Marion Jacobs
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
The word of the Lord to us for this season, defined 2007-2009 as a time of preparing for increase. We are learning how to deal with conflict. As a multi-cultural community, we have become a place of peace. We all signed a peace covenant governing how we will relate to each other and how we resolve conflicts. Our scripture for this season has been Isaiah 54:2-3,10, and we agreed with the Lord for his increase..
However, sometimes increase only comes after much pruning. The word of God reminds us that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies it produces much more... The pruning was not pleasant. As a campus we have experienced loss, and death- our own family members and of those of dear friends. We went through stormy times as a ministry, and also as individuals. But the Lord was with us, just as He promised- " when you pass through the waters I will be there with you." (Isaiah 43:2) The Lord has been teaching us to count it all joy when we have fiery trials. As perseverance and patience are formed in us we will be perfect and complete lacking no good thing. (James 1:2-4)
However, beyond our stretching as a mission, we have also seen so many demonstrations of the Lord's faithfulness and blessings. We have seen blessings of a new wave of youth coming to be trained with us. More partnership with the local churches and other ministries like SOME Body Cares and BOSS the Movement Jamaica . More persons are gaining an interest in serving the poor and the needy. Houses are being built for the desolate through our Homes of Hope outreach program. New young leaders and multigenerational teams are serving among the unreached peoples. We have seen God stirring up a new passion for worship, intercession and a heart for the lost in Jamaicans, for their own nation, and for the nations of the earth. Still, we are wanting to see more Jamaicans participating in world missions, and we dream of our Mobay Campus being used as a sports and skills training centre to engage and serve our community.
It has been an intensive breathless adventure! Already we are winding down one more year and heading into a new year full of promise. The Year 2010 is especially significant to us as it marks the 50th Year of YWAM's existence!
We invite you to celebrate with us throughout the year. Partner with us in our vision, for truly we want to Know God and to make Him known. Each upcoming year brings us to a place of renewal in our commitment to "Go until it's done!"; to see the Great Commission fulfilled. Our heartbeat is to mobilize, train and send willing servants to serve the youth the poor and the needy and unreached tribes. Will you be one?
The world is waiting!
Marion Jacobs
Montego Bay Director
