God's Citizens

What happens when you take 50+ volunteers from more than 10 different churches throughout Trinidad across denominational barriers and bring them together for two days of community outreach over the carnival weekend? Ekklesia camp 2018 - God's Citizens!!!

Some of the workers at Ekklesia camp 2018

The theme for this year focused on the fact that our citizenship as children of God is in heaven. Once we become Christians, we become citizens of God's kingdom. The culture of this kingdom is contrary to the culture of the world we live in; our culture is defined by principles outlined in the Word of God. At this camp which was free to residents of Point Fortin and environs, we taught that true satisfaction, security and significance are only found in the kingdom of God, and we encouraged campers to join God's Kingdom and live as His citizens on earth.

Learning about the two kingdoms

The first lesson focused on the fact that due to sin, we are displaced - trying to find our identity in the things of this world which can never truly satisfy. The second lesson focused on Jesus' coming into the world to save us and offer us entry into His kingdom. The final lesson was about how we should live as citizens of the kingdom. In the closing session each class put on an item showing how we can be God's citizens in our various spheres of influence - at home, school, work and in the community.

Game identifying behaviours of citizens of the
kingdom of darkness vs. kingdom of light

One thing that makes this camp a great evangelistic opportunity is that it is open to all who want to attend (the fact that it is free of charge helps tremendously ;) One girl stood up on the first day of class and indicated that she did not come from a Christian family and did not attend church. These are the very children we try to reach! Because we are not affiliated with any one church, persons from the community feel free to attend, regardless of their religious background, and we gladly use the opportunity to present them with the gospel message. Many classes reported students who indicated a willingness to become citizens of the Kingdom of God before the end of camp.

4 and under class learning that Jesus' death enables us to
have a heart that is free from sin

Another unique aspect of this camp is that it allows the children to share openly about their beliefs. During the second lesson which focused on Jesus, one young man was able to quote from other religious books to show who their gods were and what they did, but when the teachers pointed out that the God of Christianity sent His Son as the way by which we can be brought back into relationship with Him, the young man admitted that none of the other religions can make this claim. The campers were also comfortable enough to ask questions, and share about the struggles they face in their daily lives.

Getting their passports stamped when they visited Kind Land,
Obey Land, Pray Land and Share Land

At the Expo Center, the focus was on the refuge crisis in the world. The campers were given a glimpse into how it feels when you have been forced to leave your home, whether because of a natural disaster or political or economic crisis or a war. I was able to share about what ITNAC has been doing to help the Dominicans who were displaced due to hurricane Maria. They were then taught that what the refugees experience when they are displaced is the same as what mankind without a relationship with God faces - feeling of not belonging and struggling to survive - until they are able to be resettled into their new home. When we become citizens of God's kingdom, we can be at peace, knowing that He will supply all our needs.

Hearing the story of a 'refugee' who has lost his home

We truly thank God for ensuring the success Ekklesia Camp 2018. When one of the cooks got knocked down by the virus after the first day of camp, there was a last minute volunteer who was able to step in and offer assistance. When another member of the kitchen staff woke up in the middle of the night with a badly swollen eye, God healed him in response to prayer and he was able to function as normal the next day. Every single expense for this camp was met through donations, the sale of jerseys and Manna sales (our version of a tuck shop where we sell only homemade items). We are grateful for all those who participated in the hours of planning and were present to execute this year's camp, and we look forward to Ekklesia Camp 2019 if Jesus doesn't return before then :)

With one of our youngest campers!