Faith-Based Groups
Jamaica is a natural site for faith-based groups. Thanks to Jamaica's diverse culture, with roots that span the globe, virtually every faith and tradition has a presence on the island. In fact, Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other destination in the world. This religious history has endowed Jamaica with a tolerant and welcoming spirit that is best defined by the nation’s motto: Out of many, one people.
"Jamaica is a worshipping country", says Tommy Cowan, CEO of Glory Music and the founder of Fun in the Son, a springtime Gospel event for college students. "We are rooted in Christianity, and that makes us a natural destination for churches, college students and conferences".
Faith-based planners who have brought groups to Jamaica agree. "Our attendees loved it," says Mary Tumpkin, president of the Universal Center of Truth in Carol City, Fla. Tumpkin brought an annual meeting that drew 900 attendees to Ocho Rios and the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Hotel.
Tumpkin chose Jamaica partially because it was competitive price-wise, compared to the church’s other annual-meeting destinations, which have included New Orleans, Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and the Bahamas. Indeed, thanks to the island's favourable exchange rate, resort pricing and packages, Jamaica is truly a bargain for religious meeting groups.
Jamaica's all-inclusive hotels, located in the island's well-known resort regions, offer great deals and so are popular venues for religious meeting groups. Everything from meals to rooms to recreational equipment is included in one competitive price, and that is always a crowd pleaser! "The all-inclusive package, being able to eat as much as they wanted was well received", Tumpkin says.
However, while some religious groups opt for all-inclusive experience, others choose smaller hotels in more remote, local communities. Westminster Church of Christ twice travelled to Christiana, for a mission with the Christiana Church of Christ, staying at the Villa Bella hotel each trip. "Our experience has been to get to really know the members of the local congregation", says Bill Lamb, deacon for the mission efforts at the Westminster-based church. "We have established a wonderful working relationship with the local congregation and it is a wonderful thing to go back and visit our friends each year". Lamb adds.
Jamaica has been blessed with so many joys, including our diverse culture, varied landscape and warm people. For these reasons and so many more, come and worship with us and let the spirit fill you!