Impacting communities through children

That 12 year old boy who gets so angry that he picks up a glass bottle to throw at a boy who disrespected him.

That 14 year old girl who tells you plainly, "My fadder not working anywhere he now come out of jail."

That 8 year old boy whose name you learn within the first half an hour of meeting him because he is constantly getting into trouble.

What do these children have in common? They all attend Vacation Bible Schools in their communities. They may or may not attend the Sunday School or the youth groups attached to the churches which host their VBS, but once the holidays come around they are drawn by the fun, snacks and prizes offered as incentives for those who can learn their memory verses or answer questions based on the Bible lessons shared.

Doing an activity to illustration the Romans 3:23 memory verse

It has been years since I taught VBS at a church. My July/August holidays are normally filled with camp preparations, camps, mission trips or spending time by family and friends on the way to mission trips. This year I committed to serve 1 1/2 weeks of VBS before I left Trinidad with two churches from Christian Brethren Assemblies, one in Morne Diablo and one in Los Bajos. I was grateful for the reminder of the powerful impact of this ministry to children in communities.

Closing program item

The theme we used was Amazing Grace. We focused on the fact that we were all sinners, deserving of the judgement of death, but thanks to God's amazing grace displayed through Jesus Christ, He provided a way for us to escape that judgement and be justified. The children were encouraged to accept Jesus' sacrifice of love, and tell others how they too could be partakers in His amazing grace.

Craft on display

The children in Morne Diablo came out in their numbers, and it was very encouraging to see the number of parents who came out to the Closing Program (more than 40) and were exposed to a clear presentation of the gospel through the items put on by the various classes. I was also very heartened to see seven boys enter the memory verse competition at the end of the week - four of them who were from my class :)

Craft depicting Noah's ark - one of the Bible lessons teaching salvation

At Los Bajos, we really saw the unity of believers as teachers came from all over south Trinidad to provide support to the VBS there. The children were very well behaved and very eager to participate in all the activities. Unfortunately I was unable to stay up until the end of that VBS, but I enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships with the children in my class. I hope to be able to stay in contact with them.

Youths asking God to help them turn away from sin in their lives

The 12 year old boy continued to attend the rest of the days of VBS and although he was a challenge to the teachers, we trust that the seeds which were sown would fall on good soil.

The 14 year old girl attended VBS faithfully even though some of her friends had chosen to go to another activity in the community.

The 8 year old boy received a prize at the end of the week for showing the most improvement in behaviour in His class.

Some of the Los Bajos posse

We pray that the impact of not just these VBSes, but all the efforts of evangelism among all Christian groups over the July/August period would minister not just to the children who attend, but would impact their families positively as well.

Ministry Moments

Earlier this year I was invited to co-facilitate a workshop at the Next Steps Missions camp. I had never heard about this initiative before, but after experiencing it, I wished that I could have encouraged more persons to be a part of it. The camp was organised by churches and mission organisations for persons who were interested in getting to know more about missions. The objective was to bring together mission agencies and persons burdened with missions, to equip the latter group with tools which would be beneficial on the field, while learning about opportunities to serve with the mission agencies.

Campers checking out booths of missions organisations

I had the privilege of presenting a workshop, along with Sunita Lochan, entitled "Training on using modern technology with partnership development." For this session we focused on the different technology tools which would be helpful in keeping ministry partners up to date on our ministry, and we also examined the positives and negatives of the role of social media in reporting on what God is doing in our ministry. Participants reported that the session was informative and relevant.

Some of the workshop participants

I also had the opportunity to be part of a panel consisting of persons involved in both long-term and short-term missions, where I shared on the topic "Spiritual exhaustion requiring encouragement, inspiration for ministry, personal devotion, and exemplary conduct". I was able to share about the importance of developing your personal relationship with God, so you can be better equipped to face challenges on the mission field. The questions posed to the panelists showed that participants were very interested in learning from our experiences. Feedback from campers showed that they were enlightened by the relevant information that was shared. We trust that many of them will answer God's call to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

As we continue preparation for ISCF Camp 2016, a retreat was held for those who were interested in serving as counselors at camp this year. During the weekend, they were exposed to a variety of activities to help in their preparation for camp.

