GREAT LOVE

2011-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

Darcy and Pat's prayerful and tangible covering rejoices at their spiritual son's college graduation!!

2010-10-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

2009 Jamaica Missions’Trip

Each of the eight times I have joined Carolee and the Lord in Jamaica has been live changing for me. This summer was no exception. It continues to be a sweet sorrow – sweet in seeing the precious children/young adults again, yet sorrow that most are still in orphanages. However, with God nothing is impossible. He provides our strength while on these trips, thanks to our prayer support back home. Several boys I meet from Mt. Olivet Boy’s home on my first trip to Jamaica in 2002 are now young men on their own, trying to survive in harsh conditions and a severely depressed economy. With limited education and no experience, jobs are hard to come by. A few have jobs, some are living with friends/relatives, and some are living on the street.

It has been a blessing to have my husband, Pat, join me the last three trips. The highlight this year was celebrating Lawrence’s college graduation. He is an overcomer and has chosen to not let his circumstance of having no biological parents keep him from accomplishing his dreams and God’s plan for his life. We had a celebration dinner for Lawrence and even though he tends to be shy, he gave an awesome speech to a room of 30 friends, while keeping God as his focus. He challenged his peers to obey God’s laws, go after their dreams and be disciplined at what they do. It has been a blessing to be a part of Lawrence’s life and see God work through him. We pray Lawrence will have an impact on Jamaica for God’s glory. Pat and Darcy Davis

Giving Thanks

2010-09-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who have extended their prayers and kindness toward our friends in Jamaica, in Haiti and locally in Los Angeles this past summer and fall.

We celebrated victories of employment, young people getting into classes and getting medical help through the Great Love Pharmacy Account.
We entered the pain in the struggle of life in the ghetto and stood with our young friends who witnessed death in the streets of Tivoli during a political uprising this past summer.
Our whole Great Love team's summer trip changed destination and focus. We had to reroute due to the state departments warning, our families who voiced concern and our wonderful driver O'neil who said, "Nogosa" when it came to traveling about and ministering in Kingston during the US extradition of arms dealer and drug lord, Dudus Coke who was known to be one of the most powerful forces in Jamaica. We joined with 12 young people on the YWAM base in Stones Hope and with believers in Manchester Parish to lift up the land of Jamaica and pray for peace and a new day to come.
Louinel Jean and Foursquare President Joy Mullings joined us in worship at the base.
We brought rice and peas to people living nearby in Salmon Town and asked them what they hoped for in life. It was a blessing to pray over those hopes and dreams for their nation and for their lives. Some of the young people we hosted, were in crisis, others were finding their way. It was good to facilitate times of sharing, listening, outreach and family fun of just being together.
I was so encouraged as we went for a visit at Mt. Olivet Boy's Home, with Director Mr. Brown who welcomed us warmly and said, "It's a new day, yes a new day". As a teacher, he has a passion for education and now the kids living at Olivet are excelling in their studies and in self confidence.
I remember the day that I happened to be at Olivet when a young 5 year old boy was brought to the home. It was about 6 years ago. He was so frightened and combative, holding a small stick to fend off the teasing and trying to find his place amongst 50 other boys living there ranging from 5 to 18 years old.
On the visit this past July, Mr. Brown proudly showed us the young man's school work posted on the wall and declared him a top student of his class. His future looks bright and he is thriving. Most of the 12 young men staying with us had once lived at the Mt. Olivet Boys Home in more difficult times and they all spoke of how glad they were for the 'little brothers' who were being treated with dignity and a higher standard was being set for each one to live in to. Good stuff! Two of our 'Brother's United' Thomas and Chris, who are both chef's, whipped up a spectacular meal for the Mt. O kids and the staff. The older boys each gave a welcome and shared words of encouragement. It was a healing and beautiful night for the older kids.
Great Love / Haiti:
Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, our friend Louinel Jean has fixed his gaze on implementing "The Haiti Initiative" and is looking forward to establishing a school of worship, worker training, sustainable farming, empowering Haitian citizens with tools to become true over comers. We are so glad to be sowing into the initial stages of this project.

