Jamaica, Neighbors, & Our continual mission field

Jamaica's youth, our neighbors

Jamaica has come upon some rough political times in the last two years. Recently, the Jamaican Labour Party lost elections to Portia Simpson Miller (the new prime minister) and the People's National Party.

As I drove through Kingston on the day of the election and spent time in the city the days following the election I reflected on some things about the country. The first is that Jamaica is a growing country with a bright future. The education and health care systems are fantastic and there are great opportunities for economic growth. Although statistics show that Jamaica is a "developing country," there are strong industries and hope for a bright future for the young Jamaican workforce. Something else I noticed was the overall stability of the people and environment. Kingston is a big city- like almost 2 million people. There were a few 'block parties' here or there in the days following the election, and many people wore their PNP orange proudly. However, there was no sense of insecurity or violence surrounding the elections whatsoever. Many people stereotype the culture of Jamaica as violent due to some of the historical statistics on drug and gang activity. But I have been impressed during my time in Kingston at the lack of instability and crime I've heard of and experienced. The people of Jamaica are focused on hope for the future. The government claims to and seems to be striving to end corruption in leadership and individuals are focused on how they can better their lives and life in general in the 'land they love.'

I want to encourage us all to be very cautious about our ethnocentrism when it comes to comparing the United States to other countries. Of course, life is different in various countries. Often times I find that many people generalize their thoughts and stereotype countries like Jamaica based on historical events which don't apply to the current situation. It's easy to pass this type of thing off when speaking of a country rather than an individual or group of people. Jamaica is a proud country with a bright future and a ton of leadership, talent, and opportunities.

At the same time, as Christians we need to have a similar mindset when thinking of others. We're told to love our neighbor's as ourselves (Luke 10:29). This means not only making sure we see everyone as being on the same playing field, but also reaching out to those who are our neighbors who are in need- as the Good Samaritan did. Who's your neighbor? Of course, you have neighbors right in your own back yard. A Jamaican pastor recently reminded me at a conference on missions that "There is always a location near at hand for mission." We live in a globalized village. Our world is a lot smaller than it was fifteen years ago because a large portion of people on earth we could consider our neighbors. I can affordably call someone in Jamaica on my phone in an instant or talk with them face to face with the click of a button, or play scrabble with someone in rural Asia on my mobile device. So, as our globalized village gets smaller (and larger), don't forget to love your neighbor as yourself- and don't forget, we're all playing on the same field. There's ALWAYS a location near at hand for mission- your neighborhood.