Background: The island – discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 – was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Population: 2,825,928 (July 2010 est.)

country comparison to the world: 139

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 451,310/female 436,466)
15-64 years: 61.1% (male 851,372/female 875,132)
65 years and over: 7.5% (male 94,833/female 116,815) (2010 est.)

Religions: Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal 9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic 2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census)

Languages: English, English patois

Challenges for Prayer: The country has sunk into a morass of social and economic problems that appear insoluble. It has one of the world’s highest homicide rates in the world. Violence in society is made worse by the powerful drug cartels and their distribution networks in both Jamaica and North America. Over 37% of cocaine-carrying ‘mules’ arrested entering the USA arrive from Jamaica. Half the male population are drug-abusers. Pray that government and church leaders may have the courage, moral integrity and determination to turn the country back from sin and to God.

Christianity is numerically strong but spiritually weak. A third of the population goes to church, but the violence, moral collapse in society and the internal divisions and compromise with sin among Christians, cripples initiative and hinders witness.

The less evangelized who need prayer:
a) The very poor have little exposure to the gospel, most churches serving the better-off. The ‘barrel’ children are the impoverished and often bitter, delinquent under-class whose parents have emigrated and occasionally send sustenance to them. A few Catholic and evangelical aid agencies seek to help the poor.
b) The Rastafarians began as a protest movement that espoused spiritism, Black Power and Black consciousness ideas and worshipped the Ethiopian Emperor (Ras Tafari). They are well known for their left-wing politics, dreadlocks, reggae music and use of ganja (marijuana). They have considerable influence in Jamaica and have spread to Europe and North America. They need the Saviour.

There is little missions vision in the churches. Jamaica’s illustrious past contribution to the evangelization of West Africa is forgotten. Pray for the agencies NEST (Networking, Equipping, Sending Team) and the Jamaican International Missionary Fellowship, in their promotion of missions in churches and the schools. Pray also for the School of Missionary Training and missionaries sent out into cross-cultural work. Pray for Caribbean churches to once again catch a vision for world evangelization.

From: http://www.operationworld.org/country/jama/owtext.html

Dr. Donovan Thomas

Dr Thomas has been a predominant person in Jamaica for many years. He was once the Director of Jamaica Youth for Christ and the Caribbean Regional Director, which saw hundreds of young people come to know Christ in a personal way. During his time at YFC he gained a heart for those who see no value in life. He has since started his own ministry Choose Life International, where he is now focusing on suicide prevention. Global Expeditions begain working with Dr Thomas in 2005.

Coming Soon!

Schedule:
• July 8-Arrive in Jamaica
• July 9 – Train for ministry in Jamaica
• July 10- 13 Minister in Jamaica
• July 14-Spend the day at Ocho Rios and shopping
• July 15- Depart for home and change the world

Required Items
• One large duffle bag or roller bag (it must be less than 50 lbs.)
• One carry on (generally a backpack)
• One sleeping bag, pillow, and sheet
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Nalgene or Wide mouth water bottle
• Mini flashlight and batteries
• Money Belt
• Umbrella or poncho

Clothing
• Remember that it is HOT and HUMID in Jamaica!
• 5-6 tops, with no political,secular music/movie messages.
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (shorts MUST be KNEE length)
• 2-3 pairs of pants (jeans, light weight hiking pants or khakis)
• 1 church outfit (Girls: long skirt, must go below knees. Boys: khakis and collared shirt)
• Pajamas, undergarments, and socks (enough for 10+ days)
• Swimsuit (Girls: One piece – Guys & Girls must wear shirt and shorts to and from the water)
• Light jacket or nice sweatshirt (nothing with stains or holes) for when it’s cooler if you wish
• Tennis shoes
• Cheap plastic flip flops (for showers)

Toiletries
• Personal Items, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
• Two Towels and a washcloth
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Large plastic bag for wet clothing/towels
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (preferably tablets), Kaopectate or pill equivalent
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer

Food
• 1 Plastic Jars of Peanut Butter (28oz or larger)
• 1 Plastic squeeze bottles of Jelly (22oz or larger)
• Candy, Toys, Prizes to give away to children you meet (must be packed in your bag)
*Due to airline regulations, your PB&J must be packed in your checked baggage, but make sure it’s easily accessible because it will be collected upon registration.

Miscellaneous Optional Items
• Chap stick, vitamins, etc
• Band aids, cold medicine, Aspirin/Tylenol
• Powdered drink mix to put in your water (Gatorade)
• $10 for laundry ($5 to wash, $5 to dry)
• Spending money (suggested $50 US per week)
• $25 for Fun Day activity at Ocho Rios
• Camera
• iPOD/MP3 player, no secular music allowed
• Books for travel time (books by secular authors are NOT permitted)

More Important Information

• Theft is always a possibility when you travel. Please don’t bring anything that you can’t afford to lose. We recommend that you label items with your full name.
• Make sure that all your luggage meets standard flight check in codes (No more than 50 lbs., and within size regulations) and that it can be easily carried by yourself!

Coming Soon!