30 Sep 2026, 13:08SEC Youth MinistriesJamaica
SEC Youth Mission Trip to Jamaica: Serving Communities and Sharing Hope
The South England Conference Youth Department recently completed a mission trip to Jamaica, bringing together young people committed to serving others and sharing God's love through practical ministry. The initiative was launched in response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which affected homes, churches, and community facilities across parts of the island.
The mission united young people from the South England Conference, the North England Conference (NEC), and the Greater Sydney Conference in Australia, demonstrating the strength of international collaboration within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Working alongside local churches and communities, the team provided encouragement, community engagement, and spiritual outreach while strengthening the bonds that connect the global Adventist family.
A major focus of the project was supporting recovery efforts following the hurricane. Through generous fundraising initiatives, the team raised more than £20,000, contributing towards the repair of four churches and four family homes damaged by the storm. This support helped local congregations and families continue rebuilding and restoring important community spaces.
Supporting children and families was another key highlight. A week-long Holiday School programme offered Bible-based activities, music, games, and arts and crafts in a fun and nurturing environment. The programme encouraged learning, friendship, and spiritual growth while providing meaningful engagement for young participants. Reflecting on the experience, volunteer Thea Harris shared that seeing the joy of the children and witnessing the hurricane's impact firsthand taught her the importance of gratitude, stepping outside her comfort zone, and appreciating the privileges often taken for granted.
The spiritual impact of the trip was particularly significant. A revival series was conducted across three churches, featuring messages from Pastors Warren Gillin, Andries Malcolm, Nerine Barrett, and Vaughan Thorpe. These meetings brought communities together for worship, reflection, and encouragement. As a result, four individuals were baptised, while two others expressed a desire to prepare for baptism, highlighting the lasting spiritual influence of the outreach.
Health and wellbeing were also important aspects of the mission. The youth team delivered presentations on healthy living and organised sports activities, music workshops, and creative arts programmes that encouraged positive lifestyle choices for all ages.
One of the most impactful moments of the trip was the distribution of more than 200 back-to-school backpacks to children preparing for the new academic year. Another volunteer reflected that despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the resilience and faith of the Jamaican people remained inspiring. The experience strengthened a desire to continue investing in initiatives that support education, wellbeing, and community development.
More than a service project, the Jamaica Mission Trip embodied the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission to share Christ's love through compassionate service. The experience strengthened faith, developed leadership among young people, and left a lasting impact on both the communities served and the volunteers involved, demonstrating the enduring power of service, hope, and faith in action.
The South England Conference Youth Department recently completed a mission trip to Jamaica, bringing together young people committed to serving others and sharing God's love through practical ministry. The initiative was launched in response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which affected homes, churches, and community facilities across parts of the island.
The mission united young people from the South England Conference, the North England Conference (NEC), and the Greater Sydney Conference in Australia, demonstrating the strength of international collaboration within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Working alongside local churches and communities, the team provided encouragement, community engagement, and spiritual outreach while strengthening the bonds that connect the global Adventist family.
A major focus of the project was supporting recovery efforts following the hurricane. Through generous fundraising initiatives, the team raised more than £20,000, contributing towards the repair of four churches and four family homes damaged by the storm. This support helped local congregations and families continue rebuilding and restoring important community spaces.
Supporting children and families was another key highlight. A week-long Holiday School programme offered Bible-based activities, music, games, and arts and crafts in a fun and nurturing environment. The programme encouraged learning, friendship, and spiritual growth while providing meaningful engagement for young participants. Reflecting on the experience, volunteer Thea Harris shared that seeing the joy of the children and witnessing the hurricane's impact firsthand taught her the importance of gratitude, stepping outside her comfort zone, and appreciating the privileges often taken for granted.
The spiritual impact of the trip was particularly significant. A revival series was conducted across three churches, featuring messages from Pastors Warren Gillin, Andries Malcolm, Nerine Barrett, and Vaughan Thorpe. These meetings brought communities together for worship, reflection, and encouragement. As a result, four individuals were baptised, while two others expressed a desire to prepare for baptism, highlighting the lasting spiritual influence of the outreach.
Health and wellbeing were also important aspects of the mission. The youth team delivered presentations on healthy living and organised sports activities, music workshops, and creative arts programmes that encouraged positive lifestyle choices for all ages.
One of the most impactful moments of the trip was the distribution of more than 200 back-to-school backpacks to children preparing for the new academic year. Another volunteer reflected that despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the resilience and faith of the Jamaican people remained inspiring. The experience strengthened a desire to continue investing in initiatives that support education, wellbeing, and community development.
More than a service project, the Jamaica Mission Trip embodied the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission to share Christ's love through compassionate service. The experience strengthened faith, developed leadership among young people, and left a lasting impact on both the communities served and the volunteers involved, demonstrating the enduring power of service, hope, and faith in action.
