Last year I was sitting on a porch with a hand full of adults on a Mission Discovery trip in Jamaica. By Wednesday a few coffee drinkers had discovered my small coffee press operation that yielded 2 cups of Blue Mountain coffee and sought a cup.

In the mix of these adult men and women coffee seekers the conversation turned to a new topic for me, “Maury, have you ever considered a mission trip for women only?,” Joanie asked.

Answer a question with a question, right? I asked Joanie what she visualized for women specifically on a mission trip in Jamaica. She offered a few suggestions, but my brain began to buzz with ideas of what a mobilized group of ladies could do in a focused ministry effort. I thought of my old friend Jackie Kendall, who may be reading this now, and how she would be a great speaker. She’s a writer, funny, and great communicator. I don’t know Twila Paris, but imagined her singing each night. I imagined a women’s conference, where ladies would reciprocally share insights for strengthening marriages, or single living or teaching a craft that for a Jamaican woman could become a trade. I imagined exhausted women arriving in Jamaica, but leaving with a renewed hope of returning home to bring the Kingdom of God to their own home towns! I saw them form a committee at the end of the week to pick another destination for next years work! I saw small groups of ladies praying for young women broken in tears. I saw old and young, slow and fast all together.

I saw a place for women to experience components of the Kingdom of God, peace, justice, purpose and refreshment. I saw women from the U.S. or Canada connecting with the needy of Jamaica. I mean deeply connecting.

Ann, my wife, said “I like your idea!” I had hoped she would! I emailed a friend in Austin and she said she would love to help plan the week. Soon another joined in the planning.

That week you’ll stay in a hotel that overlooks Montego Bay. You’ll spend your days helping to bring a fresh coat of paint to our Hold The Children schools in Barrett Hall and Eden, Jamaica. You’ll spend time at an orphanage caring for children between 1 day old and 7. And you’ll spend some needed time with God in worship in the evenings, get to know other ladies from around the U.S. And have a great day off to shop in a traditional market and swim in the warmth of the Caribbean!

More to come so stay tuned!