When we arrived at Flankers School, the atmosphere was buzzing. The 50 volunteers had gotten there an hour before us, but were in a holding pattern due to the fact that the supplies had not been delivered yet. So, they followed the number one commandment of mission work Blessed are the Flexible and made themselves useful by picking up trash and talking with the locals who had gathered to see what the raucous was about. Kevin Loomis, the general manager of the construction projects spoke with us about what they hoped to accomplish at Flankers campus. Not able to stand still, I could see the excitement pulsing through his body. He told us of the thousands of dollars worth of supplies that were donated to the project, and of the murals that were going to be created around three themes; the nation’s seven heroes, the children’s favorite cartoon characters (Sponge Bob…really?) and corresponding biblical scripture. Then Kevin introduced us to the principal of Flankers School, Hugh Miller. A humble and focused man, Mr. Miller left a lasting impact on me. While small in stature, his persona emitted power and respect. Immediately I could tell he was someone of influence in the community. He spoke of the needs of the community and the ways his staff has served; but that they need so much more. He said the Miles Ahead service project has been an answer to years of prayer. After 20 years of serving at Flankers, he said this would be his first Labor Day (their national independence holiday) that he would NOT have to spend on the school grounds. Every other year he has stayed on campus to conduct repairs and restorations. But this year, because of Miles Ahead’s efforts, he will be able to spend the holiday with his family. Incredible. My parting thought is not that Miles Ahead helped him, but that he has helped so many students and family of which he probably wont receive the appreciation for. He truly blessed me today. Thank You Mr. Miller. You are loved.
T. Teves
The principal said the event was “like Christmas in April.”
Mr. Hugh Miller, who has led Flankers Primary and Junior High School in Montego Bay for 20 years, shook his head today as he stood in the school’s weed-filled yard. The gray and coral paint on the institution’s exterior was chipped and faded. Its metal railings were rusty; its foundation and steps were crumbling.
“We are in very much need of a face lift,” said Mr. Miller, whose dark hair was sprinkled with gray, “and we couldn’t do it ourselves.”
Fifty paintbrush-wielding volunteers from Miles Ahead began lifting Flankers School’s “face,” as well as the spirits of its 746 primary and junior high students and teachers.
The crews are scheduled to work at the school for three days, April 28-30. Steve Poppert, a general contractor in San Diego who was volunteering as the project’s site coordinator, estimated that the Miles Ahead helpers were prepping, sanding and painting 20,000 square feet of wall surface, plus hand and guard rails – a job that would take a typical paint crew a month and a half and use 20 to 30 gallons of paint.
A dozen artistically inclined volunteers worked to restore five faded murals on the school’s exterior walls. Some of the wall paintings were simple animals, birds or flowers. The students’ favorite mural was of Jamaica’s seven national heroes and a map of the country, which Mr. Miller said helped build national pride in the children.
Volunteers also had plans to repaint the school’s motto of “Ambition – Performance – Success.” Steve said they had been given permission to add some scripture to the motto, to inspire the students.
Flankers School is a public school in an area of Montego Bay where many families struggle to make ends meet. For many of its students, Flankers is the most stable element of their lives — a home away from home.
Today the young girls in royal blue jumpers and boys in khaki swarmed over the volunteers, smiling shyly and asking questions. Amanda Ogden didn’t know what to expect when she and her fellow volunteers arrived at the school. When about 20 kids climbed all over her in greeting, her apprehension disappeared.
Amanda thought the children would be more reserved. “I was surprised at how friendly the kids are,” she said.
As the day progressed, the paint arrived and the painting went quickly. In fact, some of the proposed tasks that Steve had set aside — such as painting the interior of a large classroom — were put back on the to-do list. “These people are fired up,” he said. “Their spirits are so great. It’s been wonderful seeing what God has done through them.”
Mr. Miller stood for a moment in the warm tropical sunlight, his dark blue shirt gently flapping in the ocean breeze. Looking up into the residential hills facing the school’s barricaded entrance, he said, “The school is influential in the community. They see what happens here. They notice. It affects the entire neighborhood of Flankers.”
“We are very pleased.”
Miles Ahead volunteer teams piled into buses Sunday morning to worship God with Jamaican Christians brothers and sisters in local churches all over Montego Bay.
The volunteers were warmly welcomed at Green Heights Assembly of God, Fresh Bread Ministries International, St. John’s, the Church on the Rock, the New Testament Church of God, Faith Temple, and the international Worship Center and Faith Ministries.
At one of the churches, the sports team, led by Zack Jones, a former NBA pro and senior director of Rock Sports, participated in joyful praise at the International Worship Center. Pastor Frank Rosewelt and his wife, Hope, preached passionately about living victoriously in the power of God. The congregation has been constructing its still-unfinished building for four years, and graciously welcomed its visitors on unfinished slab under partly painted walls. There was nothing incomplete about the commitment to Jesus Christ, though, as worshipers — Jamaicans and Americans both — clapped, swayed and danced to the music.
The construction team visited Green Heights Assembly of God, a congregation of about 100 led by Loran Conrad. After a generous time of greeting and welcome, the worshippers prayed for the Miles Ahead volunteers and led them in lively out-of-your-seat worship.
It was a blessed start to the Miles Ahead week in Montego Bay.
We came to Jamaica in waves, some of us arriving Thursday, Friday or Saturday, flying through the day and through the night until we reached the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica. We all got here safe and sound — praise God!
And no doubt about it! Jamaica is stunning. We all feel blessed, and buzzed, and ready to serve!
MilesAhead’s photographers captured some of the ups and downs travel moments (and there were many of both!). They’re maintaining agallery of selected shots, so check out http://www.therockphotographers.com/.
We are only days away from sharing the love of Christ with thousands across Montego Bay, Jamaica, during the Best Dressed 50 Fest and Ministry Week April 25-May 4. God has opened this door for us and we are trusting God for a wonderful week of ministry where thousands of young lives will be transformed. He has blessed us with 280 volunteers who are giving of their time and talent to join us in Montego Bay.
During the week of April 28, Medical Clinic teams will touch people’s lives physically and spiritually; School Assembly teams will reach out to kids in their classrooms; Street Evangelism teams will minister to people where they are; Construction teams will improve kids’ lives by cleaning up two schools and replacing toilets; Sports teams will bring talent and fun with a message; and Childrens’ teams will have the chance to share the gospel with thousands of kids.
Stay tuned in this week for up-to-date news and information. We are excited about what God is about to do, and can’t wait to tell you about it.
If you want to help our efforts in Jamaica please pray for us and/or donate to Miles Ahead Ministries.
