First Day @ UWI

This beautiful day started out by watching a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. We had no idea what the day had in store and only could admire the amazing glory of the Lord’s hand upon His creation.

Later that morning Rick (Jenkins), one of the IMB missionaries to Barbados, explained to us the tentative schedule for the rest of the day. 

We later would take the first of many trips to the University of the West Indies (Barbados). 

The people of Barbados are so friendly and welcoming; we came onto that campus and were loved immediately. 

We met up with some UCCF people, the same that produced and performed the drama attended on Saturday night. UCCF stands for University College Christian Fellowship, one of the 2 main Christian organizations on the campus of UWI. 

During the remainder of the week we will be working with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), the other Christian group on campus.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we will be helping with activities ranging from sports ministry, to small group bible studies, to the large CCC ministry on Tuesday night.

Today we really got to connect with the people attending UWI in hopes of building lasting relationships. These connections might give them the opportunity to interact with CCC in future sessions and activities.                   `

McKenzie Martin, a Freshman Early Childhood Education Major at North Greenville University, had this to say, “I was able to talk to several girls today and have the privileged to invite them to the girl’s bible study that is happening tomorrow and Wednesday. The students involved with the Campus Crusade for Christ were so excited to see us and talking to them was such an encouragement. Jeremy, the first guy I encountered at the campus, happened to be involved in CCC. He was extremely nice and taught me so much about the Bajan culture, even though he continuously made fun of my accent. I believe that the Holy Spirit is really doing a great work here”

Josh Gibson, a sophomore Christian Studies major at North Greenville University, said this about his experience “Today I met up with some of the students involved in UCCF and they gave my group a tour of the campus.  After lunch I was invited to join Kelvin and Chris to their small group. This group consisted of three new students I haven’t met before. Chance and LeMarc were that really interested to hear what I, an American, had to say. It was reassuring to find out that know that no matter where people are from, they still the same struggles.  I am excited to see what is to come through the small groups we have planned the rest of the week. Change happens close up, relational ministry.”   

We are so ready to see what God has planned for the rest of this week. He has revealed Himself to us so much this week already and we cannot wait to see what he has in store for our hearts as well as the ones of the people of Barbados. 

Pray for the remainder of this week and the CCC ministries. Pray for our hearts to be changed as well as the people of Barbados. We love you all and are expecting your prayers to help us though the rest of the week.

Correspondent: Jonathan Bishop