I have spent the past two summers at a children’s home nestled deep in the mountains of Jamaica called the City of Refuge. This Christ-centered home welcomes about 50 children each month, children who have been removed from difficult or dangerous situations. It provides them with comfort, education, care, and a fresh start. The children range in age from newborns to young adults in their early 20s.
My first trip there was after my freshman year of college as part of SEU’s mystery trip. Little did I know that this children’s home in Jamaica would leave such a lasting impact on my heart. I spent two weeks there, even celebrating my 21st birthday at the City of Refuge, because I know God has a special place in His heart for this home.
God has continued to reveal beautiful things to me during my time there. I vividly remember sitting with my roommate on my 21st birthday while he played “You Saved Me” by UPPERROOM. As I listened to the lyrics, “I’m in love; I cannot remember what I was doing before I met You. I’ve been captivated by love that saved me,” I reflected on how it had been three years since I gave my life to Christ. Since then, everything changed—my life gained meaning, value, and purpose, and Jesus became my everything.
The children at the City of Refuge are hungry for the love of Christ and eager to know Jesus. I vividly remember a conversation with one of the boys during my first trip. He shared how his brother had passed away before he came to the City of Refuge. Yet, in the same breath, he expressed gratitude for the 20 new brothers he had gained. While they could never replace his own brother, these boys had become his family, and he loved them deeply. Moments like these show how powerful God’s love can be in the lives of these children, and why the City of Refuge holds such a special place in my heart.
My love for the City of Refuge grew so much that I inspired my home church in West Virginia to take a mission trip there a year later. On that trip, God showed me another side of His heart. I’ve always known that the love of the Father is unconditional, but while talking to the children in Jamaica this summer, I realized that the Father’s love is not only unconditional—it’s individual. I often forget that God, as our Father, has a unique relationship with each of us. He created us divinely and knows us intimately, including what makes us feel loved. Just as we all have different love languages, God knows exactly how to fill each of our hearts. Just as He knows what makes me feel loved, He knows what makes all His children feel loved. I love how God used me to show His love to these children and to be His hands and feet.
The children at the City of Refuge need more people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The Children of the City of Refuge. Whether it’s through prayer, financial support, or joining us in the field, there are countless ways to get involved and be part of what God is doing here in Jamaica. Will you join us?
There are children who are waiting to experience the healing, restoration, and love that only Christ can provide. Your prayers and support can make a world of difference in their lives. I’ve seen firsthand how the Father’s love changes everything—it can take the darkest moments and turn them into stories of redemption, family, and hope.
If you feel called to be part of this mission, whether through partnering in prayer or taking action, please know that your involvement will have a lasting impact on the lives of these children and on the Kingdom of God.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children, giving them a future filled with love, faith, and hope. Thank you for being willing to stand with us as we share the Father’s heart and His endless love with the children of the City of Refuge. I will link below the CIty of Refuge website where you can find more information and donate if you feel led....
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