Going to the Birds

Recently we visited Rockland's Bird Sanctuary near Montego Bay. We successfully found this private abode after maneuvering past Sasquatch-size potholes and four-wheeling up a steep mountain road. The trip was well worth it though, as we were greeted by care-taker Fritz who supplied us each with a mini hummingbird feeder to hold and sprinkled bird seed on our knees and by our feet. It didn't take long for our flying friends to warm up to us and start feeding. We enjoyed the company of Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird; a hummingbird with a long double tail that resembles a doctor's coat. Also, a Mango Hummingbird, a large Jamaica Oriole and a variety of others. We were then given a tour of the surrounding area and an education about the various plants and herbs.

Apply Your Heart To Instruction

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach." Romans 12:6-7
I am just finishing up my first year of teaching at the Assemblies of God Bible College in Christiana, Jamaica. My class of first year students is the largest class the Bible College has seen. They have been exceptional, vibrant and exciting students to teach. Thanks to the encouragement of the General Superintendent of Jamaica, Reverend Conrad Pitkin, education is getting the positive push it needs. Students from all over the island, including graduates of Teen Challenge and members of other denominations, are coming and receiving not only a great education but also ministerial experience in the Pentecostal tradition. In December, fellow missionaries Reverend Steve and Pam Livingston and Academic Dean Reverend Margaret Mills are hosting a missions team to Curacao and taking as many students that are able to go with them. Plans are also in the works to expand the Bible College to allow more students the opportunity to recieve a quality education. This is an exciting time for the Assemblies of God Bible College in Jamaica.

Of Chickens and Pigs

Someone once said that the difference between involvement and commitment is like an eggs and ham breakfast; the chicken is involved but the pig was committed.

The month of May turns our attention towards a different type of commitment celebrated every year in honor of mothers. Each child, in every family, is encouraged to show in their own creative way their appreciation for mom. Pictures are drawn, cards are created and breakfast is presented in bed for mom on her special day.
Although the act of giving birth technically makes someone a mother that is not what is actually being celebrated on Mother’s Day. The celebration is in honor of the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility each mom accepts in her commitment to raising a child created in the image of God.
This same privilege and responsibility has also been entrusted to us at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home. Although other women may have given birth to our children, we are committed to raising them in a way that honors God. Motherhood is a noble endeavor and we give thanks to our friends and sponsors who by their prayers and financial support help us to honor our commitment.

Happy Mother’s Day.