Blessed Ministry in the Cayman Islands

I love seeing how God is working in different places in the world. Last month, Rev. Mark Surbrook and I traveled to the Cayman Islands to spend time with Dr. Gayle and Sister Micki Woods (Cayman Brac) and Pastor Carlson Benjamin (Grand Cayman). 

Before arriving to the Brac I committed myself to prayer-walking part of it every day that I was there. Little did I realize the blessing I would receive, traversing this beautiful island. God gifted me with seeing His creative handiwork in the rising of the sun, the rhythmic waves of blue-green water, and the elegant patterns of coral. On one of my last prayer-walks I did 7.5 miles, feeling a bit sad that I would be leaving this beautiful, tranquil island. 

Dr. and Sister Woods are being used by God in powerful ways. Mark and I had the joy of fellowshipping with this wonderful, gracious, hospitable, encouraging couple. As we talked to those in the church, we kept hearing about how they are so caring and are radiances of God’s love.  

The first night there, Mark got to share at the Watering Place Church part of the history of World Missions within the Churches of God (Holiness). It was so interesting. At the end he gave an invitation, inviting those who wanted a greater passion for reaching a lost world to come forward for prayer. The altar was lined with respondents.

On Sunday morning I got to preach at a packed church at Spot Bay. My message was on our responsibility to be involved in the Great Commission. Again, the response to the invitation was touching.

After a delicious lunch with the Woods, Mark and I flew to Grand Cayman and drove to the Red Bay Church for their evening service. Mark gave warm greetings, and I shared the Word of God. When the invitation was given, 26 came to the altar, wanting the Spirit to help them reach their “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria,” and the world. By the end of the day Mark and I were weary...and filled with deep gratitude to God for how He is working in hearts in the Cayman Islands.

As I was returning home, the following thought came to mind: "Mark and I went to bless, but we return home realizing that we are the ones who have been blessed. Those we met have deeply enriched our lives in unexpected, wonderful ways."

This, truly, is one of the rewards of ministry.