“True whole prayer is nothing but love.” Saint Augustine

2010-05-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, a Great Love team will have the joy of ministering to the fatherless and the abject poor in Jamaica. We love spending time with our friends, at area orphanages of all ages and the ones who care for them.

Ministry to: West Haven Handicapped Home, Windsor Lodge, Mt. Olivet Boys Home, Brothers United, New Hope Children’s Home, Jamaica Women’s Centre, Manchester Infirmary, YWAM and whoever God puts in our path.

Olympian, Chris Stokes is partnering with Great Love to hold a tryout for prospective Olympic Bobsled team members and track and field event athletes! We will purpose to be hope givers through worship evangelism and the gospel message.

Our team will be hosting a youth retreat, focusing on conflict resolution, growing into who God says we are, job and work counsel, and identifying strengths.

We hope to assist those that are setting their sights education, by meeting with their teachers and school counselors and cover their school expenses as our funds allow.

Pictured below: Dann has been working on a research project for the last 2 years and is almost ready to present his findings on auto immune diseases. We are so proud of his diligence and hard work.

EMPOWER, ENABLE, ENOBLE and ENCOURAGE -

GREAT LOVE – JAMAICA MISSION TRIP 2010

THANKSGIVING IN JAMAICA

2009-10-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Our goals below for last Thanksgiving's trip were realized. It was a beautiful wedding!
WEDDING VOWS
A small group of Great Love volunteers will travel to Jamaica to help put on a wedding for Brother's
United, Jermaine Clarke and his bride to be. He will be setting a new standard, by being the first
person in his family of origin to ever get legally married. Jermaine wants to invite his little brothers
who he grew up with at the Mount Olivet Boys Home, his fellow Brothers United and the
parishioners of Ridgemount United Church where he and his fiance Catrine attend. Catrine will be baptized in early December. She gave birth to their beautiful baby boy Eric last year.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Great Love Foundation sponsors pharmacy accounts for orphans and at risk young adults. Your gifts
also sponsor crisis counseling with Jennifer James of Jamaica Family Life Counseling Service in
Mandeville and Kingston. Ms. James specializes in helping youth that have been institutionalized.
SCHOLARSHIPS / TUTORING
Great Love continues to encourage the pursuit of overcoming poverty through education. Your gifts
have provided many at risk youth the gift of literacy and educational opportunities. As resources
allow, we will register and enroll needy kids that are waiting to enter classes and training centers.
We will facilitate introductions to prospective teachers and guidance counselors.
BUILDING DISCIPLES
Pastors Dwight and Shanda Pinnock of Generations Church have invited our team to stay at their
home on this visit and cast vision for a Great Love - Generations Church alliance.
They have expressed a desire to work with our Brothers and Sisters United, raising up and equipping future leaders of Jamaica. It's been our prayer to identify Jamaicans that are willing
to invest, mentor and disciple kids that have no families. Generations is located in downtown
Mandeville and is a vibrant diverse community of believer who express compassion as worship.
Great Love team member Andrea will stay on and remain with the Pinnocks for a time. She is
sensing the call to pray over the land of Jamaica.
PAYING RESPECT
We will go to the grave of Kemroy Crawford who was struck and killed from a lightning
strike this past September. He had lived at Mt. Olivet Boys Home till he was 13 years old and
then fostered by the McDonald family for the last 2 years.
THANKSGIVING - JAMAICA STYLE
If resources allow we will host a Thanksgiving dinner for the ones we serve and include an
invitation to American missionaries living on island. http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/258/Caribbean_Jerk_Turkey_with_Rice_and_Peas23225.shtml
CAMP CURTIS - FOURSQUARE
We will meet with Sister Mullings for a tour of Camp Curtis. We are looking forward to hosting
camps and leadership retreats for orphans, at risk youth, and those who serve them, during Great
Love's 2010 summer mission. Camp counselors will be comprised of both Jamaican nationals
and Great Love state side volunteers.
We invite you to partner with us by sending your tax deductible donation to:
Great Love 1951 Escarpa Drive Eagle Rock CA 90041
or donate on line www.cdprograms.org

"Live as free men, live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone;
Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King. 1 Peter 2
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!
Great Love is a project of Congressional District Programs TAX ID # 65-0970090

Happy Birthday to Great Love Team Member Andrea

2009-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-09-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

HAITI NEEDS OUR GREAT LOVE

2008-09-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

As a friend of the Great Love family and as a Haitian national who knows the compassion and practical care they show, I feel free to share the plight of the Haitian people at this time on this blog knowing that God will surely bless us to reach out to our brothers in Haiti who are facing tragedy.

