In August 2008, 18 adults and teens from Morning Star (Rockford, IL) joined Pastor Joel Tetreau of Southeast Valley Baptist Church (Gilbert, AZ) and Dr. Jack and Jenny Mitchell of Grace Dental Mission for about two weeks of deliberately-varied ministry in Jamaica.

By God’s grace, they were able to put on a Gospel-preaching Bible conference for the training of area pastors, a Christian day camp for local youngsters, and an open free clinic (with Gospel preaching and counseling) for anyone needing dental attention.

Before coming home, many of the team members found themselves joining the islanders in preparing for and enduring the pre-hurricane stages of the incoming storm Gustav. Even though they did not suffer through a full-force hurricane, it was unique to be “in others’ shoes” for once and get a small glimpse of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of such potentially-devastating natural disaster.