Mission Outreach Impacts Buff Bay, Jamaica

from the April issue of Currents

Destination: Buff Bay, Jamaica! Mission teams from Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, Florida, traveled to Buff Bay to participate in a nine-day journey packed full with ministry opportunities.

Three boys share in the "amazing things" God did in Buff Bay.

"I have been on a lot of mission trips and this one is the best so far," said the Rev. Chris Zoephel, Pastor of Discipleship and the outreach leader. "God did some amazing things."

While high school students and leaders were practicing the sacrament of presence with 200 children at the Gideon Educational Center and Chapel, a group of entrepreneurs and medical professionals toured the rural area. The team was in Buff Bay to survey the deplorable living conditions and local hospital that serves 37,000 residents with only one doctor and nurse.

Witnessing severe deficiencies firsthand inspired plans to open a manufacturing plant for pre-fabricated housing and a new clinic.

"I am most excited about the opportunities we have in community development--to care for the whole person, and by God's grace, transform the culture of Buff Bay," Chris shared.

The task is large: starting a faith-based hospital, employing people in a new business that will provide affordable housing, and supplying the local Christian school.

"Now I am looking for someone called to start a church that can follow up on all those who hear about and meet the Lord Jesus," he said.

Other ministry opportunities included taking part in a radio broadcast for a quarter of a million weekly listeners, the largest religious broadcast in Jamaica.

"We are committed to this area and plan to return every year," said Chris. "The genuine emotional response we received from the children upon our departure is evidence that we are building good relationships that are growing."

Inspired to help? Contact Chris Zoephel for more information.

Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.