LouAnn met this elderly lady at the local supermarket in Whitehouse, and I bought her some rice, flour, sugar, and bully beef, as well as food for 5 more families. [Sidenote: I could not understand a single word this lady said! Ok, maybe every 10th word or so!] So, we asked this lady to take us to her village so we could see where she lives, and to hand out some food. The three of us caught a taxi up the mountain - worst "road" EVER - to Congress. At that point, we walked around, talked to families, and handed out food, then we hiked up the mountain to the shanty where Jess and her husband live. DIVINE moment! God led the way....to that elderly person whom He was trying to get food to! One of the best experiences of this trip, partially because it took me out of my comfort zone and I had to overcome fears of talking to complete strangers in a foreign land whom I cannot always understand well and explain to them why I was bringing food to them! Definitely a growing and stretching moment - a moment based on walking in faith!

_________________________________________________________________________________
This elderly couple desperately needs a new home!!! Because of the high prices of lumber, it will cost $5,000.00 + just to build a shanty (shack)! And, she has a sister who lives on the other side of the village (we didn't make it there b/c of the long hike) whose shanty is even worse, from what I've heard! This is just one story, of many!!! All I had to offer them was flour, rice, sugar, oil, corned beef, and taxi fair to go to Black River to get her medicine - doesn't seem like nearly enough!!!

Right Place, Right Time

PROVERBS 16:9


PSALM 37:23


Have you ever just felt like you were in the right place at the right time? That God had strategically placed you in that exact location at that exact moment, for a purpose? I have had many of those God-moments in recent years, and just recently experienced it again. I've been meaning to share this very devotional, but busyness has kept me from it. I finally realized that this was something that I am supposed to share, and that if I didn't make the time, it would never happen!

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Have you yourself ever had a plan that went awry? Well, that's probably because you stepped outside of God's will, and the plans that He has for your life. Though it can be frustrating, hurtful, confusing, and heart-breaking when our plans do not work according to the way we think they should, we must know and trust that God ALWAYS has a plan!

In recent years, God has been revealing His plans for me, and my life, slowly and steadily. It's exciting! It can be scary! It's rewarding and fulfilling! But, it has not come as quickly as I would like it to sometimes, AND, it doesn't always look how I thought it would or should. But, AGAIN, I was reminded this week that HE has THE plan all laid out - - He has went before me - - He knows! Why did I ever doubt?! Because....of impatience! Who me? Never, right?! Perhaps you can relate. Perhaps you are waiting on God to reveal something to you. Perhaps He has revealed it, but it has not yet come to fruition. Let me assure you, "the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him" (Psalm 27:23). He knows the desires of my heart, He knows that I am passionate about missions and outreach, both in Jamaica, and in the area of fitness and faith - - He knows because He placed those desires and passions within me. Why? Because He has work for me (and all of us) to do! He continually goes before me! He prepares the hearts of those whom I will come into contact with. He opens doors. He keeps placing me in THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME.

I sat in a meeting recently, and as a door was opened, and favor was shown, I realized at that very moment that HE had placed me in that very room, with those very people, at that very moment, because....He was giving me a voice for those who could not speak for themselves; because....He knew the desires of my heart and my passion for missions - - He put them there, why wouldn't He know, why wouldn't He care; because....He has a plan....a plan far greater than anything I can imagine....a plan that involves little 'ole me, and only because....I am a child of His, a ready and willing vessel...a simple "yes" was all He needed!

Continuously, He establishes my steps. Continuously, He opens doors. Continuously, He sends confirmation when I doubt. Continuously, He sends encouragement my way when I need it most. Continuously, "the right place, at the right time." All He needs is a "yes", in joyful obedience! So, quit doubting, quit fearing, quit giving up, quit questioning, quit putting it off.....just say, "Yes Lord, I will.........!" You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to wait for the perfect time. You don't have to have it all figured out. He already has the path laid out, the plans established, all the details worked out.....all He needs is your "Yes," not your details, your plans, your timing.....just your "Yes," and He will do the rest. He will place you in the right place, at the right time!

JAMAICA, HERE I COME.....{upcoming} Sixth Mission Trip, to Jamaica - March 2015

HERE I COME JAMAICA! You have no idea how excruciating it is to "wait" when you know, that you know, that you know, that God is calling you to something specific!!! Or, maybe you do! It's been since June 2014 that I was last in Jamaica...not really that long, but long for me, when I desire to be there! AND, it has been a year since I've been to Whitehouse, Jamaica, the area I am returning to this trip! I am so excited to return and see friends that I have made along the way (pics above)....hopefully they still remember me!

