St. Martin

St. Martin is a unique island in the Caribbean.  It is the home of some of the world’s most lovely beaches.  This fact has made St. Martin a prime location for tourism.  Scuba diving and snorkeling are among the favorite attractions. 

The island itself is not large, only 43 km², 28.5 mi².  However, the island is divided into two sides, the French side and the Dutch side.  The capitol of the French half is Marigot.  The capitol of the Dutch half is Philipsburg.  The border between these two halves, representing two countries, is a stone obelisk and sign.  No border guard or check points are present. The two sides truly have a special relationship.  The total population of the island in 1999 was at 75,000.  Average temperatures are between 66-88^o F with temperatures hardly ever above 90^o.

Church of the Nazarene in St. Martin

The Church of the Nazarene in St. Martin was begun in 1994 on the French side of the island in the capitol city of Marigot.  The founding pastor, Jean François Larevoir, began the work of the church in a rented facility, paid for by the local congregation, and then decided to start a second work in the interior of the island.  The second location at Quartier d'Orléans is also a rental property paid for by the local congregation.  It took more than six years for the first property to be purchased for the Church of the Nazarene in St. Martin.  Final papers were signed in September of 2001.  This property is a definite answer to prayer, made possible through a miraculous donation, and now allows the church to begin plans for their own church building. 

The Marigot project will provide the very first church building that the Church of the Nazarene owns on this French island.  The Marigot church has nearly 200 members and packs out the rented facility on any given Sunday. 

The new building will be a rectangular, cement block structure placed on the 27m X 60m piece of property that now belongs to the Church of the Nazarene.  We hope to have a building with a seating capacity between 400-500.  Given the history of this church and the zeal with which the local congregation accepts a challenge, it is anticipated that the church will fill their new building within two to four years.  Architectural plans for the building have been completed, building permits issued and construction is nearing completion.

Work and Witness Teams

Project

You will be working on the new church building for the Marigot Church of the Nazarene in Marigot, St. Martin (French side).  The property for the new church is located just outside of downtown Marigot on a main thoroughfare.  As you descend down the hill from downtown you can see the property and the church located prominently at the bottom of the hill.  Included on this website is a set of drawings of the new building.  As you can see, it will be a wonderful structure.  This church will be a place dedicated to the worship of God; planned, built, and utilized to the Glory of God.  It will be a fitting setting to introduce the inhabitants of St. Martin to the God who loves them and sent His Son for them and their salvation.  The job site is a 10-15 minute ride from the Guest House where teams will be staying.

            Many of the members of the church are skilled artisans.  The pastor, Pastor Jean François Larevoir, is bi-vocational serving also as a well respected plumber on the island.  Many hand tools will be provided by the church.  Heavier equipment is available for rent.  Please contact Curt Luthye (Regional W & W Coordinator) for phase specific tools that are needed.  Their contact information is included at the end of this document.  Another benefit of St. Martin is that there is no duty.  Teams can bring any necessary items in at no additional charges.  However, due to the strict, European regulations many times it is just as affordable and/or necessary to purchase supplies on the island.  Again, please check with one of the contacts for further details.  Because of the strict building regulations an engineer will be on site periodically checking the progress of the construction.  This is a government mandate. 

            St. Martin hosts several good tool and construction supply stores.  If you wish or need to purchase something while on the island you will have no problems finding what you are looking for.  The pastor, due to his plumbing business, has good contacts for discounted prices on supplies.  Deliveries to the jobsite will be prompt and without difficulties.

Lodging

The teams working in and around Marigot will be staying at the Fantastic Guest House.  This Guest House has 13 double rooms with kitchenettes and 6 single rooms. Each room includes a small refrigerator.  Every room that has a kitchenette is equipped with a small oven and stove top range.  All rooms have a private bath (tub & shower) and a/c.  The Guest House also has a small pool and hot tub.  Nightly rates are $55 (double) and $45 (single) U.S.  The owners speak English.  They run an auto parts store down stairs and operate the guest house on the upper level.

            The current church is within a 3-5 minute walk of the Guest House.  The pastor’s home is directly behind the current church. 

Meals

It is recommended that groups bring food for morning and evening meals to be cooked at the hotel.  Meals may be prepared at the "Fantastic Guest House" in the rooms with kitchenettes and eaten on the large veranda overlooking the bay.  You may plan to bring most of your food with you.  Although most American products are available for purchase, they are more expensive.

You may also purchase perishable items in modern grocery stores (see attached table).  Lunches could be prepared at the guest house and then delivered to the work site that is only about 10-15 minutes away - depending on traffic.  Again, transportation is provided for the exclusive use of teams while in country.  There will be no problems getting to any store at any time. 

The Guest House also has some pots, pans, utensils, etc., that may be utilized.  If there are some items that are not at the Guest House the people of the church have already volunteered to lend those items.  Please inform contacts of any special needs as soon as possible.

Also available are a variety of restaurants within walking distance from the guest house ($7-25/plate).  Also available are KFC, McDonalds, Dominos and Burger King if you get homesick for that kind of cuisine.  No restaurants or fast food places are within walking distance of the work site.

            An ice-house is also close to the Guest House.  Ice is made from purified water into blocks ($3.00 for 8 lbs) or bags of ice ($1.50/bag).  This is available for both meals and on the work site.

Laundry

There are a few options for doing laundry while on the island.  The Guest House does not have facilities available for this.  However, several Laundromats are within a short distance.  Prices per load range from $4.00 U.S. (wash/dry) to approximately $7.00 U.S.  Some Laundromats offer a full-service drop off—pick up cleaning, however, it is a little more expensive.  Others charge by the pound.  Details are available.  Please communicate with one of the contact persons.

Transportation

Ground transportation will be provided by local church.  You will have access to a van, a 4X4 and a possible third vehicle.  The team will have exclusive use of these vehicles during their entire stay.  This service is provided by the church as an expression of thanks to you for your help. 

Free Days

St. Martin is a wonderful island to visit at any time.  It hosts numerous activities that your group can participate in during one of its free days. 

Possible activities include:

• Beach
• Snorkeling
• Scuba
• Hiking Trails
• Swimming
• Horseback Riding
• Shopping
• Para-sailing
• Wave-runners
• Castle
• Zoo
• Butterfly Farm
• And Many Other