St. Bess - The Return

[R00TS]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

Man this is a large veiw. Good stuff CEW
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

From the main floor balcony


</div></div>

[DiamondDave]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">&quot;Pastor, God damn good to hell yu nuh.&quot;</div></div>



I'll bet even God got a laugh outta that!!!

[ohliz]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

From the main floor balcony


Oh.my.Lord. That is amazing.



Alpart shipping port (bauxite) to the right


You were west of Alligator Pond, east of Treasure Beach....like right over Lover's Leap? Southfield?

I got SO lost driving around there last trip...oh no...is this Nain again? Let's try the other fork this time...

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DiamondDave</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">&quot;Pastor, God damn good to hell yu nuh.&quot;</div></div>



I'll bet even God got a laugh outta that!!! </div></div>
Him and everybody else up top

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ohliz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From the main floor balcony


Oh.my.Lord. That is amazing.



Alpart shipping port (bauxite) to the right


You were west of Alligator Pond, east of Treasure Beach....like right over Lover's Leap? Southfield?

I got SO lost driving around there last trip...oh no...is this Nain again? Let's try the other fork this time... </div></div>
Ocean Breeze is in Southfield, and from there it took me about 20 mins to walk leisurely to Lover's Leap. Actually, one would have to drive past Lovers' Leap and the Ocean View Bible Camp to get to where we were.

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

I mentioned earlier that our meetings were held under a tent in the community of Lititz. On this particular evening we arrived early and I got a couple pictures of it.



People were showing up an hour before services started, and it was funny how people are creatues of habit. Nothing but empty chairs in front of them to pick, choose, and refuse from but they started settling in the back.


Do you believe in coincidences? Divine appointments? A story about this location but feel free to skip it if you're so inclined . Interestingly, it wasn't the preferred one of the organizers, but after plans for another fell through, this one became available. But what was initially seen as a disappointment turned out to have a much great purpose. The first night we were there, we became aware of a gentleman across the street that was very sick, so some team members went over and encouraged / prayed with him and his wife. She later told me that his heart was weak, he had water in his lungs, and the doctors could do no more. On Monday evening, he said that Sunday night was the best he had slept in a while.

We went back Tuesday and Wednesday, during which time he gave his life to Christ. On Thursday evening as we went over, his wife was seated on the varendah, but we didn't see him. She informed us that he passed away in his sleep at 3 o'clock that same afternoon. Was the disappointment of not getting the preferred location so that we could have ministered to Roy? God sure works in mysterious ways and He wasn't done yet.

Right beside that house was another lady who had suffered a stroke and was unable to talk. She really couldn't help herself, but we found out that she sat on her varendah every night and listened to all the services. Some of our team members visited with her every evening for the rest of time we were there.

Then there was a dear middle-aged to older lady who walked about 30 minutes every night to get to the services. She hadn't missed a single one at the time I was speaking with her. Because there isn't an established church in the community, she was unable to attend any. She said she had a lot of problems, wasn't working, her legs were swollen, but she was strengthened and encouraged by being in the services. We blessed her with some money, and it was an uneasy feeling seeing tears flow down her face.

Next night I saw her and she had quite a bounce in her step! She got to the tent at 6 o'clock, and had cleared it of every water bottle and pieces of paper she could find that were left over from the night before. She had also cleaned off every chair, and she reported to us how she was able to go into the town, pay some bills, buy some food, and that she was feeling a whole lot better. &quot;God is so good&quot; she said through tears, &quot;and I just want to do a little bit to tell Him thanks.&quot; Right then she reminded me of the woman who broke her alabaster box (all she had) and anointed the feet of Jesus.

I never get used to what flows from a heart of gratitude when it comes face to face with the love of Christ. All I knew was that we were there for these people, and that much had become evident. I only wish we could have done more.

[Compry]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Do you believe in coincidences? Divine appointments? A story about this location but feel free to skip it if you're so inclined . Interestingly, it wasn't the preferred one of the organizers, but after plans for another fell through, this one became available. But what was initially seen as a disappointment turned out to have a much great purpose. The first night we were there, we became aware of a gentleman across the street that was very sick, so some team members went over and encouraged / prayed with him and his wife. She later told me that his heart was weak, he had water in his lungs, and the doctors could do no more. On Monday evening, he said that Sunday night was the best he had slept in a while.

