A Letter from Andy Stout

Executive Director, CSI Ministries

Over the past six weeks, I had the opportunity to be back in Jamaica—walking alongside our staff, hosting teams, and stepping back into a role I haven’t held in a while.

I’m grateful.

Grateful for what God is doing through this ministry.
Grateful for the people He continues to bring.
And grateful for the team on the ground who continue to carry the work forward day after day.

One of the clearest takeaways for me was the strength and growth of our Jamaican staff. Over the course of six weeks, they coordinated multiple teams with very little involvement from me. That may sound simple, but it reflects something deeper—ownership, confidence, and leadership.

I watched small but meaningful moments that point to long-term health. Systems we’ve been working toward are beginning to take root. Communication is improving. And our staff are not just supporting teams—they are leading the ministry forward.

At the same time, I was reminded why we do short-term missions in the first place.

On one trip, a young woman helped lead a school devotion—someone I first met nearly 15 years ago when she came as a child with her family. To see her now, walking in maturity and helping lead others, was humbling. 

Those moments don’t happen overnight. They are the result of years of God working through consistent exposure, relationships, and obedience. It was a clear reminder that what happens in a single week often has a much longer story attached to it.

We also had a first-time team come with very little lead time—three families who stepped out in faith to say yes. They were able to build a home, but more importantly, they engaged deeply with the ministry. They connected with our staff, spent time with the Washingtons (more about them below), and began to see the bigger picture of where God is leading CSI.

That leads to one of the most significant developments during this season.

After much prayer and searching for the right leadership on the ground, God opened the door in a way I wasn’t expecting. Two churches provided generous gifts that we used as seed funding to move forward with hiring local leadership—removing the delay of needing outside fundraising to begin.

At the same time, God had been preparing Phillip and Lisan Washington. While we were praying for the right people, they were praying for the right opportunity. They will be stepping into ministry with CSI in July, leaving behind teaching and pastoral roles to help lead and develop the ministry in Jamaica.

Their heart is not just for projects, but for people—for building relationships, strengthening the local church, and helping establish long-term gospel impact in the communities we serve. You will hear them say it is all about the Gospel.

Personally, this season was both encouraging and stretching.

Being back in Jamaica felt like coming home in many ways—but it also felt different. Being there without Lisa and the family created a tension I didn’t expect. It was familiar, but not complete. There was a sense of joy in being back where God has used us, mixed with the reality that this season looks different.

What became clear is that my role is shifting.

I’m not meant to be the one carrying everything on the front lines. Instead, I’m being pulled toward investing in our staff, strengthening our systems, and helping churches re-engage in missions in a deeper, more sustainable way.

With the help of people like Steve and Lynne volunteering on the financial and ministry side and Josh stepping into his new role as Operations Coordinator, I was able to step back in ways I haven’t before. That space allowed me to do something just as important—spend time with our staff, build relationships, and simply be present.

Laughing together. Listening. Encouraging.

Those moments matter more than we often realize.

As I reflect on these six weeks, I’m reminded that while we often measure ministry in what gets built or accomplished in a week, God is doing something much deeper—shaping lives over time, both here and abroad.

I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Excited for the leadership God is raising up.
And expectant for the doors He continues to open.

Thank you for being part of this work.

Blessings,

Andy