Pictures Download

We have come up with the best of the best pictures from Jamaica 2009. They are available for download at public.me.com/kolbydukes

Letter from Windsor Girls School

The letter from Windsor Girls School is now posted online and is included in the links on the right hand side.

New Video Update!

Check out the new video update: click on the link on the right!

Thanks

Kolby

Home.

Well the whole team made it home safe and sound. Everything made it through the airport with no problems, the plane ride was smooth, the arrival was nice. But most of all sleeping in my own bed was great! We had an amazing trip! Words just cannot describe the smallest thing that happened in Jamaica. Thank you to everyone who supported us, prayed for us, or just kept up on the blog. It was truly awesome.

There will be further updates on the blog. I am currently working on the video for the trip, and will post that when it is done. There still are some more pictures that are to be uploaded. So still check back for some updates.

Again, THANKS!

Kolby Dukes

We Made It!

We are in the airport waiting for our baggage! We are here and safe!

Packed Up

Everyone is packed up and on the bus and ready to go. We will update when we make it home.

Monday, Day 8 - The Last Full Day

An incredible day! Wow! The construction crew finished the roof, the students went to an infirmary, a hospital / nursing home to minister. The roof crew gained so much encouragement from one man who told Lee Thompson that he was very impressed and impacted that we would come down and allow God to work through our hands for free. The students went to the infirmary and visited with many lame and sick people. There was an incredible lady named Iris who had been a missionary to Jamaica and lost her vision due to diabetes. She really spoke into the lives of the students and prayed over our group as we prayed over her. The Holy Spirit fell in that place like none other. The students went around and washed the feet of each of the residents, and also served communion. Words cannot explain what happened at that place, but it was awesome. 

Everyone came back to Teen Challenge to finish up the afternoon. One group went under the bridge where the drug addicts and the prostitues live. This is a place that many Jamaicans say they would not go into. We went with food in hand and with a word in our heart. We were able to minister to them and hopefully bless them with our gifts. The roof ended fully covered with felt paper. 

At the end of the night we had our team wrap up meeting. Everyone on the team shared a quick testimony of what the trip had done for them. It is great to hear all of these testminoies. 

Kolby Dukes

Sunday, Day 7 - Church and Fun

Today we were all on the bus by 7:15 a.m. to go to the Family Church on The Rock. Pastor Cowan spoke about getting us out of our comfort zone and stepping into the danger zone where the Lord can use us best. After church everyone changed into their beach attire and headed out for lunch and then to take a boat trip to get a view of Ocho Rios from the sea. The boat ride was a lot of fun, everyone was offered the chance to go snorkeling, which was a lot of fun.

Before Teen Challenge a man named Kanut, who accepted Jesus during our Street Meeting on Friday night, was baptised!

After everyone came back and showered up from the boat, we soon left to go to Teen Challenge for a sort of final dinner with everyone. The Teen Challenge choir blessed us with a few songs, Several shared a testimony of how they have been blessed both on our team and from the Teen Challenge folks. Pizza was the main course for dinner. We arrived back here at the villas around 9:00, just in time to catch up on the Steelers and the Ravens.

Keep us in prayer as we have our final day of work and ministry tomorrow. We will be heading home Tuesday.

Kolby Dukes

Saturday, Day 6 - Day of Rest

Sorry for being late on the blog update, we got back to the villas a little late because we had a street meeting outside of Teen Challenge.

Yesterday (Saturday) was a relaxing day as we did not have to work. A group took off and climbed Dunn's River Falls, another went to some local shops, some stayed home, and some went to Teen Challenge and let the community know about the street meeting.

After the fun events in the morning, everyone went to the craft market to purchase all kinds of necklaces, bracelets, carvings, drums, and anything imaginable. Directly form the craft market everyone headed up to Teen Challenge to get ready for the street meeting. A group even elected to neglect the bus and walk about a mile up hill to TCJ. The street meeting began with Mark Briley leading worhsip, Mr. Sam singing "The Presence of The Lord", The Chair drama, Jeff Mohr shared a testimony, Lauren Henry Singing, and Mark Briley sharing a message. The whole community was invited to come to a dinner after the altar call. Many came and ate and fellowshipped with us. It was a really great time. We arrived back at the villas around 10 oclock. Everyone was very tired from all the day's events. Even though we were not working, we were worn out.

