| Cuba/Jamaica/USA |
Mutual Mission |
Hearts and Hands Across the Sea |
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Mutual Mission
with Jamaica began in 1979 as a new way of doing mission. Instead of sending
missionaries, we could mutually resource each other. In joint meetings. each
partner would share needs and resources, setting the goals to be attained
together. In the beginning, we focused on agricultural needs in Jamaica, such as providing better coffee plants and supplying chickens and cows, and also on the job training for young adults. In Florida we engaged in community development in rural Alachua County and the urban center of Jacksonville. In recent years, the emphasis has changed to undergirding medical and dental services to the rural poor and to helping provide pastoral counseling. Currently, three denominations in Jamaica participate: the Methodist, Moravian and United Churches. MISSIONS MEDICAL MISSION: Each year in June, doctors, nurses and dentists travel to Jamaica to treat well over a thousand patients in need. Next trip is June 15-22, 2008 DENTAL-ONLY MISSION: Each January a group of dental professionals (dentists, hygienists, assistants) spend a week-long mission in Jamaica providing dental work, cleanings, and dentures. Next trip is January 2009 (tba) YOUTH EXCHANGE: A joint youth exchange between US American and Jamaican youth is held during the summer. The entire group spends a week in mission in each country. Next trip is July 9-23, 2008. ADULT EXCHANGE: Every other year in the fall, adults from Jamaica are hosted here by members of our Presbytery and during the intervening years, members of our Presbytery are hosted in Jamaica. Next trip is November 2008 in Florida (tba). CUBA PARTNERSHIP: In May 2002, our Presbytery voted unanimously to invite the Presbyterian Church of Cuba to participate in Mutual Mission. Next trip is 2008 (tba). UPCOMING: |
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