Window on the
World
Window on the
WorldFrom Randal Dick, superintendent of missions
This month I would like to share a report from Jack Brunet, regional pastor for the French West Indies.
Jack originally served as an elder in Quebec with his wife, Betty. They were hired into the full-time service of the ministry in the early 1990s and since that time have served such diverse areas as Belgium, Madagascar, Angola, Congo and now the French West Indies.
It seems that wherever Jack and Betty serve good things happen. What follows is his encouraging report about the church in the French West Indies.
Note: English is not Jack's first language. In fact, he learned English in the last eight years. This article uses Jack's own words as much as possible.
By Jack Brunet
FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique--In the Body of Christ, every living cell is linked with another, which contributes to unify the whole structure.
It happens the same way in the WCG congregations internationally. As we can say, the Caribbean islands are like a necklace of pearls around the east side of Central America. More than a poetic figure, these islands can become a chain of Christian love and solidarity in the Caribbean.
Insularity is a big problem for each of us. It is important to break the isolation syndrome so that every island can feel they are part of the whole body. We are constantly seeking ways to build good and positive relationships within the WCG neighborhood islands.
Among others, the Martinique church is one of the pillars of this synergy. It is 36 years old, the oldest WCG congregation in the French-speaking Caribbean. This is a mature, living and dynamic congregation, strongly rooted in the WCG.
The French West Indies churches, since last July, have had their own legal autonomous structure working under the umbrella of the Union of the WCG in France. All the French churches give royalties to the Union, which supervises, unifies and mentors them.
Regarding religious affairs, the emphasis is put on grace, discipleship, Christian leadership and worship. Spiritual growth is really visible among the brethren. On March 19 in Martinique, we had a baptism ceremony for 10 people with songs, praise, worship and sermon where families and friends were invited. After the ceremony, two additional people who were attending asked to be baptized. We anticipate similar results at the next scheduled event for June.
Contributions were 73 percent more than the first three months of last year. Regarding worship, many groups of people are creating original new songs for praise and worship, and we have in mind to produce some gospel and worship CDs.
One of our members won some song contests in Martinique and she is supposed to work with some other artists from Martinique on producing a CD. We also have planned to present two spiritual evangelism concerts July 1 in Martinique and in Guadeloupe. Our choirs will be combined with the choir of the Dominica church Aug. 5 to bring people closer to Christ or to help renew their faith and relationship with Christ.
Brethren are involved in many ways in the congregations. We have a team of writers and speakers for a weekly, Christian 15-minute radio program, broadcasting through Pelee FM. We expect to produce more programs when our recording studio is ready. We will also have programs available for the radio stations that don't have any religious programs on the air. We will also help Guadeloupe, Haiti and French Guyana to promote the gospel.
We also work on building bridges with other denominations on the island. Our women are an active part of the congregations in the French West Indies. A women's retreat will be conducted in Guadeloupe Aug. 11 to 13 for US$100 (lodging and food included). For this first conference, Pat Halford will be our guest speaker.
Regarding outreach programs, French West Indies churches are more and more involved in their neighborhood communities. The choir and orchestra from Martinique participated in a fund-raising telethon and also sang in some homes for elderly or disabled people. Children visited disabled youths in Riviere L'Or with songs, sharing thoughts and gifts.
Since 1995, the Martinique church has collected US$10,000 for needy people in Martinique and around the world (Madagascar, Haiti and the Indian community in French Guyana).
Our latest involvement was to help some families affected by Hurricane Lenny last November in Le Precheur on the Caribbean coast of Martinique. Guadeloupe members also helped to rebuild a house for a homeless family of Deshaies since Lenny destroyed their home. We are increasing our solidarity funds to be able to do more.
The Guadeloupe choir participated in a project for blind people, where one thousand choirs joined in France for the Retina Foundation and the Red Cross.
As mentioned earlier, building bridges between the Caribbean islands is important. This is why we highly recommend and encourage the sister church program among the WCG congregations. It is a new way to build a better world, to avoid prejudice, promote positive behavior and open minds.
French-speaking people don't want to be entrenched in their enclaves, along with their cultural limitations. This is why we contribute to build the multilingual European community. Because of their position in the Caribbean, the French West Indies are at a crossroad of cultures, languages and history between Europe, Africa, South and North America.
It is also why we are working under two regional directors' supervision, John Halford regarding Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guyana, and Charles Fleming regarding Haiti and the English Caribbean islands (ministerial mentoring for the team leaders of St. Lucia and St. Vincent).
For the past three years we have tried to amplify the Caribbean cooperation with different exchanges. In August, Dominican brethren will stay a few days in Guadeloupe.
The Entertainers, the Trinidad church steel band, which gave a concert in Martinique two years ago, is planning another visit to play with pan player Guy Louiset of Martinique. Our youths will participate in the Christian Educational Program (CEP camp) in Trinidad at the beginning of August with many youths coming from most of the Caribbean islands, to develop and mature a new generation of young Christians.
Martinique is a pillar of this regional cooperation inside the French-speaking community, helping the new planting of a church among the Galibis (Indian community in Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guyana).
The congregation also helps the Haitian churches pastored by Blaise Franklin. The Haitian congregation of Port-au-Prince will celebrate its 25th anniversary in August. It is tough to live in Haiti, our brethren there need prayers because the country is in chaos: politically, socially, economically, morally and spiritually.
Despite the difficult situation, the Haitian church sponsors the Ambassador Kindergarten serving more than 60 children. It is through this children's ministry that the church tries to reach the neighborhoods in downtown Port-au-Prince.
Please pray that WCG income increases so we can make a greater financial contribution to Haiti and other needy areas of the world.
We are positive toward the future of the WCG in the Caribbean knowing that God is in charge of his children and leads them for his purpose and glory. Being surrendered to Christ, as the living head of the church, our congregations around the world can contribute to make the difference for the kingdom.
The Holy Spirit is working in each one of us growing in maturity and joy in our Lord. We are turned to others sharing hope and love, building spiritual bridges among us for a better world where the Christian light can shine and help people accept a new way of life in Christ.
BUILDING BROTHERHOOD--Members from
Dominica and Martinique in Grand Riviere, Martinique.
JOYFUL CHILDREN--Jessica, Jordan
and Johan Myrtil.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000