WHAT WILL I BE DOING ON THIS TRIP? Good question! I am flying solo this trip, so that I can be free to do whatever God is calling me to do, and to go wherever He is calling me to go, and to spend as much time as He is calling me to spend with individuals. I am excited, and nervous, because I feel that this is going to be an adventurous journey that stretches me beyond my comfort zone, and into unknown territory!

VISIONS: I have been awaken several early mornings, late nights, with visions of specific things to do while in Jamaica, though, at the time, I did not realize they were actual visions. But as I have fasted and prayed, I am beginning to realize that still small voice that prompts to do something, that we sometimes miss...out of busyness, out of fear, or out of doubt. The specific things that He has shown me seem minor, insignificant, and some even ridiculous, BUT, out of obedience, I will submit. I am not going to share these things, at the moment, but will, instead, (as long as I have internet access while in Jamaica), share them AFTER the fact, via this blog!

PREPARATION - PRAYER & FASTING: I would GREATLY appreciate prayers leading up to, and during, this trip! (1) Courage and boldness; (2) to be led by His voice; (3) for safety; (4) physical healing; (5) financial support. I will be doing the 10-day Daniel Fast, beginning this Friday, March 13, if you would like to join in!

OUTREACH: I will be doing some outreach, and can always use donations of supplies, or financial donations to purchase food once there to bless others with.

I am very excited for this opportunity! God continues to make a way, and I do not take that lightly, nor do I take for granted the amazing people He has placed in my path to support me...too many to name individually, so THANK YOU ALL!

Be Blessed,
Jama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mZpGj29qw

Missions Fundraising Efforts: How You Can Help

Missions Fundraising Efforts



Over the past two and a half years, I have been doing continuous fundraising for mission trips. I started out by sending letters to people I know, requesting that they would consider supporting me to go on my first trip. From that point, I have done everything from rummage sales, to raffles, to selling shirts, to adult exercise event fundraisers, to children's fitness event fundraisers, to boot camps, to change jars, etc.

Fundraising is exhausting, it can be a lot of work, very time-consuming, and sometimes even costing you money in advance, but, if it helps to accomplish the goal, then it's worth it!

Another aspect of fundraising, other than just for money, is collecting relief and school supplies to do outreach. This too is ongoing, but well worth the effort, as I have had many items donated to be given away in Jamaica, including: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, flip flops, deodorant, clothing, shoes, school supplies, books, candy, games, toys, etc.

Almost all of my mission trips, and outreach efforts, have been funded by donations! I am so grateful that God has surrounded me with such generous, loving, and caring people!

So, if you cannot or do not want to go on a mission trip yourself, how can you help or get involved? I will detail several ways in which you can help:

1. MONETARY DONATIONS: Monetary donations are always welcome, and as I said, most of my expenses are paid via monetary donations. Monetary donations can be applied in several ways, including: funding my trips, purchasing outreach items, sponsoring a youth to go on a mission trip, sponsoring an entire outreach project, etc. Monetary donations are accepted as one-time donations, or continuous, recurring donations.

2. SAVE YOUR CHANGE FOR JAMAICA JARS: I have jars that I hand out to anyone interested and they can save their change in them, then return the jars to me when they are full. ALL OF THESE PROCEEDS go toward outreach projects in Jamaica, including at schools or orphanages.

3. RUMMAGE SALE: I take donations of items year-round for my annual fundraiser rummage sale! These proceeds fund the expenses I incur to travel on mission trips, as well as a portion is always donated to other organizations or people involved in missions in Jamaica.

4. SHIRTS: I sale "yay God" t-shirts, Fitness & Faith w/ Phil 4:13 verse 3/4 sleeve sweatshirts, as well as Faith & Fitness Boot Camp shirts (short-sleeved & long-sleeved).

5. FITNESS EVENTS: You can host your own fitness event! We can get as creative as you would like.

6. BOOT CAMPS: You can hold a weekly, monthly, or one-time boot camp for a small fee.

7. OUTREACH & RELIEF ITEMS: These items are always accepted throughout the year, and would be taken on each mission trip: toothbrushes, travel-size toothpaste, small bars of soap, small deodorants, small washclothes, lightweight flip flops of all sizes, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, small glue bottles or sticks, small children's scissors, coloring books, children's books, bibles, devotionals, etc. PLEASE NOTE THAT ITEMS MUST BE SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT ENOUGH TO BE PACKED AND CARRIED IN A SUITCASE, along with other items.

8. HOLD A FUNDRAISER YOURSELF & donate the proceeds, OR collect supplies from family and friends and donate them.

9. PRAYER: If nothing else, and more importantly than anything else, you can pray!

10. HELP SPREAD THE WORD about our mission efforts in Jamaica! Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement for support!

Please contact me @ masonlaw33@gmail.com if you have any questions, or would like to know how you can help, or if you are interested in going on a mission trip.


