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