We are seeking to help the people with provisions such as food, clothing, and needed funds; as many Haitians have lost everything in some communities where the storms hard hit.

The city of Gonaives and many others were in fact under water today as we speak. This is grassroots relief as friends, family, the community of faith and local church are trying to find help. The government is seeking help. We will not remain inactive. We will do our best.

We are asking all friends and partners of the Great love family to collaborate with our great friend Carolee and her team to help us make donations to the people in Haiti. We will work with those we trust on site in who will deliver the donations and hurricane relief funds.

We know that love will never fail as it always seeks to bring bread to those who suffers in Zion.

May the same love continues to motivate us and move our hearts and hands to uplift our fellowmen and women in Haiti.

We await with great anticipation your full support to this initiative.

Gob Bless you all.

Louinel Jean

Worship Pastor, recording artist

Haitian [currently living in Mandeville Jamaica]

2008-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

OUTCOMES

2008-07-19T09:21:00.001-07:00

Brothers United, Chris Mc Giver's dream to be

chef is getting closer each day.

Last Dec. Chris prepared a Christmas meal in

the Brothers United kitchen for our Christmas

celebration.

We took pictures of his presentation and attested to the

fabulous flavor of our meal.

With resume in hand, Chris landed a job at the Golf View

Hotel in Mandeville in catering. Thank you Rosie James

for investing in another Brother's United young man!

OUTCOME

Last week while in Jamaica, Rev. Andy, recording

artist and Pastor, Louinel Jean and our team met for a

meal at the Golf View Hotel's dining room. Our chef

Chris prepared a sumptuous feast for us. He was

beaming when we asked for 'the chef' to come to our

table, applaud him and thank him for a fabulous meal.

He was thrilled and quick to share the credit with his

team. Chris is taking continued classes in food and nutrition.

He needs to raise $50.00 usd required for his food and

nutrition books for the classes.

Many of our young men have designs on becoming chef's.

There are dozens of resorts and restaurants around the shores

of the island nation. He is pictured with his friend Shawn

to announce that "Dinner is served!"

We are proud of you Chris!

OUTCOME

2008-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dearest Family and Friends ,

Well I have magnificent news!!!

As you know, we have been waiting for

the results of the latest CTA scans on

Tuesday to discover whether Becca's

hemorrhagic stroke was the result of

a aneurysm or a AVM and what

sort of treatment she would need to

correct the damage or malformation.

Well Dr Tan called Becca today and

informed her that the scans came back

clear and normal! He said that no

surgery or radiation or any further

treatment would be needed!!! Becca

was in shock so after she spoke to

him we had Joel call him back to clarify

and he said that whatever it

was is gone and that whether it was an

aneurysm or a AVM it "must have

resolved itself". As you can imagine,

we are ecstatic and full of deep

gratefulness to God for His kindness

and merciful love.

He is good and though we may not

always understand His ways and the

things He allows us to go through,

we can be confident that He holds

us all at the very center of His heart

and walks with us through each and

every storm. We have experienced His

love and provision through so many of

you and I want to thank you all for

being His hands and feet, His arms of

love and strength, His words of comfort

and hope for all of us.

-Pricilla [Becca's mom] and family

2008-07-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Marvin has been transferred from children's home to home to home. I met him at Mt. Olivet. He is learning to be a pig and chicken farmer. Marvin

is so smart and observant.

He poured out his heart and sadness, asked for fruit, vegetables, and our prayers. He said he

misses going to church.

Fifteen year old Marvin is highly intelligent and is determined to survive living at this orphanage.

He is pictured above with many of our transferred friends who ended up as wards of St. John Bosco Boys Home.