The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Acts 20:35
35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Fifth Mission Trip, to Jamaica - June 2014

Fifth Mission Trip, to Jamaica - June 2014




Approximately two years ago, I inadvertently met Jennifer Everetts when I stumbled across a 5k event on Facebook that was to raise money for a ministry called Journey Home Jamaica. At that time, I was still every much into doing 5k events, AND, I had just went on my first mission trip to Jamaica, so, it was inevitable that this was the perfect race for me. I attempted to register on-line, and was having trouble getting it to go through, so I contacted the web page admin, which just happened to be Jennifer Everetts. We immediately began communicating back and forth via msgs, regarding our mutual passion for Jamaica. Not soon after, I went to Jennifer's home to meet her, and further discuss our mutual passion. We quickly hit it off and realized that we had a lot in common, including that I work as a Legal Assistant, and she used to, and that I had just begun teaching group exercise classes, and she was a certified Praise Moves instructor. But, more importantly, we were both passionate about missions in Jamaica!

At that point, I was preparing to lead the team that I took to Jamaica in September 2013 (my second mission trip), and was sharing that with Jennifer, when she offered to host a weekly bible study for myself and my team, along with anyone else interested in missions, at their home, leading up to our mission trip. That's where our story began! (We've been meeting just about every Monday evening since then, though our numbers have dwindled down to sometimes just myself and Jennifer and her husband).

Bruce and Jennifer Everetts founded Journey Home Jamaica ministries and are currently trying to raise funding to open a children's home in the Negril area in Jamaica. I have been assisting them by supporting them, praying with and for them, and helped lead a team of youth on a mission trip to Negril, Jamaica in the summer of 2014. The Everetts have graciously supported me in all of my mission efforts, in various parts of the Island, as well as my fundraising efforts here locally. They have been very supportive as I have attempted to discover and fulfill the calling God has placed on my life. So I was pretty excited when they asked me to go along with them and help lead a team of youth last summer, as we had all been to Jamaica several times, in various places, but never together.

JUNE 2014 SUMMER MISSION TRIP: This trip really was a great trip! There were 4 adults and 12 youth on this team. Just a quick summary of our week included: outreach at a local basic school in Negril, outreach at Robin's Nest Children's Home in Montego Bay, manual labor at a property in the middle of nowhere...lol, painting at a homeless shelter ran by a local church, and outreach and street ministry with Word To Life Ministries in Negril. This particular team worked very well together - never any grumbling or complaining - and though a very busy week, with things not always going as planned, it was a very productive and fun week!

We stayed at a local hotel in Negril, where I shared a room with two teenage girls, who traveled along with me - Tori & Marah. Oh what an experience!!! They kept me laughing - kept me on my toes! It was awesome to spend that time with them, and see them thrive in the environment. (Sidenote: Marah has since returned to Robin's Nest, on her own, to do a 2-month internship; and Tori has since went to Mexico with a group from college, to do mission work at an orphanage - GOD!).

It would probably take me several blogs to describe in great detail how insightful this trip was, but to sum it up, my favorite part was the street ministry - not because I felt qualified to do it, not because I wasn't scared to do it, not because it was within my comfort zone to do it - - but because it seemed like the most impactful thing we could do! Each time I go to Jamaica, I love learning more about the culture and just interacting with the people and building the relationships - all of which is kind of out of my comfort zone, but where I feel like I should be focused!

I have since been invited to again help lead a team back to Jamaica with the Everetts this summer (2015), which I am hopeful and excited about, especially since my 13-year-old nephew has expressed a desire in going - his first mission trip and my first time having a family member go with me! AND, a good friend of mine plans to go as well, which is VERY exciting!

I am still fasting, praying, and listening for direction from God on where He wants me exactly, in the mission field, and I feel hopeful that He is leading and guiding me every single step of the way, even if I cannot see exactly where He is taking me! My only goal is just to be used by Him, to be His hands and feet, to glorify Him in all that I do, to impact lives, to direct unbelievers, hurting, and broken people to Him, and to just continue to share with others His goodness and all that He has done for me! Other than that, I have no plan, as of yet; I have no specific direction, as of yet; my only plan - keep returning to the Island that has so captured my heart!

Fourth Mission Trip, to Jamaica - February 2014

Fourth Mission Trip, to Jamaica - February 2014



Well, by now, I knew that I had moved beyond the occasional mission trip, and shifted toward an actual calling placed on my life - missions became a passion!

