Mission Journey with Bahamas Methodist Habitat
On January 18th, 2026, our mission team gathered from 7 congregations headed for a mission camp in James Cistern, Eleuthera, Bahamas. James Cistern is approximately equidistant from the north to the south and is a Bahama island which is 112 miles long and 2 miles wide at its greatest width. The Camp Symonette is supported by six Methodist churches throughout Eleuthera and serves as the “Hurricane Emergency Shelter”. The time of Covid and a pastor passing have left the camp in neglect. Our team had been asked to help revitalize a once very functional camp for mission teams, youth training and educational retreats. The camp is located with the Caribbean Sea on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. There is a land breach with a bridge that allows the two bodies of water to meet. Both bodies of water are very easy to enjoy from the campsite. We were able to snorkel, hike, and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters during down time.
Our UMVIM team landed and were met with great joy by Deacon Roderick Pinder, his wife Juanita, and the camp liaison Martin Gaitor. We were escorted to the camp in 3 rented vans and Martin’s wonderful work truck. Our team settled into the camp delegating dorm rooms followed by viewing the camp, initial instructions from our host and our afternoon and evening chef Zavie, had prepared our first meal for us. Pauline and Hannah proved to be wonderful preparing our morning meals.
Our intended mission schedule included camp renovations, repairs, vacation bible school, a canning class and an oral hygiene class with take home supplies. We were not able to accomplish everything scheduled due to workloads and funerals. The tasks we were able to perform were well attended and greatly appreciated. The grateful hearts were very apparent and brought joy to everyone.
Our initial tasks were cleaning and repairing to be able to have our community mission involvement take place at a newly inspired camp. The Methodist leadership wanted to bring awareness and support to the camp from the other churches to help it become a renewed and functional part of the Methodist ministry. The residents are hard-working people and could not take much time off to visit the campsite while we worked.
The continued growth in spiritualty and team spirit brought a spirit of success in the cohesiveness of the entire team. Many of us have been together for other missions and the acceptance and attention to help develop new team members was inspiring. A holy moment to remember.
The environment of the island was hopeful, and the hardships were very apparent. Because they are on an island, shipping and taxes bring item costs to twice what we would pay in the US. Visiting allowed us to see that many functional everyday items are not available on Eleuthera and must be brought in from other islands and countries. We have compiled an extended list that can be brought in that would make the camp more functional for staff and upcoming teams. I pray that this article will encourage others to serve, work and play at Camp Symonette in the Bahamas.
Sincerely,
Bill and Katherine Howell, CLM, UMVIM Team Leaders
For information and a list of items needed: howellkvh@gmail.com, K-712-830-4261