Getting physically fit

Sports day fun

Having to plan and execute activities like Sports Day and Talent night helped the counselors understand what was expected of them, and how much can be accomplished even with a short preparation time. They understood how the campers would feel on mornings when they have to wake up early to study the word in devotions, and then exercise before breakfast. At the end of the retreat, they agreed that all the activities helped them to bond and develop a spirit of team work.

Early morning devotions

Uniting hearts in worship

There were also sessions conducted by the camp speakers, where they addressed topics which would be covered on camp, giving the counselors an opportunity to apply the Word to their lives first before ministering to the campers. These sessions were powerful and had a great impact on all who attended. Afterwards, one counselor noted "I now know what I need to do to help me be better in everyday life"

Interviews being held with first time counselors

Other sessions held over the weekend served to help the counselors put sin and holiness in the right perspective, and to understand the importance of what counseling is really about, and the great responsibility which is placed on them. We thank God for a successful weekend of information, encouragement and challenge.

Although I have not gone on any overseas trips with Is There Not A Cause for the year, I have still been active in the group. From sorting clothes to packing boxes to be shipped to Haiti to selling art and refreshments at shows, there is always something to do with ITNAC when I have a weekend to spare :) The funds from these sales go to helping our ministry partners in the work they do in Haiti and Kenya, as well as meeting the local needs which arise. Many lives continue to be impacted by the labours of the faithful few. 

Our art display at a recent show

 I continue to work with the Confident Kids Club at our Homework Club and Bible Club. There are some children who need additional support, because they are not up to the standard of the other children in their class. Others enjoy coming to Homework Club because it is more fun to do their homework with their friends, rather than at home alone. Recently, five of our students were successful at passing the SEA exams, including two who have been with us since the beginning in 2006. We continue to pray that they would work hard and do their best in their new schools.

Concentrating on their work

Paying close attention to the Bible Club lesson

At Bible Club this term we focused on Philippians 4:8. The children were challenged to filter the things that they allow to stay in their minds, focusing only on things which are true, noble, right, pure and lovely. In a world where there are so many things which are contrary to these virtues, we pray that the children would chose what is excellent and praiseworthy to enter their thoughts, because these are the things that would change their behavior.

Having fun at the Closing program

Thank you so much to those who have continued to support me - your encouragement and contributions have been invaluable, and your partnership has helped further the cause of Christ in this area of the vineyard.

Car Chronicles

Sometime in January, the temperature gauge light in my car started going red when my AC was on, or if I had a lot of hills to climb. Although there was no leak in the radiator, I would have to top up everytime I went on a long journey. My mechanic diagnosed the issue as an engine head block that needed to be replaced. He committed to source it, and in the meantime I had to take the necessary precautions like checking the radiator before each journey and only using the AC when absolutely necessary.

After 3 months of driving like this my car had enough. One afternoon after spending too much time in the hot sun idling in traffic, it started vibrating and moving really slowly and it was only by the grace of God that I made it safely home. I knew I needed to park it up until the needed part was sourced.

The problem was that my mechanic was having problems finding the head block for the size of engine I had. After weeks of searching, he could only find the head block for the smaller size. He had someone checking everytime a container of parts came in, but to no avail. During this time, one of my friends generously offered me the use of her car on weekends when she didn't need it for work. Later on, I was granted full use of a vehicle until mine was repaired. I truly felt the love of God as He provided for my every need.

A couple days before my mechanic was going to make the hard decision to convert my engine to the smaller size, he found someone who had the part! He said the dealer may not have known how scarce the part was, because the price he charged for it was quite normal. The favor of the Lord!

After returning the borrowed car, I was back on the road again, with a short trip to San Fernando. However, on the way there, my temperature gauge light came on again! I had an "Oh no, not again!" moment and prayed all the way home. However, on checking the radiator, there was water, so I was not convinced that it was the same issue.