In December 2013, I met with missionary Linda Botkin (pic of us above), whom apparently realized what God had placed in me, probably even before I realized it myself. We discussed the possibility of me engaging in the day-to-day activities of Jesus for Jamaica ministries, in Jamaica, on a more long-term basis. At that point, it REALLY hit me - God was calling me.....ME....to missions....in Jamaica! I experienced all sorts of feelings and emotions....surprised, excited, anxious, overwhelmed, happy, sad, confused, etc, etc. I was excited about the possibilities, but sad to think about what I would be leaving behind...a life that I truly enjoy...people that I truly love and would miss...and a lifestyle that is comfortable.

I wasn't sure which direction to go! So, my next step was to spend two weeks in Jamaica, following Ms. Linda around, seeing what the daily life of a missionary is really like. I didn't know what to expect, but I went, seeking answers and guidance from God. The day-in and day-out of the life of a missionary is not really what you see on a one-week mission trip, so spending two weeks there was much more insightful, though I'm sure still not really the full picture.

I was able to again visit the McAlpine Basic School a few times, spending a little bit of time with the children, just reading books (pic above), and playing games. We visited an elderly lady who was sick, and prayed for her (she passed a few weeks later). But the majority of our time was spent getting things ready for the opening of a new orphanage, now the home of four young girls. Also, I was able to spend some time with Nicola and her family, on Gordon Mountain, spending the night with her in her small shanty. This experience definitely took me out of my comfort zone, and I had to face some fears, but it was an invaluable experience, in which I am glad that Ms. Linda encouraged me to engage in. Nothing really prepares you for something like that......

SPENDING THE NIGHT WITH A LOCAL: As I describe what it was like to spend the night with a local, consider the luxuries in which you were afforded! Nicola and her family live in a row of shanty's on Gordon Mountain. It is a short hike up to her home, where you will have to hike uphill, over rocky terrain, and overgrown brush. As you approach the homes, you will see wooden shanty's (shacks), sitting on a few cinder blocks, raised off of the dirt "yard." (pic above). There is no rhyme or reason as to their exact placement, they are just sitting in random places. No grass, no landscaping....just dirt, rocks, and goat droppings. Yes, you will see goats, dogs, pigs, cats, etc. They just roam the "yard," sometimes sleeping underneath the shanty's. The typical shanty is one room, maybe approximately 12x12 or so, with no electricity, no running water, no kitchen, no bathroom. You will probably see a bed, maybe a sheet or two, and maybe a pillow. This particular shanty where I stayed had a dresser, a suitcase where things were stored, a torn and tattered laundry basket, and a broken fan. The "kitchen" was a makeshift kitchen outside (pic above), that the entire family shared. So, if it is raining, as it often does in Jamaica, then the "kitchen" cannot be used! The "bathroom" consisted of me using a tin pan, that was taken outside and dumped behind the shanty! Brushing your teeth consisted of going outside and using rainwater from the rain barrel to brush, swish, and spit out on the ground! There was no kitchen table for the family to sit around, share a meal, and talk about their days, so as you can imagine, the quality of life in the mountains of Jamaica is far different from what we are accustomed to! So, what do you talk about with someone whom #1 - you have trouble understanding, #2 - who doesn't do much other than sit around all day, #3 - comes from a totally different culture, and #4 - whom you have nothing in common with? Good question!! I believe it is more about spending time in their presence, showing that you care, that you are not afraid to step into their shoes and experience their lifestyle, and just be, right along with them! SIDENOTE: My vision is to someday lead bible studies with them!

Spending two weeks in Jamaica vs a one-week mission trip with a team, was an eye-opening and enlightening experience, but, I walked away still unsure of where God wanted me, exactly. I felt a bit frustrated, as I really had hoped and anticipated hearing from and receiving more clear direction from God, but I was not receiving any answers, and because I had a full-time job, a mortgage, a life here, I could not see how I could so quickly transition into long-term missions, yet.....

The soul-searching continued......

Third Mission Trip, to Jamaica - September 2013

Third Mission Trip, to Jamaica - September 2013



So, after returning from my initial mission trip to Jamaica, a gentleman from my church, and from my small group, expressed great interest in hearing about my mission trip, and he showed great interest in returning sometime, as he had been there nearly 20 years prior. I shared my experiences with him and a few others, showed them pictures, and indicated that I had no idea when/if I would return.

What I thought was a one-time mission trip, to Jamaica, in January 2013, then a "why not, let's just see what happens" trip, to Belize, in May 2013, turned into me discovering something that God was calling me to - missions! I was anxious to return to Jamaica...very anxious! I don't even remember how it all came about that planning for another trip came about, other than I think that Ms. Linda Botkin suggested that I lead a team that following Fall. I think my initial reaction was to underestimate the abilities that God had placed in me to do this very thing that He was calling me to do. I didn't "feel" capable, or prepared, or experienced enough, and I certainly did not know how I would come up with the money, or even the people to go! Luckily, I have learned, and am still learning, NOT to base decisions on "feelings!" Somehow, it just all kind of came together, and I had two others who committed to returning to Jamaica with me! Now, onto the money part, again....

