For the last 10 years, the Carmody family has been leading mission trips to the Caribbean islands including Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Most of our time is now spent in Spalding, Jamaica (near Mandeville).
B.A.N.G. (Building A New Generation) was initiated in the summer of 2009 and has become a widely accepted and anticipated event. The first concert trip featured R-Swift, Bobby Bishop, and Young Joshua and was held for 3 nights at Spalding Gospel Assembly. Money was raised to bring 200 New Testament Bibles, 200 13 Letter Curriculum work books, and over 50 of the artist's CDs for prize giveaways. We also did some light construction work by painting the inside of the church building. Unfortunately, the artists were only able to be with us for 3 days out of the week. Despite that, we developed lasting friendships with the artists. Before we even left, each of them began making plans to join us again the next year. They truly became part of our team and family.
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Summer 2009 Team |
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Bobby Bishop on stage |
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Young Joshua performing |
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Me & my girls! |
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R-Swift with a fan |
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The team on shopping day |
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Over 200 NT Bibles |
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Having fun painting the church |
In 2010, we were joined by R-Swift, Corey Hicks, and Young Joshua as B.A.N.G went on tour. B.A.N.G. spent two nights at Spalding Gospel Assembly, one in downtown Spalding, one at Melrose (which led to an encore performance), and one at Spalding Primary School. Again, over 50 artist CDs and around 50 team t-shirts were given away as prizes. During the week, we saw the community "reppin'" their "Rep the King" t-shirts around town. Additionally, many of them were able to sing along with the artists because of their CDs from last year. We were also able to build a marquee outside Spalding Gospel Assembly to hang banners to advertise for events at the church. Lastly, members of the team performed the "Everything" Skit by Lifehouse either during or after the concerts.
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Summer 2010 Team |
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Corey Hicks signing a CD |
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The guys on stage |
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The banner! |
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Girls from Melrose with Young Joshua's CD |
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Young Joshua signing a t-shirt |
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Reppin' the King! |
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The "Everything Drama" at Spalding Primary School |
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Corey Hicks performing for 300 kids at a public school! The mission in summer 2011 is to continue on with B.A.N.G. as an annual concert event. We wish to lead Jamaicans of all ages in a worship service of Christian hip-hop to present the Gospel in a relevant way. This year, we want to expand by taking additional hip-hop artists who desire to serve the Lord on a four day tour to more locations in Jamaica, including Kingston. We hope to have another CD & t-shirt give away for the attendees. We plan to participate in some light construction work on the new church facility at Spalding Gospel Assembly (led by Pastor Smikle). While some things about previous trips will stay the same, some things are changing: 1. We are partnering with Scott Free of Freestyle Missions located out of Atlanta, GA. 2. We hope to bring a DJ to assist the artists on stage. 3. Confirmed artists include: R-Swift, Bobby Bishop, and Corey Hicks. Other artists may include The Heart of Hip Hop artists. 4. Workshops may be offered to children, young adults, and adults in the Spalding community. Some of these may include: Pastor training, women's ministry, drama, rap, sports, etc.. We are very excited about this upcoming trip. The Lord has been glorified through these trips and has provided for us over and over again. I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported us over the years, whether by being a team member, financial support, or prayerful support. YOU make it possible for us to serve the Lord and spread the love of Christ to the nations! If you would like to make a financial contribution you may make checks out to "Freestyle Missions" with "Jamaica Mission Trip" written on the memo line. If you would like to know more about Freestyle Missions please follow this link: |