Later that same day I had to return to San Fernando, but as I drove out of our yard, I heard a weird sound coming from my engine. I pulled over, and a kind stranger who just happened to be passing through our street stopped and diagnosed the problem - my fan belt had burst.

Busted fan belt

I was so thankful that this had not happened when I was on the highway, or driving by myself on a remote road somewhere. I was able to walk back home and wait until my mechanic could come and replace it. 

After this I was encouraged to check my car battery, since it had died in the time when the car was down awaiting repairs, and gave a bit of trouble on start up. When I took it in, I was told that the battery really did need to be replaced. I again offered up a prayer of thanksgiving that it did not shut down on my at a critical time.

Lastly, I opened my car remotely one night this week for my brother to put something in the trunk, and realised that one of my brake lights was not on. Upon further investigation, he discovered that the bulb had blown. I was able to replace it the next day, before the police stopped me at a road block and charged me $1000 for a defective $5 brake light.

Contrary to the well-meaning kind stranger mentioned earlier, I do not need a husband to "see about my car". God is doing a very good job thank you very much, ensuring that the right people are there to support when I need them the most, and looking out for His daughter every step of the way.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

A way of escape

On the first Saturday of May, Point Fortin celebrated its status as a borough. These celebrations took a variety of formats, but on the actual borough weekend the atmosphere was very similar to Carnival with jouvert, fetes... the full works. For over ten years, we have hosted a 'Borough Retreat' at our home for youths from our original church in Point Fortin to have an avenue where they can enjoy good, clean fun over that weekend.

Friday night session

The retreat started the same evening that there was the huge fire next door. We were grateful that there were no serious damages, so the retreat was able to progress as planned, although we got off to a slightly late start due to all the drama. The first session was conducted by Brother Martin Samuel, and his message was based on 1 Samuel 1. He challenged the youths to consecrate their lives to God, even as Samuel was set apart for God's service from an early age. There was an intensive discussion about how this can be lived out practically, with some sharing about their struggles to respond correctly to persons who pick fights with them for no particular reason. At the end of the session, they were challenged to not let their testimony be ruined by the tests they face in life.

Doh say dat!!!

After a delicious dinner of homemade pizza, the fun and games begun! There was a local version of the popular game Taboo that had everyone in stitches. Then, we went back in time with Boy, Girl, Animal, Place, Thing, TV show. The youths didn't have to be told to stay off their electronic devices during this time, and it was really encouraging to see them having so much fun with people who were right in the room with them.

Devotions being led by Barry, supported by his lovely wife and cute son!

The next morning we were up bright and early for devotions. After a time of worship, Barry challenged the youths to choose to live lives of purity. He encouraged them to choose the way of escape that God has provided out of every temptation that they face. It was really a timely message that needed to be shared, and it was very relevant to the trials we all encounter on a daily basis.

The lovely Lopinot!

After breakfast, we got ready for the long drive to Lopinot. There was no plan B in case the rain fell, so we prayed and God held up the rain while we were there. Even though it became overcast at times, the rain never fell so we were able to make the most of our outing in the scenic outdoors.

A glimpse into history with this mud oven

Exploring the 'river'

Working off their lunch

Dog and bone!!!

Apparently there is more than one way to play dominoes...

The visit was also an educational one, although we had no idea it was going to be ;) There was a celebration put on by the Venezuelan embassy for the May Cross. It is an Amerindian Catholic tradition that celebrates the beginning of the rainy season by decorating crosses and praying to God for a good harvest for the farmers. We were able to see first hand how these crosses were decorated, and also hear some authentic spanish music.

Decorating the May Cross

Genuine Trinidadian of Amerindian heritage!

After we returned home and relaxed for a while, everyone was put into groups to prepare a skit based on the topics presented so far for the weekend. The skits gave the youths an opportunity to practically apply the biblical truths they had been taught, and it was clear that they really understood the messages that were presented. They all showed God providing a way of escape from a variety of temptations that are part of their reality. 