Every year, me and my family would have one annual rummage sale, in the summer, at my house. That particular year, I decided to make this rummage sale a fundraiser, to fund my next mission trip! The outpouring of love and support blew my mind! People started donating items left and right, and soon I had a garage full of stuff to sale! And, as people who came to the rummage learned why I was having the rummage, many would say "keep the change for your trip." It just blew my mind, as I made somewhere around $700.00 from that rummage! I had no idea that was possible! All I had to do at that point was save up a few hundred dollars, which I was able to do!

Five of us returned to Jamaica that Fall, with plans of doing outreach at the McAlpine Basic school, and with some children from the village of Aldear, throwing a beach party for them. We were a great team that week!

MCALPINE BASIC SCHOOL OUTREACH:
We visited McAlpine, taking goodie bags we had made up for the children, as well as games, toys and school supplies we had purchased for the school. (Sidenote: HUGE thanks to friends and family who donated school supplies and other outreach supplies for us to take on this trip). We took turns reading bible stories to the children, we purchased food and prepared and served lunch to them, we play "futbol," and just had a great time loving on the children. (pic above)

ALDEAR VILLAGE CHILDREN BEACH PARTY:
Our plan was to throw a beach party for the children of Aldear. Aldear is a remote village up in the mountains, and we only had one vehicle - Ms. Linda's truck. As we were preparing to leave, it looked as if rain was rolling in...the sky was dark, and you could just feel the rain approaching. We debated on whether to proceed, or not. How could we cancel? This is something that had been announced to the children weeks earlier! We couldn't just abandon them! It's not like we could just call and say, "hey, maybe next time." We decided to proceed, despite some hesitation and even complaining from some. Four or five of us jumped into the back of the truck, with all of our supplies - beach balls, buckets, stuff for lunch. The other four or five jumped into the double cab of the truck. We headed to the beach, where Ms. Linda would have to drop all of us off so she could drive up the mountain to pick up the children, making two trips to do so! On our way to the beach, it started raining...ok, not raining, but POURING!!!!!! By the time we arrived, we were soaked and cold, but determined! We hopped out, and sat and awaited Ms. Linda's return, with the first truckload of kids (pic above). The kids had a blast that day!!!! (pics above). They were a bit unruly, not really knowing how to follow rules or directions, but they are not being raised in such a manner to know the difference. We showed them we cared, we spent time with them, we loved on them, played with them, swam with them, and fixed them lunch, and handed out goodie bags! Awesome day!

ALDEAR VILLAGE VISIT:
A few days later, we visited Aldear, allowing the other team members to walk through and see what life was like there. As soon as we got out of the vehicle, a lady handed me her small child (pic above), asking me if I could take him home and take care of him. I explained that I could not, but that I would spend time with him and love on him while I was there. She then asked me to be his godmother. I didn't really know what to say to that! But, I held him, snotty nose and tattered diaper and all, and just carried him around with me while we were there. Visiting this village is something that you never forget!

This trip was a very fruitful trip, in many ways, and I gained such valuable experiences from this trip! We experienced so many other things that would take several blogs to detail, but it was definitely a memorable trip!

Now, time to return to Indiana....I wept!

Second Mission Trip - To Belize - May 2013

Second Mission Trip - To Belize - May 2013



So after leaving Jamaica, my first mission trip, I knew that I had found a new-found passion - missions! A few members from our church were gearing up for a mission trip to Belize in May, and I figured .... why not? I had received a tax refund, so I had the extra money to go! So I immediately signed up for that trip, traveling with our Associate Pastor and another gentleman from our church.

We stayed near Punta Gorda, at the very southern tip of Belize, with Jimmy and Angel Justice, of CHMI Ministries, based out of Kokomo. I immediately knew that these were some fantastic people, and how awesome to see a married couple working together in ministry and on the mission field!

The first thing we did was visit a local school in a very small village (pic below). This whole "missions thing" was still new to me, so I really had no idea what to expect on this trip, other than I knew that we were there to help out with a youth conference that was to take place on the grounds that following weekend. So, anyway, we get into the van the morning after we arrived, to head to the school, and Angel looks at me and says: "so, were you able to prepare anything for the kids today," or something to that effect. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE LOOK OF BEWILDERMENT ON MY FACE! What? Me? Prepare something? I have no idea what I'm doing here! Graciously, Angel was already prepared and explained to us a few activities we would be doing, and let me know how I could help out with one of them. I was clueless, and I had never really worked with small children, but okay...I'm ready...let's do this! I led a short activity, and though it didn't feel like I did much, I now see that this was just a small piece of the puzzle of this thing called MY LIFE and was preparing me for MY CALLING! It truly was a fun time, and oh how touching it was to see and hear those small children worshiping in song with us! It truly blessed my heart that day!

