JAMAICA | Karen & Rob

The mission trip to Jamaica was an amazing experience.  As we prepared to embark on our mission trip we wondered how the Lord would work through us.  Before we left home the Lord was working and moving to prepare our way.  Our destination, Harmons, Jamaica, was expected to receive a direct hit from an impending hurricane.  We watched the Weather Channel and witnessed a miracle that was God moving the hurricane so that the area where we were going to serve was spared a direct hit.  Even though there was damage, it was not as devastating as it could have been. Our trip was only delayed by two days.  Our God is an awesome God! 

The Jamaican people living in Harmons are largely God loving people.  Even though they were experiencing the aftermath of the hurricane, they had a peace and a spirit of joy for what they had.  They did not complain. They had financial poverty in many areas, but many had spiritual wealth.  During faith walks and delivering groceries, we were able to share God's word with them through scripture, praying, and singing.  We were there to minister to them and they in turn ministered to us.  One woman was so overjoyed with the groceries (she called them presents) that we delivered to her and her husband, that she sang us a beautiful song.  Another woman was moved by hearing the 23rd Psalm, and as it was read to her, she recited it word for word.  Others that we encountered and prayed for, in turn prayed for us. We worked side by side with them at the Church building a ramp, and at a site building a foundation for a future home.  The first day of our trip we were sent to help at a home where the roof had blown off. The men helped with the roof replacement, and I was asked to offer encouragement to the woman of the house and the children.  We took a walk and sang children's Bible songs.  The children then taught me a song and motions, about "their love for Jesus bubbling over."  

The effect on us was profound.  We fell in love with the wonderful Jamaican people we were fortunate to spend time with, and we will forever have a strong bond with our team and our leaders.  Our God is an awesome God! 

Karen Marko and Rob Bloom, Jamaica 2025