We went back Tuesday and Wednesday, during which time he gave his life to Christ. On Thursday evening as we went over, his wife was seated on the varendah, but we didn't see him. She informed us that he passed away in his sleep at 3 o'clock that same afternoon. Was the disappointment of not getting the preferred location so that we could have ministered to Roy? God sure works in mysterious ways and He wasn't done yet.

Right beside that house was another lady who had suffered a stroke and was unable to talk. She really couldn't help herself, but we found out that she sat on her varendah every night and listened to all the services. Some of our team members visited with her every evening for the rest of time we were there.

Then there was a dear middle-aged to older lady who walked about 30 minutes every night to get to the services. She hadn't missed a single one at the time I was speaking with her. Because there isn't an established church in the community, she was unable to attend any. She said she had a lot of problems, wasn't working, her legs were swollen, but she was strengthened and encouraged by being in the services. We blessed her with some money, and it was an uneasy feeling seeing tears flow down her face.

Next night I saw her and she had quite a bounce in her step! She got to the tent at 6 o'clock, and had cleared it of every water bottle and pieces of paper she could find that were left over from the night before. She had also cleaned off every chair, and she reported to us how she was able to go into the town, pay some bills, buy some food, and that she was feeling a whole lot better. &quot;God is so good&quot; she said through tears, &quot;and I just want to do a little bit to tell Him thanks.&quot; Right then she reminded me of the woman who broke her alabaster box (all she had) and anointed the feet of Jesus.

I never get used to what flows from a heart of gratitude when it comes face to face with the love of Christ. All I knew was that we were there for these people, and that much had become evident. I only wish we could have done more.
</div></div>

Glory to God.

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

Wednesday. Should have been a rest day, but a member of our team decided to donate a drum set to the church she was in the Sunday previously, and whose Pastor was coming with us. At 11:30 we set out for Mandeville, but first we had to pick up my buddy from last year, Tyrone. He came along as our consultant for the purchase. For those of you who remember him, he and his family are doing great. He's still smiling from ear to ear, and it was a delight catching up with him again

In Mandeville the weather was fine, then it rained...



Midweek congestion












The drainage system was alright, but as the rest of the team huddled in the store waiting for the rain to break, I stood out front and watched the waters swirl along the curb. It brought back a lot of memories - using match sticks as 'boats' to race my friends, or making our own 'boats' from paper. Watching the kids darting here and there in the rain, uniforms soaked, some with shoes in hand, it was like seeing myself as life was back then. Yeah, this was Jamaica. Having lived away for almost 20 years, it's funny how much we forget until we have reasons to remember

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

Of course, being in Mandeville, I wanted to get to the place in the Shopping Center where I had the Cucumber Juice in '07. After spending over two hours in a bookstore (blame it on the ladies who wanted to shop, shop, shop for their kids, family members, etc.), we finally got to the place. Much to my chagrin, no Cucumber Juice, but being determined to try something new, I settled on Beetroot Juice. It was simply divine

The food here was excellent. Some pics of the different things we had:

Tyrone in the red shirt...




Oxtail and Beans...




This was mine...




More later...

[schultz]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

Cew, beautiful report. Thanks for sharing with us! It's making me want to get back to the beautiful island.

[R00TS]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I mentioned earlier that our meetings were held under a tent in the community of Lititz. On this particular evening we arrived early and I got a couple pictures of it.



People were showing up an hour before services started, and it was funny how people are creatues of habit. Nothing but empty chairs in front of them to pick, choose, and refuse from but they started settling in the back.


Do you believe in coincidences? Divine appointments? A story about this location but feel free to skip it if you're so inclined . Interestingly, it wasn't the preferred one of the organizers, but after plans for another fell through, this one became available. But what was initially seen as a disappointment turned out to have a much great purpose. The first night we were there, we became aware of a gentleman across the street that was very sick, so some team members went over and encouraged / prayed with him and his wife. She later told me that his heart was weak, he had water in his lungs, and the doctors could do no more. On Monday evening, he said that Sunday night was the best he had slept in a while.

We went back Tuesday and Wednesday, during which time he gave his life to Christ. On Thursday evening as we went over, his wife was seated on the varendah, but we didn't see him. She informed us that he passed away in his sleep at 3 o'clock that same afternoon. Was the disappointment of not getting the preferred location so that we could have ministered to Roy? God sure works in mysterious ways and He wasn't done yet.

Right beside that house was another lady who had suffered a stroke and was unable to talk. She really couldn't help herself, but we found out that she sat on her varendah every night and listened to all the services. Some of our team members visited with her every evening for the rest of time we were there.

