Baptizing Individuals. Building Ecclesias.

The beautiful Island of Tobago nestled next to its sister island, Trinidad, lies at the very end of the Caribbean islands chain, and only a few miles from the coast of Venezuela. (7mi). It has the strongest economy in the Caribbean due to large oil and gas deposits. Although English is the official language, an English Creole dialect is the main spoken language. 36% of the population is of African descent, hearkening back to the dark days of slavery in the sugar cane industry.

First Few Weeks – Jan 8 to Feb 8

For the first time in many years Bro Andre George was not at the airport to meet us. He had been in Trinidad for five months for medical treatment and was scheduled to return home one week later. All the members of the ecclesia were delighted to see Andre again!

A few years ago, several ecclesias in Guyana began to organize in their respective areas a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the Sunday school students and the surrounding community young people.  These schools are organized for an entire week, during the day each day, where the children enjoy Bible songs, lessons, crafts and games.  The effort and dedication to put these schools on by both brethren and sisters for an entire week in the summer months is extraordinary, and the response to their efforts was truly a blessing from the Father Himself.

Jamaica is known throughout the world as a beautiful and hedonistic vacation spot. For our Christadelphian brothers and sisters though, life in Jamaica is far different than the opulence portrayed in the holiday brochures.

On New Years’ Eve, as the world was preparing to celebrate, the home of two of our beloved sisters in the Round Hill ecclesia was burned to the ground. Severely disabled, Sis. Jannette Elliot was pulled out of the burning home by her sister in the flesh, who thankfully arrived home early from work that day. Sis. Moesha Graham alsolived in the home with her mother, and her aunt Sis Jannette, so she too is currently without a home. By God’s blessing, no one was injured during this terrible event.

We’re very happy to announce the baptism in San Salvador of our new sister Rebeca Fernández, 23, on December 28, 2018.  Being the daughter of Bro. Manuel and Sis. Silvia Fernández, Rebeca grew up in the meeting. Her decision to become part of the family of God, following in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus, has given much joy to her parents and her ecclesial family. Since the baptism was held on the eve of the annual Bible school, most of those from abroad were already in town. Consequently the San Salvador hall was filled to overflowing, with more than 100 of us present to witness the event.

Bro. Manuel both baptized his daughter and gave the talk, highlighting the accomplishments of the women of God in the Bible and encouraging Rebeca to follow their example. Afterwards the ecclesia served a delicious supper of pupusas and empanadas and many stayed until late, welcoming our new sister and enjoying each other’s fellowship and friendship.

Written by Bro. Jim and Sis. Jean Hunter