A letter from Vicki Smith in Jamaica
September 9, 2008
Greetings from Jamaica,
August was an exciting month for this beautiful island. Jamaican athletes were victorious and made their countrymen proud as they won medals and broke records at the Olympics in Beijing. It was a blessing to watch people join together—no matter what their station in life—and cheer, cry, and pray for the athletes. I was touched to see and hear them offer prayers for athletes of all countries, and praise God for medals and safety. It was also humbling to see what some of them call “home”; they ranged from a nice grilled home to a wooden box. And yet, Jamaica offers an outstanding sports program where talented students develop their track and swim skills. Unfortunately, only a limited number of students can take part.
The celebration was followed by the fury of tropical storm Gustav. Once again, I saw Jamaicans unite and help each other. Eighteen people were killed, homes washed away, and the banana farms took a big hit. Estimates say 80 percent of the bananas grown for export were ruined. Though Gustav did not do the damage of a hurricane, he still caused people to join together and help their fellow man. People helped those whose homes were destroyed, took food to those without electricity, and prayed for each other. Many people view Jamaica as a land of murder, drugs, and poverty, which is all true. But in the midst of all its troubles—and far outweighing the negative—is the Jamaican bond: they have pride and willingness to work to help each other. Their tremendous faith in God is their strength, and I am blessed to be here and be a part of it.
School began two days late due to Gustav, but we are in full swing here in the second week. We have a large enrollment again and several new students. Bad roads and weather have hindered some from attending but, hopefully that will change soon.
Boscobel United Church continues to receive donations, and the church now has windows on one side. It is a joy to see it slowly, but surely come together. It may not be a complete building but the congregation is a loving and kind group of God’s servants. They joined with Immanuel United last week for charge worship. I always enjoy it as it means both churches I have been a part of come together and worship God. Students from Iona Prep School attend churches, and it is a blessing to see them at church as well as school.
One of the nicest things about returning to school was to see the beautiful paint job done by the PC(USA) mission group who came this summer to work on Iona. The school is shiny and the kids are enjoying their pretty classrooms. I am happy to see my room so bright and even more cheerful, which enhances a music and art area.
This is another example of how Christians help each other as mission teams from my church here in Jamaica, Boscobel United, travel to New Orleans each summer to aid in the restoration of damaged buildings due to Katrina. It is a pleasure to be able to use this an example with children on how we must help each other in our own area and around the world.
As I finish this newsletter, Hurricane Ike is pounding the north coast (where I am) with heavy rain. I know I will continue to see the Jamaicans join together and help each other with any problems the storm may cause.
It is a privilege to witness God’s people at work.
In the belief that “With God all things are possible,”
Vicki
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 266