Then there was a dear middle-aged to older lady who walked about 30 minutes every night to get to the services. She hadn't missed a single one at the time I was speaking with her. Because there isn't an established church in the community, she was unable to attend any. She said she had a lot of problems, wasn't working, her legs were swollen, but she was strengthened and encouraged by being in the services. We blessed her with some money, and it was an uneasy feeling seeing tears flow down her face.

Next night I saw her and she had quite a bounce in her step! She got to the tent at 6 o'clock, and had cleared it of every water bottle and pieces of paper she could find that were left over from the night before. She had also cleaned off every chair, and she reported to us how she was able to go into the town, pay some bills, buy some food, and that she was feeling a whole lot better. &quot;God is so good&quot; she said through tears, &quot;and I just want to do a little bit to tell Him thanks.&quot; Right then she reminded me of the woman who broke her alabaster box (all she had) and anointed the feet of Jesus.

I never get used to what flows from a heart of gratitude when it comes face to face with the love of Christ. All I knew was that we were there for these people, and that much had become evident. I only wish we could have done more.
</div></div>

Praise God!!

[MsExced]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

And we wonder why we should never question him, just let him lead us.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I mentioned earlier that our meetings were held under a tent in the community of Lititz. On this particular evening we arrived early and I got a couple pictures of it.



People were showing up an hour before services started, and it was funny how people are creatues of habit. Nothing but empty chairs in front of them to pick, choose, and refuse from but they started settling in the back.


Do you believe in coincidences? Divine appointments? A story about this location but feel free to skip it if you're so inclined . Interestingly, it wasn't the preferred one of the organizers, but after plans for another fell through, this one became available. But what was initially seen as a disappointment turned out to have a much great purpose. The first night we were there, we became aware of a gentleman across the street that was very sick, so some team members went over and encouraged / prayed with him and his wife. She later told me that his heart was weak, he had water in his lungs, and the doctors could do no more. On Monday evening, he said that Sunday night was the best he had slept in a while.

We went back Tuesday and Wednesday, during which time he gave his life to Christ. On Thursday evening as we went over, his wife was seated on the varendah, but we didn't see him. She informed us that he passed away in his sleep at 3 o'clock that same afternoon. Was the disappointment of not getting the preferred location so that we could have ministered to Roy? God sure works in mysterious ways and He wasn't done yet.

Right beside that house was another lady who had suffered a stroke and was unable to talk. She really couldn't help herself, but we found out that she sat on her varendah every night and listened to all the services. Some of our team members visited with her every evening for the rest of time we were there.

Then there was a dear middle-aged to older lady who walked about 30 minutes every night to get to the services. She hadn't missed a single one at the time I was speaking with her. Because there isn't an established church in the community, she was unable to attend any. She said she had a lot of problems, wasn't working, her legs were swollen, but she was strengthened and encouraged by being in the services. We blessed her with some money, and it was an uneasy feeling seeing tears flow down her face.

Next night I saw her and she had quite a bounce in her step! She got to the tent at 6 o'clock, and had cleared it of every water bottle and pieces of paper she could find that were left over from the night before. She had also cleaned off every chair, and she reported to us how she was able to go into the town, pay some bills, buy some food, and that she was feeling a whole lot better. &quot;God is so good&quot; she said through tears, &quot;and I just want to do a little bit to tell Him thanks.&quot; Right then she reminded me of the woman who broke her alabaster box (all she had) and anointed the feet of Jesus.

I never get used to what flows from a heart of gratitude when it comes face to face with the love of Christ. All I knew was that we were there for these people, and that much had become evident. I only wish we could have done more.
</div></div>

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<span style="font-weight: bold">Ms Exced, R00TS:</span> As they say on the island, God good bad! If we take Him out of the box, let go and let Him, there's no limit as to what He will do. He awes and wows me everytime!

[Jamaicamiss]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

I got tears in my eyes about the people you administered to. God bless you.

The food pics are driving me crazy. I have to wait almost 2 months before I return to taste the Jamaican goodness. I will have to try the beetroot juice. When I first bought beets at the store and brought them home, Ted asked me what I was going to do with them. As in my family tradition I was going to cook them and eat them as a vegetable. He thought that was funny since Jamaicans only use the juice.

[Diplomat]

Re: St. Bess - The Return

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: schultz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cew, beautiful report. Thanks for sharing with us! It's making me want to get back to the beautiful island. </div></div>
Thank you, and of course, the pleasure is mine.