Dear Friends of Jamaica,

We hope you are well and enjoying your summer. We want to thank you for your past participation in our Jamaican Dental Missions program. Your efforts have blessed many, many people and thanks to you, the program continues to grow and thrive. We have taken teams as large as 47 and have approximately 8-10 trips per year with dentists, dental students, hygienists, pre dental students, assistants etc. from all over the USA and Canada. Pastor Rowe and her family have been an integral part of the team from the beginning 20 years ago and the program would not be nearly as successful had it not been for her and the rest of the Rowe family. Pastor has helped facilitate not only the building and management of the dental clinic, but easily over 150 dental teams serving well over 35,000 patients. So far this year alone, 6 teams have come to serve from Midwestern, UCSF, Detroit Mercy, British Columbia, and a few private offices. Upcoming planned trips are July 20-27- UNC/Colorado, July 27-August 3- Texas A&M, September 21-28- Oregon, and Florida from December 14-21. (July trips have been cancelled)

We are writing you to let you know that Pastor Rowe and family are not having such a great summer. First, the termites have eaten through the wood in their humble home necessitating the removal of all of the contents as well as all of the wood. They were able to store their personal things and appliances in the chicken coop and tarp covered outdoor cooking area. They are still in the demolition process and will have to rebuild around the cement blocks that are still standing.

To add insult to injury, hurricane Beryl “did them bad” and destroyed what little they had left. They were huddled inside Nicole’s bedroom since they couldn’t go outside due to all the rain and flying debris. So far, we know that they are all safe, but part of the ceiling fell and hit Mr. Rowe in the head. Thank God he has such a hard head! Trees have fallen on Rolston’s shop as well as in the back of the yard. The church, school and dental clinic fared better than their house. Combined with the termites, the wind and water damage have pretty much destroyed their home.

Long story short, Pastor Rowe and family are in dire need of our help. God put this dear family in our path, and we have all been richly blessed by this association. They serve in any way God asks and have given so much to their local community as well as the rest of the country. You are probably wondering how you can lend a hand. We have set up a fund at CDS to help the Rowe family, who continually pass on their blessings to those in need. If you feel led to contribute to this “Rowe Relief Fund”, please send whatever you wish and designate it for the “Rowe Relief Fund”. Every dollar will help and as you know, every dollar can go a long way in Jamaica. It will take at least $30,000.00 to clean up, repair and rebuild their house. I am sure there will be clean up and repair expenses in the church, school and dental clinic as well. We will try to round up a sizable contribution to send to her by August 1st, so the sooner you send in your donation, the better.

CDS

PO Box 296

Sumner, Iowa 50674

Rowe Relief Fund

Or feel free to send via gofundme right here.

We are reminded of Romans 12:12-13 where we are to:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This seems to fit perfectly with Pastor Rowe’s daily demeanor. When asked how she is doing and how they are handling it all, she said “we can’t fret about this, only turn it over to the One who saves!” What faith in the eye of the storm!

Jim and Sue Carney have had their health challenges over the past few years, but God has seen them through in so many miraculous ways and they will continue to plan, support and participate in these dental mission adventures as long as the Lord allows.

Gratefully,

Jim and Sue Carney

Bill and Linda Griffin

PS Practice owners, this tax-deductible contribution can be made through your office, rather than from your personal account, and you will save 15% since you won’t have had to pay the Social Security and Medicare taxes.