Kolby Dukes

Friday, Day 5 - Good Times

Today (Friday) was a day that cannot be explained by words, pictures or videos, however I will make some attempt at it.

In the morning many of our students were on the bus by 6 to minister to a high school. Our group performed two skits while there, Mark Briley lead worship, and Coach Greg spoke into the student's lives. The students were extremely receptive and responsive to what we had to say. Before they had to go to their classes our team was able to spend some time interacting directly with the student and share with them more and allow them to ask us any questions about our lives and about our beliefs.

The rest of our team went to get to work at Teen Challenge. The roof crew kept going strong, and with one more day it should be completed. Side note: I don't know if it has been made clear, but the roof that is being built at teen challenge is later to be closed in and turned into apartments for missions teams to stay in. Teen Challenge will be able to charge the teams a small fee, and that will help support Teen Challenge.

This afternoon most of the team came back to the villas to eat dinner and spend some quiet time in prayer for our street meeting tonight.

The street meeting began at six, but the preparations began around 4:30. We passed out 250 flyers about the street meeting all around the downtown Ocho Rios area, and later passed out 6 cases of bottled water to warm the people up to us and for them to know that we mean well.The show started shortly after 6 p.m. and the Lord really began moving through our team. Through testimony, song, drama and worship a stack of connection cards of people that had accepted Jesus Christ. It was amazing to see how God can work in people's hearts that we would never expect. Many of our team members were able to lead people to the Lord. We arrived back at the villas around 10 p.m. and were able to relax knowing that we have a day of relaxation ahead of us.

Please keep us in prayer for tomorrow (Saturday) as we have another street meeting near Teen Challenge.

Thanks for your support and reading the blog. We are having an awesome time..


Kolby Dukes

Thursday, Day 4 - Another Revealing Day

Many things were accomplished today, the concrete bridge has been set and poured, the trusses have been set and the roof crew will be starting on the sheathing tomorrow. The ministry teams went to an elementary school this morning and had an amazing time with the children, and the girls visited the girls home yet again, and yet again God moved and brought down walls of separation between our team and the residents.

Several people were able to lead a few people to Jesus Christ.

I will let the pictures tell most of the story, but now to Rebecca Bryan for some drama in the school news.

Today about a third of the students went to the elementary school. The ages actually ranged from 5 to 11. We got to interact with the kids before they had to get ready for the start of school and our skits. The little kids wanted to play with us and hug us all day. They raced us, played soccer and sang with us. When we got into the room with the stage, the kids piled in and all started hanging on us again. After introductions from the principle, and some worship, Jeff and I led every one in a song. "The Shark Song" as we call it. It starts with hand motions and these words... "baby shark do doo do doo doo do baby shark do doo do doo do do baby shark.." and then new motions and new words after every "verse", making the song silier and more entertaining. The little kids had so much fun and thought the song was very funny. It was fun to be with them because they particpated with everything. Coach Greg gave the message to them about going to Hell and being a sinner and how God came to save us. He had to shorten the time he talked and he lightened the message for them, but in the end, I think it really impacted. Their little minds heard and understood his message. I love to see how God can take His message of true love and everlasting life, and transform it for the mind of an eight year old and transform it again to the mind of an eighty year old. God is good. I am really glad that we came and ministered to these kids today. Their cute faces and willing heart will be on my mind for a long time to come.

Rebecca Bryan


This morning, we prepared for another day at the Windsor's Orphanage. We had a warm reception, a time of crafting, then Diana and Linda delivered powerful messages. Many residents brought their hurts to the altar realizing how desperate they were for Jesus Christ. Liz Bivens also shared a testimony We felt many seeds had been planted and we will continue to pray for the needs of this home.

Marcia Dukes


Thanks for continuing to support us. I hope this blog keeps you all in touch with us down here. I hope the pictures convey in some way to you what God is doing through us.

Thanks again

Kolby Dukes

Wednesday, Day 3 - At It

Today was a day that was somewhat similar in structure to the previous days, however we are really seeing progress in what we are doing.

The roof crew was able to finish much of the welding on the steel posts, finish all of the trusses, and get 75% of the ban board up. It is exciting to see the product of all of the hard work that is put into that. Sam and his crew began forming and pouring the bridge. That bridge will be such a blessing to all the people that live across the creek.

