by Staff Writer Kalli Simmerman

Mark 16:15 ~ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (NIV)

Stepping out of the airport into the hot, muggy air was quite a shock to me. First time I’d ever been out of the country. First time I’d ever ridden on a plane. First time I’d ever been on a missions trip.

Jamaica was just how I had imagined it. Hot, humid, surrounded by beautiful waters, and full of friendly people. Now, being thirteen years old my first instinct was to head to the beach but, thanks to a stern word from my mother, I was reminded why we were there.

We were there to serve, in any way possible. For me that included digging a foundation for a church in a skirt and flip flops and entertaining kids by dancing around in a pink gorilla suit.

One night in particular changed my life forever and made me realize that I had a heart for the country and people of Jamacia. It was March 16, 2004 when my church group traveled down a very bumpy road to the tiny town of Kew. Once we were there we did our usual thing: sang songs, chatted with people, prayed, and had a small church service.

During the alter call we danced and sang and just praised God. Even when the power cut out our voices still filled the night sky. It just amazed me how much passion these people had for God and it made me wonder why we couldn’t have the same passion back in the States. So in the process of serving the people of Jamacia, they also served me. Since Jamaica I have been on three other trips, all as amazing as the first.

It’s awesome how God can use us to touch lives. And the best part is you don’t even have to go out of the country to do it. Just sitting down and talking with someone could be serving them. You never know what someone could be going through, and just a simple conversation could be used to touch them and change their life.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start spreading the Word!