The Story of Shimiel

This is a demonstration of how much God loves us and does not want to punish us but that He is also just and must punish our sin.

Map of the JBU Workshops March - April 2012

I assisted in conducting six (6) of the many workshops done across the island as a part of the Jamaica Baptist Union's (JBU) Mission 20/20 Vision. I was teamed with great persons such as:-

• Alvin Bailey (EE NAC Chairman - Jamaica) Ebony Vale
• Dwight Kelly (EE Volunteer - Jamaica) Morant Bay, Ocho Rios, Browns Hall
• David Clark (EE NA West Co-ordintor  - USA) Greater Portmore
• Stacy-Ann Hyde (EE Implementation Field Worker) Kellits

I thank God for all of them and I bless them for the journey and the sacrifice they have made especially over the past two months and especially to David for leaving his family in the USA to join us in Jamaica.

Special thanks is also extended to my Coach, Caribbean Regional Director, Devon Linton for the many invaluable lessons taught to me over the years and the sacrifice to make it happen. 

I thank you and bless you all in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. Go team!

Never Enough Time - Share Your Faith Workshop

Morant Bay became more alive as we infested the streets of the busy town where the Morant Bay Baptist Church is located to share our faith.

On April 21, 2012, the team comprising Dwight Kelly and myself (Stacy) made the journey from St. Catherine to St. Thomas. We got right into the workshop after devotions led by the host Rev. We had a very participatory crowd today and they kept us sharp and on our toes. We did our usual checks to ensure that they all had a hand that particular day as it would be quite essential to the workshop. We never really take this lightly or for granted as we are aware that there are many without limbs. But God is very creative and has other great designs for getting His word into the hearts of people.

The hand check :)

Now after picking on a few willing participants I found out not too long after I was picking on a pastor. Good thing he didn't seem to mind at all. See him in action below.

Pastor Whitton and company showing us how its done

Practice time is a must as it is one of the most effective ways that persons learn; practice by doing. And so we got them practicing as soon as possible. There is always a cry of sorts when practice has to end :).

Fellow presenter Dwight going through to ensure everyone has a partner
and is getting a chance to practice

Practicing up close with two lovely ladies

I always encourage attendees to come to the front and participate because they get more practice time and we are all there to help them. They are not always willing participants but with some encouraging they always come up and do a great job. Allan was one such person who took over the teaching of the hand presentation. We even had to start over at one point as he instructed so we could get it right.

(l-r) Allan, myself and another participant ensuring we got it right

These attendees were beautiful inside and out and continued to display a true sense of commitment to the purpose of learning to share their faith. We did some OJT and got some wonderful reports on professions of faith and just how easy it was for them to engage persons on the road. As usual it never seemed to be enough time for them as some came back long after the agreed time (lol). When they did finally return, they would have missed the instruction to report on the most significant encounter and go on to tell us of the many great experiences. 

Vivien giving her report back on OJT (on the job training)

Many would say we have time on our side, but we are reminded that time is only guaranteed now and so we must make use of whatever time God allows us to love each other and share the free gift of eternal life with others. Tomorrow is promised to no man so why not serve Almighty God today. Feel free to drop me a note if you want to talk more about sharing your faith with others or if you would like to receive the free gift of eternal life. The time that I have, I want to share with you.

Journey to the Center of Jamaica - Kellits, Clarendon

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." New International Version. 

On April 28, 2012, we set out to a small community called Kellits. I was not prepared for the journey ahead (not sure anything would have adequately prepared me). When we finally got to the uttermost hills of Clarendon, I had to take a few minutes to allow my head to stop spinning and my body to follow. We journeyed for two hours up, up, up and round, round, round and I thought we would never get there. Worst than that, I was feeling so sick from the journey I didn't think I would be able to even do the workshop and I was the only presenter on this trip.

The journey to the Kellits Baptist Church was worth every turn and pothole as we drove to our destination. The attendees were so warm and receptive and eager to learn the hand presentation of the gospel. No one left their hand that day which made it even more fun with the assistance of Jackie and Derrick from the Grace/Mineral Heights Baptist Church. No time was wasted in getting them involved and practicing.

Mother & daughter team preparing to lead 

Shana-Kay (daughter) went through the hand presentation of the gospel swiftly,
 while her mom gave support

These persons were just so sweet and warm coming together from sixteen (16) different churches in this remote rural area in the hills of Clarendon. The could not get enough of practicing the hand presentation in their groups. Always such a challenge to regroup when their time is up.

Practice time

Another group practices outside

Things were going great until we got to session 4 when we experienced a power cut. The power did not return until the end time for the workshop. This did not however stop the workshop or the enthusiasm and participation of the attendees. They even gave up some of their lunch time so we could do some OJT :).

Not to be left out was the vibrant Pastor Williams of the zone. Guess who he is in the picture below.

We give God thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit in this area as our brief time in the town square reminded us that many are waiting to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us continue to share until everyone hears.

Team Work - Share Your Faith with David Clarke

We may never really appreciate the effort of a team until we realize we are unable to carry our weight. That's how I felt at the Greater Portmore Baptist Zone Share Your Faith Workshop held on April 14, 2012. I was battling the flu with such a terrible cough and a lousy feeling.Yet God's strength was made perfect in my weakness and He sent David to bear me up with prayer and practical help.

I was only too happy to allow David to take the full reigns of this workshop and as usual he did a great job! PTL! (learnt this from David :))

David Clarke (NA West Coordinator for Evangelism Explosion)

Even as we demonstrated team work (somewhat one sided... LOL), we encouraged them to work in teams as they practiced the hand presentation of the gospel. We gave them a little time each time to practice but it seems it was never enough as we took some time to get them to settle down and refocus on us. This kinda excitement is quite catching and we hope through reading this post you will also catch on to the excitement of learning and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ... for it is the power of God unto salvation to them that believe... Rom 1:16

Practicing in pairs

We were a bit crammed for space but we made do with it still found time to share a joke or two. Participants were keen in following along in their books and were not afraid to ask questions and participate.

David being a part of the attendees. He not only told us how its done but he demonstrated how its done.

David interacting with attendees

Stacy being a part of the attendees :). LOL.
I felt right at home with them and had to remind myself  what I was there to do.
Learn like everybody else... as we shared with each other.

So there is never an excuse after attending a Share Your Faith Workshop as to why you are not making witnessing a part of your everyday life.

If you are not sure how to share your faith and you want to know an easy to learn, yet hard to forget way to share your faith, feel free to get in touch with us and we will come to you and share with you what God has placed in our hands.