It is tough to say in words all of the hard work and sweat that goes into all of this construction, so I will let the pictures tell most of the story for the construction part.

We had hoped that the guys from our team would be able to visit Hilltop Juvenile detention center for teens, so 6 of our team went today to meet with the faculty. We found out that a letter must be submitted asking permission to come 3 months in advance. We will not be able to minister at the boys prison this trip. While the six of us were there the gate was under construction, so none of the boys were allowed outside for fear they would attempt to run. I personally was bummed that we weren't going to be able to interact personally with the guys. Then just as we were about to leave the chaplain asked us to come to a meeting with him and 15 other boys who had recently committed their life to Christ at a church service or revival. Each in our group was able to speak into their lives and encourage them. It was amazing.

On the ride back we stopped to a school and Mark jumped out with his guitar and just started playing. Children crowded all around. It was awesome as well.

Tonight everyone enjoyed dinner at the villas followed by a time of testimony and prayer outside.

The crew heading to the school tomorrow morning leaves at 5:45, and the Teen Challenge crew at 6:10

Keep us in prayer!

Now over to some folks for sports!

Kolby Dukes

The girls' team revisited the Windsor's Girls Home today. In preparation for the day, several girls worked to assemble craft items. And Ms. Linda personalized and hand painted vines on the 54 boxes that will be filled with treats and given to the girls tomorrow. Upon arrival we were once again faced with the men lurking at the gate. This time was handled differently ~ P-Rob and Greg jumped on the situation and spent over an hour ministering with them in the brush.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team was pleased wiith the greeting that was received from the girls. The excitement continued as we provided them with a day to be a "true girl" ~ workstations included -- jewelry making, fingernail painting & beautiful tissue paper flowers. Lauren Mahaffey was on a mission to lead a young lady to the Lord -- she used craft time to minister Coach Greg shared a wonderful message that especially touched the hearts of Brianna Thompson and Tori Swain. It encouraged them to lead another
one of the orphans to Christ. Another day of shedding light into the darkness.


Marcia Dukes, Pam McCutcheon, and Dana Holston

Today, we went to Iona High school, When we first arrived, Mark Briley stood on an outdoor stage and sang worship songs. There wasn't much enthusiasm at first, but when our group started performing dramas onstage, all of the students were listening intently. In the drama Thorns, I felt somewhat disheartened because students began laughing during the scene that Jesus (played by James Mohr) was being beaten. But when he was hung on the cross, they fell dead silent. Greg LaFreniere spoke afterward, explaining to the students how all have sinned, and would stand guilty before God. It was then that I really cried out to God, hoping that the message Greg was giving would impact them. I was glad to see that it did, for dozens raised their hands to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. Then, the principal dismissed the students who had not raised their hands, and we had the opportunity to answer questions and pray with the remaining kids. Many students from the school stepped out and actually asked us deep questions regarding our faith. It was awesome to see how many students were impacted and how God brought them to the realization of what it truly means to have a relationship with Christ. It was truly a blessing, and it's a memory we will not soon forget.

Peter Gorgui

Tuesday Day 2 - Our First Day of Work

This morning all of the students and several adults departed at 6:00 and took a two hour tour to the Higgins Primary School to do a few dramas that we had learned, and also Coach Greg shared with the students. We had a great time ministering to them. The students were very receptive and responsive. We appreciate the staff letting us come in.

The roof crew left shortly after the students, and began working. They had to cut the tile to make room for the steel brackets that are being made. By the end of the day, there were poles set. There was also a team working on building trusses. Several people went out just to see the surrounding community and get to talk with some of the guys that hang out just outside the gates of Teen Challenge.

Lunch consisted of some pizza pie from none other than Pizza King! And no not the Pizza King that most of us know and love dearly. mmm... Right, Blog, OK. Tonight everyone was treated to dinner at a local restaurant, BiBiBip’s. It is a nice little place on the water that served us all several things off a limited menu.

Once back at the villas we had a quick meeting where Chloe, Peter, and Tori all shared a quick testimony of how God is already working. We covered the details for the morrow and were given a few short minutes before the curfew called. Everyone was set to be in bed by 11:00, although I am still a cranking out on the porch here.

