History of Work in Jamaica as we begin 2011 season

In 1978 a group of Florida pastors formed a partnership with church's in Jamaica. The purpose was to assist with leadership training, VBS, construction and medical teams. Charles Pinkerton (IIM) has been involved in the 'Jamaica Baptist Mission' since the beginning. About 14 years ago he became the director of the project, along with Bob Bishop from Chiefland, FL. Bob was a contractor and served the project until about three years ago when he retired.


The average number of people going to Jamaica each summer is about 60, with highs of over 300, and lows of about 25. At one point the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention took over the project for a three year period.


They then gave the project back to Jamaica Mission and we have continued over the years building churches, repairing roofs after storms, houses for pastors, and repairing school and college buildings. In 2005 when IIM was formed the mission in Jamaica was put under the umbrella of our Central America and Caribbean ministry. Our leadership team grew to include Skip Eastman, Jim Watkins and Steve Smith. Currently the team consists of Wynemia Pickles, Jim Watkins and Chris Serigo, along with IIM director Charles Pinkerton. At present we have a group of about 45 going to do VBS and light construction. We will work in 4 church's, one regular school, one girl’s school, and a community project. Its not to late to sign up for Jamaica if you have a group of youth, a SS class, or others group that might be interested call Charles at 334-685-4128.