Art & Music Teacher, Jamaica
Vicki Smith

“When I was 4 years old I announced I was going to be a teacher,” Vicki Smith says with a smile. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done for the past 25 years.” But instead of retiring after countless hours in the classroom, Vicki is answering a new call to teach at the Iona Preparatory School in Jamaica.

The school, run by the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman, a PC (U.S.A.) partner, is a private children's institution that has been in operation for nearly 60 years. It offers smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a Christian environment.  Parents pay only a modest fee. Vicki will share her love of music and art with students from 3 to 12 years of age. In addition, her duties will include coordinating music for Bible school and other school activities. There is currently no teacher in this position. “Jamaica conjures up visions of all-inclusive resorts for many Americans,” Vicki states. “But the Jamaica served by our partner church is very different, where poverty, drugs and HIV/AIDS are all too prevalent.”

When asked to explain her sense of call to serve in this two-year position Vicki states, “One of the first Bible verses I ever memorized was the Great Commission. Even at a young age, the words ‘go and teach all I have commanded’ stayed with me. And that’s what I’ve done - but when I heard a letter being read from a missionary couple serving as teachers, it was as if God was tapping me on the shoulder saying, I have a new plan for you.”

As a complete act of faith, Vicki sold her home and this past December she concluded her teaching career in the Pasadena ISD public school system, a suburb of Houston, Texas to begin this new journey. “The call of a Christian and of a teacher never stops,” Vicki states. “Working in Jamaica at this wonderful school, I have the unique privilege to teach children how to express their God-given creativity and to raise their voices in the universal language of song, praising God.”

She concludes, “Jesus was the master teacher and repeatedly insisted that the ‘children should come unto him.’ Through this calling, God is giving me this amazing opportunity not only to teach the words of the beloved children’s hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me’ but to help children truly come to know Jesus’ amazing grace and love.”

Projected Annual Costs for Vicki Smith
(estimated as of 12/31/06)

Salary: $12,000
Benefits: $7,250
Travel: $2,000
Other support needs: $2,000
Security: $1,100
Contingencies:$1,000

Total annual cost: $25,350
Total for 2-year deployment: $50,700

What is Christ Calling You to Do?
Vicki Smith stands ready to serve God. But she needs your help. She needs your financial support as indicated above.

To make a pledge to Joining Hearts & Hands, a campaign to renew the Presbyterian Church for mission, call (888) 728-7228 x5611 or click on the donate button.

Download this flier to print

Contributions can be sent by mail to:
Presbyterian Church, Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

You may designate your contribution for Vicki by including her name on the memo of your check along with the following identification number MI910035.