This past April, I witnessed what it truly means to be Christ’s hands and feet when I traveled to St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, for the Jamaica Annual Conference, led by Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick. Mission work isn’t always comfortable or glamorous, but it is always sacred for me. When I mention going to Jamaica for missions, most people immediately think of a vacation in paradise. However, I quickly reminded them that the areas we visited were far from a resort experience. We stay in modest accommodations with few modern comforts, often with little to no air conditioning, limited electricity, and sometimes low running or no water. We fully immerse ourselves in the local way of life: savoring traditional foods, learning Jamaican Patois, and honoring rich cultural traditions. I love learning about the culture, and I truly believe that understanding the customs and norms of the people we serve is not just a sign of respect; it’s a reflection of Christ’s love. When we take the time to listen, observe, and embrace local traditions, we build authentic relationships rooted in mutual understanding. This is a principle I consistently teach in every church I have pastored. Cultural humility allows us to approach mission work as servant leaders, open to learn and giving. This kind of openness fosters trust, breaks down barriers, and often teaches us more about faith, resilience, and love than we could ever imagine.
When visiting Jamaica, we are constantly surrounded by God’s breathtaking creation. Although it is a fast, bumpy ride from Montego Bay to St. Elizabeth Parish to get to our hotel and conference, I enjoy the lush beauty of the forest, the vibrant colors of exotic birds, and the palm trees. Fascinating insects and the majestic flow of both river and ocean meet us when we arrive. Over the years, we have been blessed to build life-long relationships through shared meals, worship, service, preaching, and teaching that nurture the people with love and consistency. This is the heart of Matthew 28:19-20: “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” When Jesus told us to “make disciples of all nations,” He wasn’t just giving pastors a mission, He was calling all believers to be evangelists in their way. My wife, Tanesha, and I took our first mission trip to Jamaica in 2017, traveling to Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, with Bishop Reddick and the U.S. delegation. We instantly fell in love with the people and the mission, and we’ve remained connected to our Jamaica church family ever since. In 2023, we brought our son, Kingston, during his senior year of high school. We wanted him to experience international mission work firsthand and connect with other cultures, especially through the universal language of music, as he prepared to pursue jazz studies as a percussionist. It was truly a life-changing experience for him. The energy and spirit of worship in the local churches, with drums, singing, and dancing deeply move our entire mission team.
Despite facing many hardships, the people’s unwavering faith, praise, and generosity continue to inspire us. Whether we are praying for the sick, delivering hygiene kits and school supplies, or offering technology support, each moment feels like a divine appointment and an opportunity to embody love in action. Every visit makes me feel a deeper connection to God as we witness His movement through churches and schools, often built or repaired with only the most basic tools. Medical and dental teams bring healing where healthcare access is limited, and we’ve seen how a simple act of service can become a lifeline of hope. We also support several Early Learning Centers: Pauline B. Grant ECI, Mae Lindsey ECI, and Bishop Joseph C. Coles Jr. ECI, each receiving donations from our church, Morning Chapel CME every time we visit. I always return home more grateful, less materialistic, and more committed to long-term ministry. One reason I am passionate about my candidacy for General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions is the opportunity to strengthen the connection between our local churches in the U.S. and our overseas congregations. I envision a future where every church embraces a global mission mindset. This includes strategic partnerships, such as working with our CIT Department to bring modern tools like Starlink, a satellite internet service that delivers high-speed connectivity even in remote places like St. Elizabeth Parish. With such technology, we can support virtual worship, Bible studies, and leadership training from anywhere worldwide. You don’t have to travel overseas to make a global impact; your local church can support international missions in nine powerful and practical ways:
- Adopt a Church: Form long-term partnerships with overseas congregations by helping fund church repairs, providing tech tools, or sponsoring pastoral development.
- Send Supplies: Collect and donate essential school supplies, hygiene kits, Bibles, and medical basics. Every item helps.
- Pray and Communicate: Establish prayer partnerships or pen-pal connections between members and overseas churches to build spiritual and cultural unity. This is an opportunity to involve your children and youth!
- Sponsor Mission Trips: Your local church can fundraise to help youth, young adults, and church leaders experience and serve in global missions.
- Share Your Stories: Highlight overseas ministries during worship or mission moments and on social media.
- Invite International Speakers: Invite pastors or bishops to speak, either virtually or in person to your local church.
- Use Technology: Offer remote Bible studies, host virtual training sessions, or donate gently used laptops and tech equipment to churches in need.
- Foster Global Partnerships: Collaborate with overseas leaders and churches, learning from one another and building true community.
- Practice Cultural Sensitivity: Embrace the opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions with humility and openness.
The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are rising. Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) Whether you’re on the beautiful island of Jamaica or sitting in your church pew, you can be part of what God is doing worldwide. Missions still matter, because it is not just something we do; it is who we are as disciples of Christ. I pray that you will start your missions ministry today!
