"God is Good!"

Day one in Jamaica and...WOW! We worshipped this morning with the Kingston Church of Christ and there couldn't have been a better start for our trip. The music was on point and had half of us in tears with lyrics about God's power and providence. The communion today came out of Deuteronomy 4 and focused on remembering God's love showed to us through Jesus on the cross and to us personally when we made the choice to make Jesus Lord of our lives. THe sermon was out of Nahum 1 and challenged us as much as the communion encouraged us. We focused on God's righteous anger and how condemnation that coms from sin is a result of his justice. He offer us free love, but we must make the choice to either repent and feel his grace and forgiveness or stay in our sin and have his wrath stored up against us. As we sang today, "God is good...How could we let him down." Amen for being in Jamaica and worshipping with our brothers and sisters this morning! We're currently en route to the other side of the island so please keep us in our prayers that we can take the lesson to heart and fight to be righteous and ready to serve this week. Much love Mon! - Jacob R.

First Morning!

Our first morning is great. Breakfast was much more efficient this year! The coffee was so needed. It still amazes me how cordial and "proper" the waitresses are here. The parents are all doing well. We can't wait to worship with our brothers and sisters in the Kingston Church! Then we are off for an afternoon on the beach.

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Night, Night!

Finally in our rooms.  Hungry and tired. We didn't get to eat and our plane was delayed in Miami so we got to hotel at midnight our time. Proud of the kids as I didn't here one iota of complaining. Breakfast at 7am and then off to worship with Kingston church.  Hunters had a productive day as they held a marriage devotional for about 40 couples. Tomorrow they will meet with a group of parents while we haed to camp...well, we stop at a place called Jack Sprats in Treasure Bay where we will eat and play on the beach, then go to camp.  Thanks for the opportunity to be here with your children. They make me proud!!! Good night. Sleep well. Jeff
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Finally home. Cliche?

Jordyn Beaty and Emily shapiro coming at you live from the Jamaican bus. Just heard our first yeah man and im pretty sure were on the wrong side of the road.  Stomachs growling, lights blinking, eyes almost shut... Traveling is overrated. When everyone said we would shine a light in jamaica, we didn't realize it was because were so white. So.excited for camp Monday. America in the rear view mirror, Jamaica's future right before us. Blurry pic rough roads.
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Hurry up and wait!!

So its me Sam and we have been sitting on the plane for 30 mins. We sprinted or OJ-ed thru the airport to just sit here. Ah well God is teaching me to be patient I suppose... Well over and out until the next blog. Pray for us!

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OJing through the Airport

Sown we sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes because a skyward was broke. Walked clear across Miami airport.  Just made flight. Pilot knee we were coming. Jamaica here welcome!
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Planes, trains and automobiles

We can't believe that in only a few hours we will all be in the sweet embraces of our Jamaican family. All of the babysitting jobs, lawns mowed and the many months of only eating peanut butter and ritz crackers (college students) seem like such a small sacrifice compared to the overwhelming joy and excitement that we all feel now. We've taken over the airport with loud voices, swamp corp shirts and of course the terminal area is now an official napping area. Together we all form the spirit of camp, the light of the world , the swamp corp. Get ready world here we come.

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Ey kids, wanna ride on dee bus? ;)

We're on the way to the airport! The fab four (Abigail, Halie, Jacob, and Stephen) are comin at cha live from the charter bus! Can't wait for JamCamp XI and all the amazing things God is going to use us for! We'll keep you all updated on our trip. Thanks for all your support, love, and most of all prayers! We love you all! Deuces!!!
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T-Minus 5 Days and Counting!

Yesterday we had the final team meetings to go over details, questions, and instructions. There was an electricity in the air...and it wasn't just the incredible thunderstorms that rolled through Atlanta/Athens either! People are so excited! This thrills my heart to see parents and kids this juiced to go and serve others and to learn themselves. There are quite a few who have never flown on a plane or left the country. What an adventure for them! Then there are those of us who are excited to return to see the campers, to hear of their growth and the amazing things that have happened since we last saw each other. I wish I could capture the right words for how glorious I anticipate that reunion to be. Continue to keep us in your prayers. Until next time, Jeff

South Africa is Official!

This past Tuesday we spoke with Dave, Karen and Rodwell to finalize the prospect of Swamp Corps going to South Africa.  After much talk and looking at the camp (Ebenezer Farm in Delmas), determining if it can hold the numbers we want, and assuring ourselves that there is ample interest from campers, counselors and adult volunteers, we all decided this is a must.  So guess what!?  WE ARE GOING TO SOUTH AFRICA!!!!  The dates for the trip are December 29th, 2011 through January 9th, 2012 and the camp will run January 3-7.  We are planning on 35 traveling from the US (16 counselors, 10 campers and 9 adults) to meet with over 175 campers, counselors, and adult volunteers from SA.  We are in the midst of determining costs and will open the application process some time in next two weeks.  This is exciting news and just another step to helping kids all over the globe.  BTW, you can view pics of the camp location on our website on the photo gallery page.  More to come.  Thanks, Jeff