God sets the lonely in families

2008-07-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa volunteered her time and love on a Journey of Hope to Jamaica.  She is pictured here with our friend Oshawn.  He lived at Mt. Olivet Boys home till last year.  He moved in with Rev. Andy and Janelle's family in Mandeville Jamaica.  Oshawn has become an avid swimmer and is a bright light to this world.

Manchester Infirmary

2008-07-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

     I was inspired by a long

time friend at the Infirmary,

a man named Hubert who

has been ill for 38 years and

unable to sit up for 8 years.

He has 2 CD players at the

head of his bed that don't

work.   There is the wall

and a bible by his rusty bed.

His spirit is utterly beautiful.

 He is thankful for the breeze

 that blows now and then on

his face, for the sun that is

shining through the dirty

window and flower blossoms

 he can see.  He was thankful

 for the music that once

played and he imagines the

songs in his mind that used

to bless him.   Hubert per-

sonifies a grateful heart and

can't wait to meet his Jesus.

 He said that enduring the

pain and his boredom and

being faithful in the midst

of it, is his life's work till

he can be with God. Hubert

humbled my heart and gave

me new perspective on

gratitude.

OUTCOME: We had the joy of

bringing Hubert a CD/radio with

cd's to play.

He was thrilled as were the rest

of the men in the ward.

2008-07-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have never spent the night with a mosquito. -saying in Kenya

Terry Ann shows her e ticket to Trinidad

2008-07-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

OUTCOME: Great Love provided Terry Ann with a ticket to Trinidad. She left today to take a nursing job for one year. She was so thrilled for this opportunity. Have a safe and blessed time!

From Lawrence

2008-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Roy and Lawrence
Carolee's Team trip to Jamaica has made a significant impact on my life. Their unconditional love and support continue to inspire and lift me up. I've met great friends who are now apart of my growth and development. They inspire me to draw close to Jesus Christ.

Thanks to Great Love for being a family for the orphans and less fortunate in Jamaica.

2008-06-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

I've had the joy of watching these young men grow up. Most of the guys were raised at Mt. Olivet Boys Home and now are a part of Brothers United led by my friend Rev. Andy McDonald. Each one has an amazing story to tell of overcoming adversity. Love you! Aunt C

TEAMWORK

2008-06-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Darcy, Pat and Patti serve with great love!

2008-06-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

WE STAND WITH OUR FRIENDS

IN JAMAICA

LOVE FROM THE KIDS OF C.A.

WE STAND WITH YOU AND BLESS YOU! WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS!

YOUR MOMS, AUNTIES AND GRANDMAS AT C.A.

2008-06-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

This is social worker and friend of Jamaica, Andrea M. She will bring great encouragement to many on our Great Love Journey this fall 08.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

2008-06-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Terry Anne seeks airfare to take a job in Trinidad

OUTCOME: Terry Ann left July 17th for Trinidad! Thank you friends!

Welcome!

On July 1st, we will be leaving for Jamaica to celebrate life and new beginnings. Some of our Olivet and Brothers United boys are graduating from High school.

We will be so proud to be their family support as they get their diplomas at Mizpah School. As you scroll down the blog you'll see many of the faces that we will be working with.

Thank you to the women of Christian Assembly for their donation of $2,500 toward our trip budget.

Andre Vennor, Jo and Scott Westervelt, Tommy and Robin Walker, LA Galaxy, Bodies in Motion , Bob Hurley , Mike Bronner , THANK YOU for your encouragement!

Team member and professional trainer, Lisa W. will be working with our team on drills and strength training. Team member Margaret, a retired lawyer will be returning to continue doing life with our Brothers United and dear friends.

Additional financial gifts will provide the

resources as we look forward to:

COPSE BEACH DAY

OLIVET POOL PARTY

NEW HOPE CHILDREN'S HOME RIVER DAY

VISIT WESTHAVEN HOME FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND TEENS

VISIT AT THE MANCHESTER INFIRMARY

GROUP BIRTHDAY PARTY AT BROTHERS UNITED

PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMMUNITY CONCERT

DEPOSIT INTO THE FONTANA PHARMACY ACCOUNTS

A BED FOR LANDO

SHOES FOR THE SHOELESS