Superintendent’s Blog – Parkview on Mission

A little over a month ago, fifteen Parkview students and staff went to Jamaica over Winter Break.  It proved to be an incredible week in many ways.  Most people know Jamaica as a resort island and that is part of the story.  When you get past the beautiful resorts, however, you will see people caught in a vicious cycle of widespread poverty.

Our students ministered in St. Mary Parish, which is the poorest parish on the island.  It is located on the Northeast side of the island of Jamaica.  The trip was held in conjunction with ACE (American Caribbean Experience).  The trip would not have been possible without the help of many people before we left the States.

I appreciate Parkview Baptist Church and the support and gifts that came from the staff and congregation.  I also appreciated each division and all the work students did to send us with extra suitcases of donations for ACE.  I especially appreciate Mrs. Cathy Wilson and her support in raising money to make the trip possible.

God answered prayers from start to finish during our journey.  Our very first flight out of Baton Rouge had mechanical problems which caused us to miss our only connecting flight into Jamaica.  After a brief moment of panic, I was able to get the mission director on the phone in Jamaica and plan for a different pick up.  We were re-routed and we made it to Jamaica much later than anticipated.  We started out by putting the team through a 22 hour travel day!  The flexibility of our team through that proved to me early on that this would be a great trip.

Our students treated each other with respect, participated in work tirelessly, worshiped honestly, were extremely flexible to the very end, and cared deeply for those they served.  I can’t say enough about this group and how proud I am of them.  After a hard week of work and, at times, some emotionally draining ministry, we looked forward to one free day at the beach.  However it poured rain that days so the free day was cancelled.  We just stayed at the hotel.  The team responded by playing games and having a positive attitude.

These students came back with the satisfaction of putting in hard work and with an appreciation for what they have.  I believe God used the trip to plant many seeds and to form many perspectives in our staff and students that will produce a harvest of growth and unity on our campus.  

Our next trip is to Nicaragua over Easter break, so please keep us in your prayers.

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#parkviewstrong,

Don R. Mayes, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Parkview Baptist School