We also visited another larger school in Punta Gorda that week (pics above). It was about the same - worship in song - do a few activities - then Jimmy spoke about God's love. OH, and we handed out candy to the children - a special treat for them! Again, a very blessed time.

The majority of the time, we were preparing the grounds for the arrival of many teens who were coming in for a youth conference to take place Friday through Sunday. We did hard labor (pic of me above using a machete to chop down dead palm leaves), we swept, mopped, made beds, etc, etc. We also made several trips into town to gather supplies, which I soon learned was a chore in itself! Supplies are limited, and we would continually have to make trips back to see if things had arrived.

Then, the youth arrived for the conference. There was an opening service, worship, fun outdoor activities, workshops, guest speakers, etc. I felt like a fish out of water, not really knowing what to do or to say, not really feeling like I was doing much, but again, this was a learning and preparation experience, and I met a lot of great people, and learned a LOT from talking with them!

10 days later - time to return to Indiana! :(

First Mission Trip, to Jamaica - Jan 2013

JAMAICA MISSION TRIP: JANUARY 2013

Fast forwarding from my previous posts about how my journey began with missions in Jamaica, I went on my first mission trip, to Jamaica, with a married couple from my church. We went for one week - a Saturday to Saturday. I ended up having to travel alone, as the couple did not decide that they could go until the last minute, and when their plane tickets were purchased, they ended up with different flights. We arrived at the Indianapolis Airport together, but traveled separately. I was nervous, to say the least! This was my first time traveling on a plane alone, only my 3rd time on a plane and it had been at least 7-8 years since I had been on a plane, AND my first time traveling internationally, and alone! BUT, God made a way thus far, so it's all good!

Arriving at the tiny, hot airport, going through immigration, getting luggage, going through customs....all quite an adventure, but thrilling!!!! Yay...my first mission trip!

BTW, I wish I would have better kept track of my adventures early on, perhaps starting a blog sooner, but it actually just came to me this week to start a blog! So, trying to recall all of the details may be hard, but I will try to share some of the most memorable moments in the next several blogs, until I get us caught up to the present.

We stayed with a missionary from Indiana, Ms. Linda Botkin, of Jesus for Jamaica ministries. She owns a home in a small community within a small fishing village called Whitehouse, on the southwest coast of Jamaica. Don't try to Google or Wikipedia it, as I attempted, b/c you won't find much...you won't even find it on a map! LOL.

Jamaica is the kind of place that just draws you in! That is, if you don't mind scorching heat, being hot and sweaty all the time, dodging goats and other animals on the roads, dodging never-ending crater-sized potholes, showering outside in cold water, not having access to all of the commodities and luxuries of home.....if you don't mind all that...you will LOVE Jamaica! Learning about the culture, meeting the people, taking in the beauty of the landscape, witnessing poverty at it's best, experiencing simplicity in a whole new way.....this is what I love about Jamaica.

While on this first trip, we visited a Basic School in a village in the mountains, called McAlpine. This was a school that Ms. Linda Botkin and her teams built years ago. We played with the children, did some painting there, and some minor repairs, several times throughout the week (pics attached). We also did some painting at a local church that was, again, built by Ms. Linda Botkin and her teams.

One of the most memorable experiences I have thus far was when we went to visit a young lady that Ms. Linda has known since she was young. We had to drive up a steep hilly road, park, then hike up the mountain to a row of shanty's, in which Nicola and her family lived. We arrived to do some minor repairs to her shanty (pic attached). The only gentleman with us did the repairs, to the best of his ability, considering that we had very limited tools and supplies available to us. Myself, Ms. Linda, and other lady sat around talking to the locals. Ms. Linda discovered that they, along with the animals (dogs, goats, pigs, etc) had not eaten in several days. Ms. Linda gave some money for a few of the young ladies to walk about a mile to a "store" (and I use that term lightly) to get some basic food supplies. I decided to walk with them, so I could talk with them, explore, and experience what it was like for them to have to walk to the nearest "store." I had a hard time understanding what they were saying, but we managed to have some conversation, including my ear piercing at the top of my ear, as they were fascinated by that. lol. We arrived a while later at the "store," which was a tiny shack w/ drinks, candy, rice, flour, milk, and not much more. They purchased the necessary supplies, and we returned to Nicola's shanty. After the repairs were made, and we visited for a while, it was then time to leave. At that point, Nicola thanked us, and informed us that she had been reading her bible earlier that day, and praying, because they were hungry, and had no food, and no money. You see, their shanty has no kitchen. It's one room w/ a bed and a dresser. They have no kitchen, no bathroom, no running water, no electricity, except for a wire running from shanty to shanty, where they were "borrowing" someone else's electricity. So Nicola acknowledged that God had sent us to them in their desperate time of need, providing a small "meal" .... for THAT day. That moment will forever be etched in my mind, as that was the first moment when I realized just how God so delicately and intricately orchestrates EVERYTHING! What a blessing and an honor to be a small part of God moving in someone's life!

