After the Festival

In the spring of 2008, nearly 300 volunteers responded to an invitation from Jamaica to come to the western Caribbean country as part of a humanitarian and faith-based outreach. We worked in partnership with churches, businesses, and civil leaders to bring $5.5 million in medical supplies and services; painted schools; built walls; performed school assemblies; visited the sick and elderly; and shared the love of God wherever we could.

(May 12, 2008) — Serving Jamaica changes you. Serving anyone changes you, of course. But there’s something about being part of a massive operation, in which everywhere you turn you see lives being transformed. Lives of Jamaicans. Lives of Americans.

Some of us may not return physically to this beautiful jewel in the Caribbean. But we will never really ever say goodbye. Thank you, readers, for letting us share a bit of our wonderful experience there. Thank you for letting us come, Jamaica.

(May 6, 2008) — Back home, it feels like a dream.

Did we really take nearly 300 volunteers from San Diego to Jamaica? Did we really bring to that beautiful western Caribbean island $5 million in healthcare and equipment? Did we really draw 75,000 people to two nights of concerts and gospel? Did we really get home safe and sound? How did we do that? In fact, a tally of what the Miles Ahead teams accomplished may make you tired just thinking about it!

Read and Post Comments

God is awesome!!!

The Jamaica trip was amazing. I really feel like I had the opportunity to experience what GOD can do in whole new way. It was great to get a break from the mundane life that I sometimes feel and see hundreds and thousands of lives changed in a week.

The Rock Sports experience was exciting. I had the opportunity to work one on one with hundreds of kids in teaching them how to box. It was great to see the smiles on kids faces when they put on the boxing gloves and position themselves into their boxing stance. The smiles that came after each kid boxed was truly rewarding. Knowing that the boxing gear that we left behind will continue to be used is very encouraging.

God Bless.

Mark