Jamaica 2009 Medical Team Trip Report
We had a wonderful week of ministry in 5 rural communities in Manchester Parish around Mandeville, serving one day in each location. Our team provided primary medical and vision care to a total of 523 persons. 91 people made first time professions of faith during this time of ministry.
Jamaica is struggling more than usual in this time of global economic downturn. Their top industries, tourism and mining of boxite for the manufacture of aluminum, have both been signficantly impacted, so many more people are out of work. It was a special blessing to provide help through our ministry to their physical and spiritual needs in these particularly difficult times. Many patients expressed surprise and great appreciation for the free care, medications and glasses they received. Some were overwhelmed that people from another country cared enough to minister to total strangers. In this backdrop, many were blessed and gave thanks to God for sending us. Others were challenged to consider their faith as a result of our witness. We were blessed to be used of God to bring physical treatment and spiritual encouragement.
Images from our time in Jamaica may be viewed in the Photo Gallery
Rick Smith, ABWE Trip Leader