Another pivotal moment that we experienced was when we visited the village of Aldear - way up in the mountains - away from civilization - the poorest of the poor. These people literally have nothing, other than the shanty's they have built within the rocky terrain (pic above). The smells....wow...the stinch...wow...the torn and tattered clothes that don't really fit...wow...babies in worn out diapers running around the rocky terrain barefoot...wow...the gambling, the smoking, the drinking...just a small glimpse into what we saw. BUT, the most memorable moment was when someone handed their baby to another team member and asked them to take them home with them to the U.S. so that they could be properly cared for and fed. HEARTBREAKING!

It was a great week...lots of laughter, lots of tears, lots of joy, lots of sorrow, meeting new people, exploring a new culture, seeing life in a whole new way, enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of the Caribbean Sea, visiting the most amazingly beautiful waterfalls, and so on! FINALLY, I was able to go on a mission trip, once in my lifetime....God is truly amazing!

Then the time quickly approached for us to head home! I was in bed in my small room beside Ms. Linda's home, preparing to leave early the next morning, when it hit me....I had to go home! I had to leave this place where somehow everything started to make sense for me.....this place where I felt comfortable....this place where I began to see why God had been transforming me these past few years prior...this place that I felt "called to." I wept!

How the Journey Began, Part 2

HOW THE JOURNEY BEGAN, PART 2:

So I went back to the materials I had printed out regarding mission trips - read through it thoroughly - and wondered what my next step would be! You see, I am that person who, once I get an idea, I tend to run, run fast, and run hard!

Within a very short time thereafter, around September-ish, it was announced at church that there would be a mission trip information meeting one evening the following week! I attended, and three opportunities were presented: Jamaica in January, Belize in May, or Venezuela in the summer. I went home, I began praying, I began thinking things through (I process things very slowly and thoroughly at times), I began to do research, I began to weigh my options. Jamaica was the cheapest trip, but the soonest. Belize wasn't much more expensive, and just a little more time to prepare and come up with the money, and Venezuela was more money than I could comprehend at that time, and not to mention, a 2-week trip....how would I get two weeks off at work!?

After much thought, much discerning, and much prayer, I decided that Jamaica felt like the best option for me! $1,100.00 was a lot of money, but sounded more realistic to me! AND, more importantly, I felt at peace with that decision. NOW, to get a passport and to figure out the financial part of it! But, what if I spend the money on a passport, and then I cannot save up enough money for the trip? {this was one of the thoughts running through my mind}.

Approximately a week later, my boss asked me to pet-sit and house-sit for him while he was out of town.....I was paid just enough to ... you guessed it ... pay for my passport! Yep, I need to go for it! Now, how do I save money when I have no savings, and I pretty much live paycheck to paycheck? {another thought continually running through my mind}. Well, the materials I had printed out and read gave information about fundraising and soliciting support, one of the ideas of which included sending letters asking for donations. Yikes! You mean I have to ask people for money? Not real crazy about that idea, at all! But, I couldn't shake the idea! I needed to step out of my comfort zone, and just do this! Still not knowing if I would for sure follow through with this idea, I decided just to go ahead and draft a letter, which I did. Still hesitant, I then decided to make a list of potential donors. Still hesitant, I started compiling the addresses of the potential donors. Each step of the way, I kind of drug my feet, not real sure that I wanted to do this, but always feeling the tug to proceed. STILL hesitant, I prepared envelopes to mail the letters to the potential donors. Again, sat on the idea for a few more days. STILL hesitant, I stuffed the envelopes. STILL hesitant, I bought stamps. I know, this sounds tedious, but I'm telling you, I really drug my feet on this! lol. Okay, letter drafted, letter finalized, names compiled, addresses compiled, envelopes made, stamps bought.....all ready to go! Really? Could it be this hard to throw some envelopes into the mailbox? Well, it was! What if I mailed the letters out, and only received a small portion, not enough to actually go on the trip? Then what? Do I return the money? What if I get NO response? What if...what if...what if? {those were, again, some of my thoughts}. BUT, I DID IT, FINALLY!

In this letter, I followed the guidelines suggested in the materials I had read, including specifying why I was asking for donations, specifying my goal, and giving a deadline. Okay, 30 days to raise $1,100.00! READY, SET, GO! October 1 - 31! Nervous, scared, anxious, excited!

