MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
A six-week dual-nation mission trip yielded rich spiritual fruits this summer, resulting in 81 precious souls baptized—21 in Mexico and 60 in the Dominican Republic—as the West Jamaica Conference (WJC) deployed its first official contingent under the Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Mission 2000 and Beyond banner.
The historic initiative ran from July 14 to August 25, 2026, placing nine ASI missionaries—five students, three teachers, and one parent—on the front lines of evangelism, language immersion, and community service under the leadership of Harrison Memorial High School Spanish educator Shimue Harriott along with other contingents from within the Inter American Division.
A Harvest Rooted in Conviction
For Harriott, witnessing dozens of lives surrendered to Christ through baptism fulfilled a personal calling that began shortly after his conversion. "The Holy Spirit put a longing—a yearning for mission—in my heart," Harriot shared. Driven to serve, he initially joined missionaries from the East Jamaica Conference in 2024.
His journey involved tests of faith—including cutting his dreadlocks after feeling a conviction on a bus ride, just days before organizers raised questions about uniform standards. "God is just so amazing," Harriott recalled.
After two years serving with East Jamaica, Harriott recognized the untapped potential in his home conference. "West Jamaica needs its own. We have young people and a lot of talent," he noted. As a language educator, he saw a dual purpose: using trips to Spanish-speaking countries to accelerate student language learning while equipping youth to conduct public evangelism and win souls for God's kingdom.
ASI Mission contingent leader Shimue Harriott and a dedicated team of volunteers pose together in the Dominican Republic after giving a local house a fresh, vibrant transformation. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Project One: Faith and Soul-Winning in Nuevo León, Mexico
The first leg sent two students and two teachers into Nuevo León, Mexico, from July 14 to August 3, 2026. Supporting a two-week evangelistic series across 12 locations in a predominantly Catholic environment, the team’s preaching and outreach resulted in 21 baptisms. Complementing their evangelistic meetings, the team engaged in practical community service: distributing food through "Loaves of Love," leading Vacation Bible School, executing community cleanups, and painting murals at a rehabilitation center.
For student missionaries, stepping onto the pulpit required overcoming significant personal fears. "When I first went, I was confused and wanted to stay by myself, but meeting others made it exciting and fun," shared Shantay, an ASI missionary on the trip. "When they first handed out sermons, I actually hid in the bathroom for an hour because I was so terrified of preaching! But after practicing with my roommate and my aunt, God paved the way. Even when my voice gave out right before, I pushed through, and in the end, I think I did a very good job."
Educators on the trip found immense fulfillment in watching their students step out boldly as soul-winners. "When Mr. Harriott invited me, I didn't hesitate because these were my form students at Harrison High School," shared Avery Stennett, an ASI missionary on the contingent. "Going to Mexico was an awesome, overwhelming experience—seeing such a bright, confident group of young people stepping out for Christ."
Avery Stennett, Shantay Coote, Shimue Harriott, and Rexmar Gordon proudly pose with the Mexican flag during their ASI Mission trip to Nuevo León, where they are engaging in community service projects and sharing the gospel. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Project Two: 60 Souls Won in Bonao, Dominican Republic
The second phase expanded to Bonao, Dominican Republic, based at Universidad Adventista Dominicana (UNAD) from July 31 to August 25, 2026. The team—three students, two teachers, and a parent—conducted a powerful two-week evangelistic series that culminated in 60 baptisms, while also ministering at two rehabilitation centers and painting residential homes and local churches.
Youth participants experienced profound personal growth while laboring for the gospel. "I started meeting new people and adapting to the Spanish environment," shared Jaden Allen, an ASI missionary. "I learned to do a lot of stuff—including washing!"
Nathan Black, another youth missionary, reflected on how public evangelism transformed his life: "Growing up as a pastor's kid, ministry was always part of my life. But me before the trip and me after are two completely different people. I used to be an introvert who never sought out conversations with strangers. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone and truly transformed how I engage with others."
ASI missionaries from the West Jamaica Conference stand proud alongside local church members in front of the freshly painted Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día El Nuevo Edén in the Dominican Republic. :: Photo credit: Contributed
A New Chapter for West Jamaica
The 81 baptisms across both nations mark the beginning of an ongoing movement, with active steps underway to formally establish West Jamaica’s official ASI chapter.
"West Jamaica has its own chapter of ASI Missionaries," Harriott confirmed, "and we are currently working on formalizing the team."
As the contingent returns home, the success of this inaugural mission proves that when young people are equipped for evangelism, language barriers and geographical borders become bridges for winning souls and building the kingdom of God.