Discover the life-changing power of service and community in Abaco. Join David and Stefanie for a day filled with genuine gratitude, hard labor, and profound lessons in faith. Read the full blog post now!
Today was an early day because we had a lot of things to accomplish. After breakfast at 7 am, we went to Central Abaco Primary School to distribute breakfast to the students. It was a special time with the kids. Many of them do not typically get breakfast at home. The students greeted us with politeness, respect, and genuine gratitude. Their smiles and thank yous reminded us how powerful small acts of service can be!
One young girl we chatted with shared how much she loves basketball. Dave took the time to encourage her and offer tips on how she can continue to improve her skills. It was a special moment that reminded us that ministry doesn’t always look like preaching, but sometimes it looks like listening, encouraging, and investing in a moment that could spark confidence and hope in a young heart.
We also got a chance to meet and hear from the Many Hands librarian at the school. It is our understanding that this is the only library at a school on the island. Her role is vital. She works closely with kids to increase their reading and math skills, often filling gaps that are hard to imagine back home. As educators our hearts were heavy as we learned that many students are reading far below grade level. It reminded us why missions like this matter so deeply, and why prayer, resources, and continued partnership are so important.
After leaving the school we returned to Camp Abaco to paint one of the buildings that houses our cooks. These women bless us daily with great meals. We really enjoyed eating a new food called cassava. We hope to try to bake it at home. When these two ladies saw their freshly painted cabin, their surprise and joy was immediate and contagious. It warmed our hearts to know that something as simple as paint could make them feel seen, appreciated, and loved. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Corinthians 5:11
Some of our team also spent time cleaning seaweed and sticks off the beach so it could be a pleasant place for rest and fellowship during free moments. Even tending the shoreline felt like worship. It is important to take care of God’s creation.
After lunch we headed to Gedeon’s farm, where we experienced another powerful lesson in faith and perseverance. Ti Gedeon grows bananas, plantains, cabbage, tomatoes, avocados, coconuts, eggplants, corn, sweet potatoes, cassava and hot peppers {just ask Matt}. He also raises chickens. Farming here is no easy task. Wild pigs regularly invade and destroy crops, the soil is incredibly tough compared to the Midwest, and costs on the island are very high. We found out today that a bag of fertilizer costs $50 and a bucket of paint can cost $700.
The Gedeon family uses their produce to not only help their children to attend college but also to help the locals by selling their produce at lower prices than the super markets. While we were weeding at the farm it began to rain. Suddenly Ti came barreling down the road and told us we needed to stop working . We didn’t understand why but learned that local culture believes that if you stay in the rain you will get sick. So we finished early at the Gedeon farm and did not get to help him as much as we wanted to.
Our next activity took us back to the camp. It was our time for a devotional. During our devotional time we were all challenged by Dave to identify a Paul (someone who gives spiritual guidance), a Barnabas (someone who is your best friend and you can rely on), and a Timothy ( someone who you will pour your Godly wisdom into). Psalms 27:17
The last thing we did today was to go to the BYN youth group at Kirks Church. The students got a “snack”, played a game, and then were challenged to study God’s Word for the next month. They went into small groups to support one another. While they were in their small groups, we had an opportunity to ask the local missionaries questions about the program and community. We found this very informative. Our understanding and love of Abaco grew again today.
As we reflected on the day, one truth stands out: God is at work here in Abaco, through education, hospitality, hard labor, and joyful service. We may have come to Abaco to give, but time and time again, we are the ones being taught about gratitude, generosity, and faith.
We had a blessed day. God is good.
– David and Stefanie
