The team’s scripture for the day: “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – Just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:1-6.
There is always great excitement and eagerness to travel day. It’s even more fun when the travel day goes well. Today went very well!
The team met at Trinity at 7:40am to load up the bus. We are very grateful to Roy Collette for getting up early, making sure the bus was all prepped and ready to go (and warm!). We had a few last instructions, began our trip with prayer, loaded up all the suitcases on the bus and we were on our way.
After a quick and uneventful drive, we arrived at the airport around 9:15 to find it…empty. I’ve done this trip 15 times before, and on Saturdays, our normal departure date, it’s been crammed with spring breakers, headed out of town. Today, a Monday, not so much!
We breezed through check in, through security, and the flight (also half empty) left even a few minutes early. The trip was smooth and easy and we landed in Montego Bay at 3:55pm. After an easy trip through customs (this is getting kind of weird!) we met Jeff, the Mission Jamaica director, and Pastor Douglas outside the airport to load up and take the 10 minute trip to the hotel.
We checked in, had a little time to get settled and then met at 6pm for orientation and our first night of devotions.
We had great conversation today about what it means to be a disciple. To be a disciple can feel like too big a task for us to take on. How do we live as disciples? And how do we do it, not only on a mission trip, but when we’re at school…or at work? How do we talk about our faith away from church, or our church family?
After devotions, we went to dinner and folks took time to wander around and explore the hotel, or to hang out in the lobby. About 9:30pm, the group broke up to head back to rooms to get prepped for our first day at Westhaven tomorrow. We’ll eat at 7am, pray at 7:28am and hit the road at 7:30am.
Please keep our group in your prayers as we make our way up the mountain tomorrow!
God’s peace!
Pastor Todd
Test Driving Theology 
Please know that I am praying for your team! God will do amazing things with those that are willing. It is already amazing to me that Owatonna is impacting people for Chist in Jamaica, but I celebrate the faith and strength that each participant will gain through this experience. It selfishly makes me excited for the impact it will have on Owatonna’s spiritual growth! Blessings on your trip!