Two days later, I check the mail....a check for $100.00!!!!! WHAT? Who does that? Who sends someone a check for $100.00, especially when they don't know me that well? And then the next day, and the next day, and the next day...........$1,100.00 raised in less than 30 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, there was my sign....this was it...I was supposed to go! JAMAICA, HERE I COME!!!!

How The Journey Began!

Here is a brief outline about who I, Jama Mason, is, and what I feel is possibly relevant to my story:


(1) Born and raised in a small town called Gaston, Indiana.
(2) Was always super shy, and very insecure.
(3) Grew up being raised by mother, who married several times. Do not have a close relationship with my father.
(4) Got pregnant at the age of 17. Finished high school (1994), in spite of tumultuous circumstances, went onto college, received my Bachelor's Degree in Legal Assistance Studies (1999), with a minor in Sociology.
(5) Got married to my child's father in 1999.
(6) Began working as a Legal Assistant in 1999.
(7) Divorced in 2005. {long story}
(8) Went through a mid-life crisis, so to speak, from 2005-2007-ish.
(9) Began my weight loss / healthy lifestyle journey in 2005.
(10) Gave my life to Christ, after a series of events, in 2007. Began attending a small Baptist church.
(11) Started a Teen Girls Mentoring Program in 2008, through 2013.
(12) God led me to a new church, in approximately 2010-ish.
(13) Became certified to teach group exercise classes in December 2012.
(14) Met missionary Linda Botkin of Jesus for Jamaica ministries in December 2012.
(15) Went on my first mission trip, to Whitehouse, Jamaica, in January 2013.
(16) Went on a mission trip to Belize in May 2013.
(17) Met Jennifer Everetts of Journey Home Jamaica ministries in early summer 2013.
(18) Led a small team to Whitehouse, Jamaica in September 2013.
(19) Completed a 2-week internship in Whitehouse, Jamaica in February 2014.
(20) Helped lead a youth mission team to Negril, Jamaica in June 2014.
(21) Began Faith & Fitness Boot Camp Ministry in September 2014.
(22) Began teaching Philippians 4:13 Boot Camp classes at the YMCA in January 2015.
(23) Offered position of Coordinator of Missions & Outreach at my church.
(24) To return to Whitehouse, Jamaica for a solo, exploratory mission trip in March 2015.
(25) To help lead teams to Negril, Jamaica in summer of 2015.


My story (missions journey) starts, as far as I know, back in 2012. I had this crazy idea - "I want to go on a mission trip, at least once in my lifetime!" Little did I know that that idea was not of my own, but was a seed planted by God, that would later permeate into a calling that has been placed on my life! Even before I surrendered my life to Christ, in 2007, I always enjoyed volunteering my time and helping people!


In 2012, the idea to go on a mission trip just kind of "randomly" popped into my mind after seeing an email in my inbox from a Christian Book Store, who was promoting mission trips. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the link, which then took me to a page about mission trips. I printed some information about trips, briefly looked at it, and set it aside, thinking I would read it more thoroughly later.


THEN, I'm guessing approximately a few weeks later, I received a phone call from my Pastor, asking me to be on a Scholarship Committee. Right as we were about to hang up from our brief conversation, I just kind of blurted out, without even thinking about it, "hey, will our church ever do mission trips?" I had only been at Destiny Christian Center for approximately two years, and had never heard anything about international missions mentioned before. My Pastor indicated that our church had not yet engaged in missions, BUT, it was something that he wanted to explore more, as he himself had been on several trips.


THEN, within another few weeks, I was volunteering at a local men's homeless shelter, with other members from our church, and we were there primarily to serve the food that day. My job, of all things, was to stand in the assembly line in which the men passed through, and to unwrap cheese slices and hand it to them for their sandwiches. Really? Pass out cheese slices? Was this my calling, Lord? Is this it? Is THIS making an impact in anyone's life? You see, I've always had big dreams, big goals, big aspirations! I have ALWAYS felt that I was called to more than just being a secretary (I have been a legal assistant for 15 years), but I just wasn't sure "what"! As I was passing out the cheese slices, I told a more seasoned lady who was in charge that I just didn't feel like passing out cheese slices was enough to help people, that I felt it to be somewhat insignificant, and that it just wasn't enough for me. We then got onto the topic of missions! She too had been interested in mission trips. And, I think it was on that day that my wheels started reeling!


I then went back to the materials that I had earlier printed off about mission trips! How to prepare...what to expect...how to raise funds, etc, etc, etc. Now, what next? Do I contact this organization about going on a trip with complete strangers? I had no idea where I wanted to go!


TO BE CONTINUED.....