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TRIP INFO
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What is Mission Jamaica?
Mission Jamaica is a short-term mission experience which began at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. In 1990, Senior Pastor Roger Eigenfeld felt the call to develop an international mission program and through contacts in Jamaica found an opportunity. The first mission group went to Hope Valley Experimental School in Kingston, Jamaica with 19 missionaries. Since that time, over 25 other Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations and several colleges from Minnesota as well as North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina and Illinois have partnered with St. Andrews in this mission field. Participants continue to serve at Hope Valley and new sites have been developed and nurtured on the island.
Why should I join Mission Jamaica?
Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:30-31.
Mission Jamaica provides a way for us to love and serve our neighbor as Jesus taught us through his love and service to others. The Mission Jamaica trip combines a service project with time for reflection and spiritual rest. It allows a person to experience an international mission field that is close to home, yet far enough away to immerse into another culture for a week.
Where do we go and what do we do?
The mission group works in the Montego Bay area. Accommodations are at an all-inclusive resort. Transportation is by bus.
Riverside Basic School – Part of the Church of the Open Bible, Riverside has 102 children, ages 3-6 years. Missionaries work with the teachers and children, make improvements to the facility, and interact with the church and community. Activities range from reading to a child to VBS activities.
Medical Clinics – Clinics are operated out of four places on the island. The medical care is free.
Westhaven Children's Home - Volunteers have served at Westhaven each year since 1995. As a home to 81 handicapped children with varying degrees of abilities, Westhaven has need for on-going projects including gardening, construction, sewing, caring for the children, and assisting the Westhaven staff.
Place of Safety (POS) – Next to Westhaven Children’s home, POS houses approximately 75 boys ages 7 to 17. A combination juvenile delinquent facility and orphanage, POS is developing a helping ministry for the boys.
Important dates
Trip dates
January 30 - February 6, 2010 (Adults only)
March 13 - 20, 2010 (Spring Break Family Trip)
Meetings Dates
Informational Meeting for both trips: Sunday, Sept. 27 at 12:30 pm in Room 214
How will faith connections be made with our work?
Large and small group devotions and worship will occur each day. They will include opportunities for discussing and reflecting on our experiences in Jamaica. They will also include the faith celebrations and challenges that we discover living as an intentional Christian community there.
Before, during and after the trip, participants are encouraged to pray about their mission experience and how God will use it in their lives after they return home. The trip itself serves as a catalyst to where God will take you in the future. In addition, a Reflection gathering is held a few weeks after the trip for participants to reconnect with each other and support each other in the re-entry process.
What are the cultural realities we need to be aware of?
People are friendly. English is the national language (with dialect adjustment). Poverty is real and evident and whites are a minority race. Safety issues are similar to those in a large U.S. metropolitan center.
What are the money details?
1. Registration forms and a non-refundable deposit of $150.00/person are required.
2. First payment of $550.00 is due by October 26.
3. Full balance of trip fees is due 60 days prior to departure (11/30/2009 for the Adult trip; 1/13/2010 for the Family trip).
4. Expenses relating to the mission portion of the trip are tax deductible (airfare, lodging, food).
5. Trip prices are based on dollar value and cost of airfare. Prices are subject to change without notice.
6. Mission trip cancellation insurance is available. Call us for details.
7. Refund policy: payments may be refundable if you determine you are unable to attend your scheduled trip up to 45 days prior to your scheduled departure. You may be able to switch to another trip during the season (call us). After tickets are purchased (approximately 45 days prior to your departure), there are no refunds.
8. We reserve the right to cancel trips due to lack of subscription. In the event of cancellation of a trip in its entirety, a full refund of all deposits will be made.
What are some of the other requirements?
1. All participants are required to attend two training sessions. Topics include information on work projects, daily schedules, cultural awareness, international travel and more.
2. A current U.S. passport is required. Click here for information on acquiring a passport.
3. Additional cash will be needed for any personal items such as taxis, souvenirs, off-site meals as you desire, and possibly departure tax.
What do I do next?
1. You can register on-line by clicking here. Or you can print a registration form by clicking here and turning the form into the front office. Registration forms can also be found at the Mission Center. A $150.00 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.
2. Obtain or update your passport if necessary.
How can I get more information?
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