Sheena Gayle, Freelance Writer

(From left) Patrick Dillon, Elizabeth Greenwood, Adrian Marshall and Latoya Christie, volunteers with Youth With A Mission, went to Gambia and Albania to spread the word of God and assist with community development. - Photo by Sheena Gayle

WESTERN BUREAU:

Five months ago, they made the decision to join the international Christian non-profit organisation, Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

They dedicate their time to spreading the gospel of God and helping with the development of others.

Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Greenwood; Adrian Marshall, 22; Latoya Christie, 23, and Patrick Dillon, 24, are volunteers with the YWAM.

Dillon, who is from the community of Majesty Garden in Kingston, was a part of a team who went to Gambia, Africa, for two months and returned last Saturday.

"It was through visiting Gambia where I have grown an appreciation and love for Jamaica, as simple things we take for granted here, like having use of a household toilet, are not available in the village we visited," he said.

Greenwood, the youngest of the group, entered YWAM imme-diately after leaving high school.

"I'm yet to regret my decision," she said. "YWAM has taught me what it means to work as a team and how important it is to help others."

Meanwhile, it took Marshall and Christie's family some time to adjust to their decision to enter voluntary service after completing their tertiary education.

Marshall and Christie had the opportunity to visit Gambia and Albania, respectively, and shared similar sentiments about their experiences.

The youths said their international ministry was done through fund-raising efforts, which were important in order to continue their ministry.