Practising for their skit

After the skits, we watched a movie called Soul Surfer. Those who made it to the end were able to share what they learnt about persevering in spite of difficulties, and trusting that God has a better plan when our plans for life fall through. 

The next morning, devotions focused on how we are supposed to be different from persons in the world. They were put into groups to study passages relating to being separate from the world, and then challenged to do so by changing their attitudes, selecting their friends wisely, and choosing the way of escape that God has provided for them. 

We thank God for all who were a part of making this weekend a grand success - from providing transport to donating funds, from cooking to facilitating sessions. It was truly awesome to see how all the sessions complemented one another, even though there was no communication between the facilitators prior to the retreat - the Holy Spirit definitely worked to communicate the message He wanted the youths to receive. We pray that they would remember these lessons, and choose the way of escape when they are faced with their own personal challenges.

Borough Retreat clip 2016

The great fire that wasn't

It began innocently enough; the guy who cut the grass next door heaping the cuttings into a pile and burning it to get rid of it. The smell of smoke filled our house, but I had to leave for Bible Club. The guy was there when I left, keeping an eye on the fire. I guess due to the rain we have been getting recently, he figured it was safe.

Ten minutes later, Garryn arrived at Bible Club with the children he picked up, and asked me if I had seen the fire. I asked him if he was referring to the bonfire in front of my neighbor's house and he realised I had no clue, so he urged me to go outside. When I looked up the street, all I was see was massive flames and smoke.

The beginning

The fire quickly spread from the front of the house next door to the savannah grass in the back, which was as tall as the house itself. My neighbour called to say that the fire was in our yard as well, so Garryn and Mummy raced up the road to deal with it while I called the fire department. It took a while to convince them that I knew which was the closest fire station to where I lived, so by the time they transferred me to the Mon Repos Fire Station, someone else on the street had already called and was giving them directions to our house.

Craft and acrostic by one of the children

While all the action was going on up the hill, we were still able to have Bible Club. It was difficult to resist the temptation to go back outside to see if the fire was spreading to the house, but I just kept praying and repeating to myself that God is in control. The lesson focused on "whatever is right" from Philippians 4:8 and we discussed why some children do things that are not right and what the consequences would be for their actions, then we prayed that they would make the right choices, even if it would make them less popular or taken advantage of. After this they made craft for Mothers' Day, interrupted only by the arrival of the fire engine.

It's not everyday that you get to see one of these up close

The firefighters arrived within about 20 minutes of the call, and were able to extinguish the blaze that had spread to the roof of the house next door. Before they got there, my neighbor Mark ran across with his hose and together, he and Garryn battled the smoke and flame in our yard, working hard to prevent the flames from getting close to the house. The smoke was so thick at times they couldn't even see each other even though they were just meters apart. My other neighbour Rachel was able to guide them to standpipes which were located in the middle of the yard so they could connect hoses which could reach closer to the back of the property where the fire was raging.

Mark's son also did his best with the hose

By the time Bible Club was over, the firefighters had the blaze under control. The fire engine had to go for a refill after all the water they had was used up, but the worst was over. 

Charred remains of one of our citrus trees

The smell of smoke lingered all evening and into the next morning, many of our trees were destroyed, but no lives or property was lost. Thanks to the grace of God, the wind blew the fire across the back of our land, instead of up towards our house. Thanks to the hard work of our friends and neighbors, and the quick response of the fire department, the damage was minimal. 

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:22

Making the most of every opportunity

Most people would know by now that I am not big on celebrating Christmas or Easter. However, I am very happy to use the opportunity these occasions present to be involved in spreading the good news of the new life that is available in Jesus Christ.

The first event was the closing program for Bible Club. At the end of every term, we use the opportunity to invite the parents of the children to attend a program where they can get a glimpse into what the children have been learning for the previous term. The theme for the term was Be Holy, and this fit well into the message of how we should live in light of the resurrected Christ. There were games which had an Easter theme, followed by a challenge which encouraged those who attended to commit to live lives which are set apart for God.

Hiding place for the sugar cake hunt
complete with verses about the resurrection!

Game to see who can form the outline of a cross the fastest

Children responding to Uncle Garryn's message

Our church held an Easter Fair for members of the community on Good Friday. It took the format of a bazaar, but instead of paying to play the games, everything was free! There were also hot dogs, pop corn, cotton candy, hot cross buns, ice cream and drinks for all who attended. It was a great opportunity to interact informally with persons from the community who may never have come to a formal church service. There was a puppet presentation, special song and a short message which all communicated the gospel message very clearly to all who came. We thank God for all who worked hard and gave generously so this message could have been presented to so many.

Backdrop showing the reason for our celebrating Jesus

One of the booths reflecting the Easter theme

Cupcake prize with verse attached

From Easter Sunday until the Friday of that week, I joined with the Christian Assemblies for Easter Camp under the theme "Man's image... nothing. God's image... everything". I was able to bring two children from Bible Club and they thoroughly enjoyed their first ever camp experience. Because I have not yet returned to full physical activity since my January surgery, I couldn't participate fully in all the activities, but I was able to serve in an administrative capacity. The two speakers did an excellent job in showing the campers the importance of choosing to reflect God's image rather than the image that society is portraying. Apart from the chapel and devotion sessions, there were sessions where the campers' eyes were opened to the messages that was being communicated through the media of songs, clothing brands and even television shows. At the end of the week, many young campers made the commitment to live reflecting God's image.

God's splendor on display at
Victory Heights Bible camp

Campers rejoicing when their team won

All dressed up for banquet night

We are thankful for the privilege to serve in these activities, and trust God that the messages which were communicated, in the variety of formats, would take root in the lives of the children and adults who heard them, and bring about real transformation.

When God shows up at the wedding

You know a marriage is off to a good start when God shows up at the wedding!

Well, not literally, but His hand was so evident in the days leading up to, and on the big day that it was clear that He was giving His full blessing on the union :)

Mr. & Mrs. Seyi and Kathy Ogunbona

One week ago, my sister Kathy got married to the man God designed for her - Seyi Ogunbona. Seyi is Nigerian, but they both live in London where they met and realised it was God's plan for them to unite in marriage.

Seyi's mum lives in Nigeria, and we all looked forward to having her attend their wedding in Tobago. To do this, she would have had to fly from Nigeria to London, and then to Tobago. A few weeks ago, we got word that her visa application for England had been denied. We were all saddened by this, and although my aunt encouraged me to send out an email asking for people to pray that she would still be able to come, I told her it didn't make sense because the visa had been denied so it was too late.

Thankfully, there were others who had more faith than me. Another visa application was submitted, and this time, it was approved. With only two weeks to go until the wedding, an application was made in Nigeria for a Trinidad and Tobago visa. After countless calls to enquire the status of the application and getting no feedback, three days before the wedding we went to the immigration division in Tobago, only to be told that the application had only been received a couple days before. We were told that the only person who could give us information about the status of the visa worked in another building, but when we went there, we found out that immigration has no office in that building, and they had no clue who we were looking for!

By this time, someone in Nigeria acted in faith and booked Seyi's mum on a flight from Nigeria to London. We had given up hope that she would make it to the wedding, since it would take at least another day of flying for her to get to Tobago, and we had no word about the status of the visa. However, at 4am the next morning, Seyi got an email saying that the Trinidadian visa had come through!!! It took another 23 hours of flying and layovers and lost luggage, but Seyi's mum finally touched down in Tobago at 1am on the morning of her son's wedding!

Mrs. Ogunbona times two!!!

There was also a bit of drama when the couple went to post their wedding banns. Firstly, we went to the wrong office by mistake. We had a clue something was wrong when they asked for proof of residence, only to realise we were in the EBC! Then, when we found the right building, they refused to let Seyi in with his "shorts". Our efforts to secure long pants in Scarborough at 8am in the morning were futile, but they turned out to be unnecessary anyway, because they had to wait another 24 hours before they could post their banns. If there had been any further delays, they would not have legally been able to be married on their chosen date, but thank God, the next day they were able to post their banns with ease.

Making it legal!

Some of Kathy's friends had come over a few days early for the wedding, so they could explore some of what Tobago had to offer. One afternoon we drove up to Argyle Waterfall in Delaford, and while reversing in the car park, I accidentally hit a pile of bricks which I did not see, causing my back bumper to get a huge dent. One of the girls who saw it said that it looked really bad. I was concerned, because the last time my straightener had fixed the bumper, he said the next time something happened we would need to replace it, because there were only so many times a bumper could be straightened. I thought about how much money it would cost, but decided not to fret about it. When we got back down to Canaan, I went to the back of the car to take a picture to send to Mummy to show her the damages, and to my amazement, the bumper was perfectly straight! All that remained was a thin squiggly line when the huge dent had been. My God is a Fixer, and He can fix anything!!!!!

The day before the wedding, my phone was busy constantly receiving calls and whatsapp messages concerning the logistics for the wedding. Thankfully my brother-in-law stepped in to answer calls and respond to messages while I was busy :) Just as we had completed our rehearsal at the wedding, I took out my phone to take a picture, and the screen was blank - all I could see were pixels. My efforts to restart the phone were futile, and my phone battery cannot be easily removed. It was not a good time for my phone to act crazy, as my number was the one most people were calling for wedding related issues, so I prayed that it would be restored. When I got home, my brother figured out how to restart it, and it worked! I had no further phone issues for the rest of the weekend :)

Overcast morning

On the morning of the wedding, the skies were gray and foreboding. It was not looking well for a beach wedding. While the others were setting up the reception venue and we were picking bougainvillea, the rain started to fall. If the weather continued like that, we would not have been able to have the ceremony on the sand as planned. By the time we left the sun had come out so we had hope as we went to get ready, However, as we were about to leave home for the wedding, the clouds burst open with showers again. We prayed on the way to the venue, asking God to hold back the rain until after the ceremony was over.

Blue skies!

When we arrived at the venue, there were blue skies and brilliant sunshine! The sun stayed out for the duration of the ceremony, and for the pictures afterwards. Just as we were taking the last picture with the bridal party, the gray clouds which were lurking in the distance came up and the rain poured down! Thankfully, all the guests were indoors by this time, and the reception proceeded despite the showers on the outside.

Daddy's speech at the reception earned him a standing ovation!

One of the things we had prayed for before the wedding was for a spirit of peace in the event that things didn't go as planned, as sometimes happens despite the best of plans... We had stayed up until 11pm the night before the wedding, putting together bouquets for the bride and the bridal party. At the photo shoot before we left home for the wedding, everyone had their bouquet. But in the hassle of leaving home in the rain, the bride's bouquet was forgotten, and no one realised this until she arrived at the venue. However, she did not fret, and was quite happy for us to pull together one at the last minute using flowers which were left over from the centerpieces. We thank God for ensuring there were more than enough flowers available for us to choose from!

Check out the last minute bouquet on the table :)

At the reception, as soon as the formal speeches were over, I felt a sharp pain in my lower back and knew that it was a sign that I had probably pushed myself a bit too hard so I went to lie down. While I was there, one of Seyi's friends saw me and offered to get me some painkillers and called my sister to bring food for me. Later on in the evening, another friend volunteered to take responsibility for the last outstanding thing that needed to get done, so I could rest. This same friend also stayed back after the party was over, and helped to load the van with the decorations. I am so grateful for the community of family and friends who were there to give support before, during and after the big day!

She came as a guest, but ended up helping with decor :)

Good friends :)

God worked so powerfully in bringing Seyi's mum to the wedding just in time, working out all the details in the lead up to the wedding and ensuring that the weather was favorable so my sister could have her dream beach wedding! This entire experience has served to strengthen my faith in the God I serve, for whom nothing is impossible. Can't wait to see how He will use this union to further advance His kingdom!

Celebrating with the newlyweds