Tomorrow there is a crew going to a high school to do a few dramas, then we meet up with the crew that is working at Teen Challenge. There is a group of girls staying back to work on some crafts to take to the girl’s home. In the afternoon the women and girls will go back to visit the girls.

Keep us in your Prayers

Kolby Dukes

Below is a narrative of the events that took place at the girl's home today.

The ladies of our team travelled a trecherous road to the Windsor's School for Girls today. P-Rob felt a bit of uncertainty as we drove onto the property. Men were lurking outside the gate as we entered -- attempting to lure the girls out of the compound. As we passed through the gates P-Rob said, "my heart went into high alert". The Windsor girls were encouraging the attention of these men from the other side of the gate. Many of these girls surrounded our bus. We could tell by their appearance and actions that they have lived a life of darkness for many years. Before we unloaded from the bus, we prayed for God to be with us in the challenging moments ahead. In a remarkable way that will never be forgotten by our team members -- God's love showed thru our girls as Chloe, Lauren, Rebecca, Sarah, Tori and Jessica Stratten shared in song and testimonies. In a 2-hour period we were able to break thru the barriers with many of these lost souls. We prepared ourselves for the week ahead. Much to their surprise, we shared that we will be returning tomorrow.

Marcia Dukes, Dana Holston, and Pam McCutcheon

New Video Update!

Check out the new video! The link is on the right below the picture link!

Thanks!

We are awake!

We are up and ready to head out to the school. Please keep us in prayer!

We are awake!

We are up and ready to head out to the school. Please keep us in prayer!

Monday, Day 1 - The Day of Travel

Today was a great day, it was a huge challenge to maneuver 77 people from their homes to church, to the airport, through security, through the airport, on the plane, off the plane, get luggage, load luggage, ride, eat lunch, ride some more, unload luggage and get situated. Everyone made it safe, and everyone’s luggage made it safely. That is an amazing blessing. We went to Teen Challenge once everyone found their rooms and luggage to get an overview of what we would be doing. After our visit to Teen Challenge, everyone loaded up in the busses to visit the supermarket and pick up some breakfast and snacks. Those will be greatly enjoyed come the 5 o’clock hour as all of the students and several adults must be on the bus by 6 o’clock, while the Teen Challenge crew is set to leave at 6:30 a.m.

The team met up tonight to hear a few testimonies from St. Claire Sterling and Antonio Williams, who are a semester away from graduating Bible College. Everyone is really tired, or at least should be. Everyone was instructed to try to get to bed early tonight, so I will try that.

Don’t forget to check out our pictures! There is a link on the right to get to them. They will be updated regularly.

Look for the video updates page, we are having internet troubles, but we have a small video prepared, and will hopefully be up shortly. Check out the links!

Keep us in prayer!


Thanks for your support!

Kolby Dukes

We Have Made It!

Our team in full with all of our luggage has made it to Ocho Rios Jamaica. We are currently at our place of sleeping and rest. We are heading out to Teen Challenge just to see what is ahead of us, and to head to the grocery store to pick up some breakfast items and snacks for in the morning.

Visit back later tonight, I plan to upload a brief video update of our ride up to the airport.

Please keep us in prayer that we would be safe here, and keep our group as a whole.

Thanks for checking us out!

Kolby Dukes

Here We Go Again.

The time is here. It is 2:22 A.M. and everyone should be getting ready, warming up the cars, hugging loved ones goodbye because we are headed for Jamaica! I hope to see everyone on time with bags UNDER 50 pounds. It will be a good time. Check back on the blog, I will post once everyone gets through security and let you know that everyone is safe sitting in the terminal.

Keep us in prayer.

Kolby Dukes

Getting Ready.

The time has come. Our group of 78 folks will be leaving Monday morning at 3:00 A.M. from Central Worship Center. We will be departing on flight JM040 at 8:35. Please keep us in prayer as we go, this is going to be an awesome trip. This blog will be updated daily at the least. Keep in check for video updates, pictures, blogs, testimonies and anything you can imagine. This is the main form of communication between everyone home and abroad. Take note of everything on the side bard and the top, helpful links will be there. If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, or anything you may email myself at kolbydukes@reachouttotheworld.com or just kolbydukes@gmail.com. Thanks for all of your support.

Kolby Dukes