FRIDAY IN JAMAICA

Friday was graduation day for the prisoners that had participated in the program with our guys and girls. Everybody divided up and everyone went to a prison. Thomas, Carmen, Thomas, Talore, Olivia and I chose to go to the prison where Josh, Taylor, and David had spent their week.

There were some songs--one by a prisoner who has given his life to Christ and has changed.
David gave the short devotional and an invitation. Mark awarded them their certificates.
They use these certificates of study in Christian Education to present to the judge when they go to court. We also took them NERDS ----they hadn't had candy before Tuesday in over 5 months. The boys who are there awaiting trial get to go into the courtyard which is 40x60
concrete floor with a metal manhole-looking cover in the middle of it. The top of it is covered in razor wire so no one wants to climb out over it. They go into the courtyard twice a month for recreation -----can you believe that??? The rest of the day they are in their cell. These are 12-17 year old boys. Carmen and I wanted to cry. It is so sad. Please pray for these boys. They look just like our children looking back at us. Their only hope is Jesus changing their life.
Pray that those who truly made decisions will read God's word and let Jesus change them.

We headed back to the hotel and waited on the other group. They were at two prisons further away and their programs were longer. It was an emotional day for everyone. Decisions were made --praise God and goodbyes were said.

Then we headed to the Market. This is much like the markets in the Bahamas. The kids shopped for an hour. There were some really pretty baskets and jewelry. It was fun!

Our last supper at the hotel was the best. We had chicken, rice&beans, veggies(veg-all) and the best fish ever. It was pan fried snapper---yummy!!!

We had the last service at House of God. It was really special. They did some Jamaican music and said thank yous to all of us. The dance team from the church did a beautiful dance to
Got down on my knees and sang holy----awesome!!! We presented them with the bass guitar, strings, and drum heads for their band. They were so thankful. We sang Carry your candle----beautiful! Then Pastor Harrison's wife presented each of us with a Jamaican flag. Each member of their church who had worked with us this week said their goodbyes. Goodbyes are hard.

We have made some wonderful friends here and as Pastor Harrison said if we never see them this side of heaven we will see them there.

Trelle