Mission 2020 has begun!

4 work days in!  Minimal wifi but I am trying to upload at least a few pictures to see the progress.  For many more photos I would encourage you to find our Facebook group “Mission

Applications are now being accepted!

As we will need to book the teams flights soon, we will need you to submit your application ASAP if you'd like to participate in this years mission.

Basic trip info:
Date: Feb 8-23, 2020
Location: Lucea Jamaica
Participation costs: $1700 (for departures from/to Toronto).

Please contact: laurie_mcarthur @ hotmail.com if you have any other questions!

Lucea, Jamaica - Mission 2020 (#32!)

Although it has taken a little longer this year to identify a project suitable for our team, it has finally been decided that the project in Lucea Jamaica will be the one!

In addition to the more superficial renovations of painting, the main work tasks include: replacing the roof and ceiling; updating and replacing some electrical wiring; replacement of wooden windows; installation of doors and plumbing work.

If you would like to learn more about this project, or participate in this years team, please consider attending our team meeting on November 24th and/or contact Laurie McArthur for additional information!
 

A link to all the photos sent showing the current building can be accessed by clicking the following link: Lucea - before pictures

Salvation Army School - Basseterre St Kitts - Project #31!

This year our project was to restore an abandoned building in downtown Basseterre to permit it to again be used as a school. It had previously been used as a school, but had been abandoned many years ago, and anything of value removed.

















The foundation of the building was estimated to be near 200 years old, having been built from the ballast stones from ships.  Knowing that many of the ships in this time period may have carried slaves, the locals are not wanting to lose the history of these stones.  The importance of this history was not lost on the team members.  They also posed quite a challenge for those who were tasked with installing an emergency exit through a two foot deep stone wall...

The roof was rusted and needed replacement.  The local people looked in awe (and maybe a bit of fear) as we replaced the roof. 

As the building had sat abandoned, all the electrical need replacing and plumbing repaired. Two new kitchens were built, and bathrooms outfitted and tiled. Termite damage required wood replacement and structural beams reinforced... and then everything got a bright coat of paint!

Currently the school (for 47 children aged 3-5) was operating out of the church building during the week for the past several years. The renovated building not only may accommodate more children, but may also provide better meeting space for church youth activities after school.

We are honored to have been able to work with the people of St. Kitts in moving this project forward!

For more photos - I will attempt to create a slideshow for more easy viewing of everyone's photos - however in the mean time, please use this link to a photo album on Google: https://photos.app.goo.gl/q9S21gHLZpSvYxNx6

St. Kitts.... the need

The Corps Building - currently housing all Corps activities and the school during the week.

The CO's quarters (the small flat roofed section). Kitchen is used for cooking for the school, however the cabinets and counter have severe wood rot.  Quarters would also benefit from interior painting

Our "fixer-upper" and the main project.  A combination wood, cement, block building that once renovated will house the classrooms for the school and free the church to be used for other purposes.  Significant, plumbing, electrical work, tiling of the floors, replacing the roof, painting of all surfaces is required

Mission #31 - St Kitts

A very quick update to let everyone know that we have been requested to assist the Salvation Army on the island of St. Kitts during the winter of 2019. 

Joel is currently down doing a fact finding trip, and we trust he will have lots of information to share at our Team Information Meeting on Sunday October 14, 2018 to be held at 60 Scarsdale Rd, North York, ON. 

If you would like any additional information, you can email me at: laurie_mcarthur@hotmail.com

Mission #30 - has begun! Linden, Guyana

After months of planning, our 30th mission trip has begun.  Last evening our initial team of 21 left on an overnight flight to Guyana.  At this time, 21 sleep deprived people should be on their way to Linden to discover what their accommodation will be like after a surprise cancellation by our original Inn (reversing a writtencontract).  I'm sure by this evening, the team members will be happy for somewhere flat to lay down and rest up for an exciting first day at the worksite tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for the teams ability to refine the accommodation to meet their needs for the next three weeks, for the termites to decide that the building we are working on tastes completely awful for the next 30 years, for delivery of materials on time and on budget, an ongoing spirit of joy among the team members amidst long work days, and for everyones health and safety.

Wifi access may not be as available as in past years, so updates may be periodic - but we will take any opportunities to update this site as often as possible.

Some of the before pictures from Joel's fact-finding trip in the fall: