Unexpected interruptions

It's the first week of the holidays and I had my schedule all planned out weeks ago. There was cleaning that had long been put off that I would finally be able to do because I would not have to be stopping in between to go out and do ministry somewhere. There were my godchildren who were home from school that I had not spent quality time with in months. There was sorting and filing that needed to be done. There was old currency to be upgraded to new currency. But then life happened.

One week ago, parts of south Trinidad were hit with severe flooding following 2 days of continuous rainfall. Rivers burst their banks and lagoons overflowed into people's property, trapping them in their homes for days. Some homes were inundated with up to 5 feet of water, resulting in loss of furniture, appliances and personal belongings.

One of the homes in Ragoonanan Trace, Penal

Looking at the pictures, hearing the stories of loss, seeing the pain and hopeless on the faces of the families affected, I could not just continue with "business as usual". Thankfully I am a part of an organization that is able to mobilize resources in a short space of time, so after a few conversations a plan was arranged to head into the flood hit areas on Sunday to bring relief supplies, food and the love of Jesus. Clothing was sorted and packed by some of our hardworking volunteers, hampers were filled using food items which were donated at a drive held a few weeks ago, and a caterer was found who was able to provide 80 lunches literally overnight.

All hands on deck to pack hampers

We visited families in Rock Road and Ragoonanan Trace, Penal who were now in the process of cleaning their homes. Many of them told us that we were the first persons who came to see how they were doing, and they really appreciated our visit as it showed that someone cared. One lady who received a hamper was very grateful because her husband's car had been caught up in the flood waters so now all their money was going into repairing their vehicle, which he needed to go to work. Many of the families were very grateful for the meals we provided, because they had been cleaning all day and did not have time to cook. We partnered with Compassion International who contributed sandwiches, party bags and toys to the children we encountered.

Blessing one of the families with a hamper and toys

Apart from material supplies, we were also able to provide some much needed emotional support. We listened to their stories, shared words of encouragement and testimonies, and prayed with some of them. As representatives of the kingdom of God we care about not just meeting the physical needs, but the spiritual needs as well. We are extremely grateful to those who gave, since this allowed us to be channels of blessing to those in need.

Hearts and hands joined in prayer

Last week my high school classmates and I were devastated by the news that one of our sisters had died suddenly due to a heart attack. As this is the second classmate in 3 years to die suddenly, it really caused me to stop and reflect. What came to mind was this parable from Luke 12:16-21 where Jesus spoke of a rich man who thought that he had enough possessions to last him for many years so he could take life easy.


“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” '


So many of us are caught up with pursuing what society deems to be important - a career, property, investments - that we do not make time for what is really important, and will last into eternity. I challenge us to ponder the following questions:

* Are we living out God's purposes for our life?
* Are we using the gifts and abilities that He has blessed us with to expand His kingdom?
* Are we living every day to please Him, rather than pleasing ourselves?

We can never be prepared for the interruptions that life throws at us. We have no control over calamities that may come, but how we respond to them is important. May we be ready in season and out of season to be God's hands and feet to bring comfort and help where it is most needed.

Three Christmas parties in two weeks

The average child in Trinidad has heard the biblical account of Jesus' birth many times. Most of them can recite the events leading up to Jesus' birth, even if they may get some of the details confused.

For the average child who grew up in the midst of the economic and political turmoil that has been plaguing Venezuela for all of their life, they had never heard this story. Many of them never had an opportunity to celebrate anything; every day was like the day before - a struggle to survive. At both of the centers for migrant children where I volunteer, the leaders were determined that the children would have the opportunity to celebrate their first Christmas in Trinidad, with a Venezuelan flavour!

Hallacas are very similar to our pastelles

At the La Romain Migrant Support center, on the day before the Christmas programme, we showed the children a video of the story of Jesus' birth in Spanish so they could appreciate the basis for our celebration. The party began with a traditional Venezuelan Christmas breakfast - hallacas, potato salad and sorrel, which was well enjoyed by all. I had the opportunity to share with all present - children, parents, teachers and supporters - about the significance of Jesus coming to earth in the form of a human. I was able to give a clear presentation of the gospel using John 3:16, showing Jesus as the greatest gift given to us by God, and encouraging them to receive the gift of salvation that He offers.

They were so excited to dress up in their best clothes for the programme

In the weeks leading up to the Christmas programme, the children were hard at work practising their items. They learnt songs and dances which are traditionally performed at Christmas time in Venezuela. We wanted to ensure that they had an opportunity to learn about their cultural traditions as well as ours. The younger ones were very excited, but some of the older ones didn't come around until 3 days before the program. Thankfully we were able to teach them "Feliz Navidad" so they were able to participate as well. The parents thoroughly enjoyed seeing their children perform the songs and dances, as well as the hampers which we were able to bless them with thanks to our generous donors.

Performing their dance

For the children at the Learning Space, a wonderful event was sponsored by a local church called the Gathering Place. They received pizza and hotdogs for lunch, and then listened to a reading of the biblical account of Jesus' birth. This was followed by traditional Christmas songs sung by each of the three classes. Throughout the program there was face painting, balloon animals and popcorn. They played games and then received presents and party bags to go home with. The parents were treated to ham and turkey sandwiches and a drink when they came to collect their children.

Youngest class performing a traditional Venezuelan song

Enjoying a game of musical chairs

The last Christmas activity held was the Closing Program for the children at Bible Club. The program consisted of the classes doing presentations based on what they had learnt this term based on the fruit of the Spirit. There were games which were enjoyed by all, followed by a challenge from our guest speaker about the characteristics which should be evident in the lives of children of God. Prizes were given to children who were able to recite memory verses which were taught throughout the term, and presents were distributed to all.

Teens class performing a dramatic presentation

Youngest student ever to win the prize

for Most Outstanding Bible Club Student

We are very grateful to all who gave so willingly and generously so that these children were able to enjoy their various programs where they were reminded about the truth of Immanuel - God with us.