The Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
I remember when the book the "Prayer of Jabez" came out and how when I read it I had prayed that God would enlarge my territory. I asked that He would give me greater influence to expand His kingdom and now years later God has granted that request. I am thanking Him for allowing me to have influence in two countries. Since I have been in Jamaica we have hosted 13 teams. My prayer for each individual has been that through their mission experience that they would return to the states changed in a way that would last forever. That they would follow Christ more closely, give more generously, pray more intensely for the nations, and love justice more completely. Just as one short term mission trip has forever changed me. Through the duties required to host a team I have worked with many Jamaicans and I am enjoying sharing my knowledge of the word of God as we interact on a daily basis. So I am thankful for the influence God has given me and I pray that I use each opportunity wisely. 

What?

I received an email from my director at CSI. The Jamaican Embassy in New York is now requesting photos of me before I can get my passport stamped with a visa to enter Jamaica. The good news is my director had passport photos that she could Fed ex overnight to the Embassy. Which she did today, Saturday the 10th.  However I need my passport returned stamped by Tuesday the 13th so that I can board the flight I have booked for 8 a.m. Wednesday the 14th. I know God can make it happen but if you would take the time to ask Him to help make this happen it would be appreciated.

Departure Date

After many weeks of delay we now have word that our letter from the Jamaican Government is ready and will be in the CSI office in Muncie on Thursday, April 1. (No Fooling) So we are setting our departure date for Wednesday, April 14. I would truly appreciate your prayers for the remainder of the process to be concluded without any problems.
I am so excited to finally have a date to be in Jamaica. The process of becoming a missionary has taken almost a year and six months. I can't wait to get started on everything that the Spirit of God leads me to do.

Marggy's Jamaica Video from marggy hensley on Vimeo.

FAQ's about Jamaica

I thought I would take a moment and answer a few of the questions that I most frequently get asked:

Q. When will you be leaving for Jamaica?
A. I will be leaving for Jamaica in March. I do not know the exact date yet because I will have to apply for a work Visa from the Jamaica government. I will be sending in my visa application the first part of January and will then have to wait on the response from Jamaica before I can book a one way flight.

Q. Are Aaron and Melissa Black and family going at the same time?
A. Yes, and I feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends to work, live and serve God with.

Q. What will you be doing in Jamaica?
A. CSI Ministries mission statement is "Mission Experiences in Jesus' Name". So we will be hosting short term mission teams. This means; making the connection with those in Jamaica who have needs and the teams who will serve them. It also means, food, transportation, cultural experiences, supplies for  the work projects, etc. need to be in place before the teams arrive. CSI also has a Student Support program which provides funds to help kids get to and stay in school. I think this involved visiting schools, teachers and children to check on grades, attendance and also help them with home work. And I'm sure that God has plans that I don't see fully right now. So this answer is to be continued...

Q. Where will you be living?
A. I will be in living Saint Mary Parish, town of Highgate which is in the interior of Jamaica. As far as I know right now I will be living in a block house down the street and around the corner from the Mission House. And yes my house will have electricity and indoor plumbing.  I will have hot water!  (This is picture of the house I will most likely be living in with Jamie Barton.)


Q. How do I join you in ministry with prayer and financial support?
A. I have prayer cards which I would love for you to put on your refrigerator or in your bible as a reminder to pray. I will also be sending out a monthly news letter by e-mail and I will be contacting my partners with prayer requests. If you want to send financial support mail a check to CSI Ministries, 1714 W Royale Dr. Muncie, IN 47304 with my name in the memo line. Or ask me and I will give you a response card and envelope. 

Q. How long will you be gone?

A. CSI requests that you make a three year commitment, however I really hope that I will be in Jamaica much longer. This doesn't mean that I will be gone three years straight. I will be home for about six weeks each year. Four of those weeks are used to reconnect with those who are partnering with me in ministry and continue to raise support. Two week are vacation time.

Q. What do you think you will miss the most while in Jamaica?

A. My family and friends of course! But I will also miss fresh milk, the change of seasons, the ease of shopping we have, and I'm sure there will be other things also.

Feel free to leave a comment with your question.