My husband and I were born in Bunkers Hill Clarendon, Jamaica. I graduated high school in 1979. With the intention of becoming a nurse and relocating to the United States and leaving Bunkers Hill for good, I took a job at a local hospital in Clarendon, and it was at that facility that the vision of building a medical clinic in my own community was birthed within me. Seeing the people walk for miles to have their wounds dressed weekly and to see the condition of their wounds, was pivotal in that vision. Over the following years, my relationship with God continued to deepen, God began to teach me about my purpose. One year later, after a missionary trip with my husband to Jamaica, we were discussing my dream for building a clinic. My husband, who had property back in Jamaica, decided to donate his land for the building of the clinic. God gave the vision and God provided the land. It is then our faith was activated as we made our vision known. I shared my vision with Pastor Debra, who in turn volunteered herself and the church to commit to bring the vision to completion. This truly is a testimony of God as the dream giver and He’s the same One who works to fulfill that dream. My desire was to leave the small town mentality, and distant myself. But God had placed a dream inside me that would involve that community. Since then GRMI has broken ground in Jamaica with it's first missionary trip June 2006. We will be leaving for Jamaica, June 6th 13th 2009, with a group of missionaries, for our fourth trip there. We look forward to seeing the people in the village that we have come to know and love and feel so blessed to be used by the Lord to help His people, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Overview
Jamaica is a gorgeous Caribbean island nation located 600 miles south of Florida and 600 miles east of mainland Central America. Cuba lies directly to the north and Haiti to the east. Jamaica is adorned with beautiful sandy beaches on its north and west coasts, while the south and east coasts tumble down from the mountains to the water in the form of marshes and mangroves as well as few dark-colored sand beaches. Peaking at 7,402 feet, the Blue Mountains are famous for rich coffee beans. The mountains dominate any view of the eastern side of the island. The rest of Jamaica consists of rolling hills and flat beaches.
Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, is one of the Caribbean’s largest cities. Perched on the edge of the world’s seventh largest natural harbor, Kingston’s population comprises nearly 1 million people. This is approximately one third of Jamaica’s 3 million inhabitants. Living space is at a premium in this capital city. As the inner-city population continues to swell, the government has begun to develop suburbs to relieve some of the tension and hardships that can result from such density. From new shopping malls and restaurants in “New” Kingston to the “projects” called Three Mile, metropolitan Kingston represents the diversity of modern Jamaica.
Other famous cities and locales include Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, which are truly the “picture postcards” of Jamaica. While these tourist locations are beautiful, romantic, and tropical, they do not accurately represent everyday life for the vast majority of Jamaicans. The struggle to make a living and create a better tomorrow dominates day-to-day life for most natives.
History
Jamaica was originally settled by the Arawak Indians of South America in the 700s AD. In 1494, Christopher Columbus stopped in Jamaica on his second voyage to the New World. The Spanish were the first to settle in Jamaica while slowly eliminating the Arawaks.
In the late 1600s, the English arrived in Jamaica. Spain and England were peaceful at the time, and the two countries united with a common goal of fighting off pirates that were plundering ships and communities throughout the Caribbean.
Near the end of the 1700s, England had begun importing slaves from West Africa. By the end of the century, 20,000 English landowners ruled over 300,000 African slaves on sugar plantations. Lay Pastor Sam “Daddy” Sharpe led the way to abolition slavery through passive resistance. He became a national hero while ultimately laying down his life for the cause of freedom. Slavery was officially abolished in 1834, though thousands died in the struggle.
Throughout the 1900s, Jamaica’s chief industries were sugar cane and bananas. These industries grew through corrupt business and government practices, which led to unrest and periodic uprisings from the labor forces.
Language
English is the official and predominantly spoken language in Jamaica. In addition, the locals have their own dialect and slang use of the language.
Food
Jamaican food is very flavorful and generally made from local resources. A typical Jamaican breakfast may include salt fish and ackee, a native fruit. A local dinner may feature fried fish or chicken with rice and beans. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Jamaican Jerk style sauce!
Activities
Jamaica plays host to a myriad of activities. The island is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and dense jungles. Jamaica hosts more than 3,800 plant species and features more than 100 rivers. The wilderness is never far away!
Some of the Caribbean’s best shopping is in Jamaica. Open air markets and negotiating a price for an item are commonplace in Jamaica. With a strong local culture and substantial tourism industry, there is always the opportunity to bring a souvenir from Jamaica home with you.
Climate
Jamaica enjoys a subtropical climate throughout the year. The wet season occurs from August through November, raining in brief mid-afternoon showers. The dry season is from December through March. Normal highs year-round range from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures are in the 60 to 70 degree range.
Safety
Safety is our top priority at Praying Pelican Missions. All who travel need to take necessary precautions and be reminded to be aware of their environment. Jamaica has its share of crime, but generally it is confined to the urban areas amongst the locals. The Jamaica Tourism Board is continually working to maintain a safe environment for travelers and tourists.
Currency
The Jamaican dollar is the official unit of currency, though United States dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately $65 Jamaica = $1 U.S.
Religion
Most Jamaicans profess some form of spiritual faith. It is the birthplace of Rastafarianism and its most famous follower, Bob Marley, so many Jamaicans promote "one love." This refers to the belief that we are God and God is us, thus creating "one love." Other prevalent religions include Buddhism, Jehovah’s Witness, Voodoo, and African-based Animist beliefs.
Christian churches have a significant presence in Jamaica. Protestant churches are more prevalent than Catholic churches by a 10 to 1 ratio, resulting from the English Anglican influence from past centuries.
Economy
Today, Jamaica is in a relatively stable state with the economy showing slow to moderate growth. This growth is fueled by the tourism industry and bauxite (a base form of aluminum) mining in the heart of the country. As the bauxite mines begin to run out, concerns are growing about what industry will take its place. Other significant exports include sugar cane and bananas.
The annual income in Jamaica is $4,100 U.S. dollars per person, creating a thin line between poverty and the middle class. This concern will be paramount to the people of Jamaica for years to come.
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You can make contributions online and you can also contact us, to make other donations. Click here to view the Jamaica photo album.
( Jamaican locals assisting missionaries with building of the clinic)