From Charles and
Carmen Fleming
From Charles and
Carmen Fleming
CORAL SPRINGS, Florida--Paul referred to the church as a temple--the temple of God. "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (Ephesians 2:21-22).
As the following article by Patrick Fearon shows, God is building a dwelling for himself in the lives of many Caribbean members.
Beginning in 1995, our church was challenged to live according to the new covenant. We were challenged to become a priesthood of all believers. We were urged to surrender ourselves to God, become sensitive to the leading of God the Holy Spirit and let him enable us to discover and use our gifts in his service.
A priesthood of all believers is different from what we used to be when many ministry tasks were reserved for pastors. I think you will be encouraged by the reports of women's ministry retreats, men's fellowship activities, church development initiatives, community outreach, inter-denominational cooperation and evangelistic efforts that are coming about at the initiative of congregational leaders and lay members alike. Charles Fleming.
By Patrick
Fearon
FREEPORT, Bahamas--Like a building taking shape on the landscape and becoming more significant to its community, so is the WCG throughout the region. Buildings that have been acquired (or are being built) in various areas are fulfilling useful roles, as members use the facilities as worship centers, equipping hubs and outreach posts.
Still, the significant difference has more to do with a commitment by quite a few to draw closer to Jesus Christ, nurture one another and contribute their giftedness toward the advancement of the kingdom. Consequently, the church is in many ways living up to its motto: Men, Women and Children Making a Difference for the Kingdom.
Let's take a look at several accounts that illustrate this trend.
Senior Pulley reports from Hamilton, Bermuda, that in December, the women's ministry started an ongoing drive for Teen Haven, a temporary home for young mothers in need. This started after one woman discovered a need for the most basic of necessities for the mothers and babies. The outpouring of love was tremendous, so much so, Teen Haven "barely had room enough to receive it all--literally!" said Senior.
The women's ministry also forged a relationship with Hands of Love, a mission created by Fern Wade. Mrs. Wade gave up a well-paying job to begin the charity, which feeds and clothes the homeless and needy. Nonperishable foods are collected at services each week.
Nathania McKinney reports from Nassau, Bahamas, on women's ministry there: "This year we started a soup kitchen, a prayer program and a card program, performed a play about the crucifixion, and met as a leadership team monthly."
Through the soup kitchen, they put a face on a group objective--to "seek out opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus spreading the gospel of the kingdom of God and bringing new souls to Christ." Dozens of people turn up at the church's Ministry Center each Wednesday for a hot meal.
The women participated in a weekend retreat on Paradise Island, May 26 to 28.
Mary Vidal reports from Dominica that 100 women from the southern Caribbean participated in a women's retreat at the Holy Redeemer Retreat House in Eggleston, Dominica, June 16 to 18.
The Freeport, Bahamas, Women's Ministry entered its fourth year of active service within and without the congregation, said director Sharon Fearon.
The women have focused on nurturing a growing relationship with Christ and with one another. This they do through monthly devotional meetings and activities encompassing the wider church. The women are also involved in worship and prayer ministries and teaching children's church.
Ramon Taylor reports from Barbados on their men's fellowship. During a retreat in January the men were inspired by an address by a representative of Evangelism Explosion (E.E.). Four members have already completed a 16-week E.E. training session.
The men have placed emphasis on marriage enrichment, child rearing and prayer. They also participate in in-home Bible studies.
Through their Projects Committee, the men offer a helping hand to individuals inside and outside the church. Together they help their fellowmen complete or improve tasks around their homes.
Brian Baptiste from the San Fernando, Trinidad, congregation reports that 18 men from the Arima and San Fernando churches participated in a retreat at the church's premises in Arima, June 16 to 19. They began the retreat with a fast.
They considered the importance of "dying in Christ in order to live for him." The men examined their roles as fathers and leaders; problems facing men today; living by faith; and commitment to God, family and fellow brethren. At the end the men also recommitted themselves to personal evangelism.
Hayden Liverpool and Karen Hodge of the Arima, Trinidad, church, reported that over the same weekend, June 16 to 19, singles and youths had a retreat at the church premises. Activities fostered oneness in Christ, and included ample opportunities for praise and worship.
Michael Mitchell reports from Kingston, Jamaica, that 17 baptisms took place on the island in April and May.
Michael says the vision for the island includes having at least one active small group or house church in each of the island's 14 parishes, in addition to the established congregations in Kingston, Mandeville, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. In the past, members felt obligated to travel long distances--passing Christian churches on the way--to attend a WCG congregation.
To serve the Haitian community in Nassau, the congregation obtained the services of instructor James Cox to teach the Haitian dialect to some members. Pastor Robert McKinney and volunteers from the congregation have completed a 24-week Creole class. A new batch of volunteers signed on for a new round of classes. Many Haitians benefit from the soup kitchen sponsored by the women's ministry, and some have started attending WCG services.
Interdenominational bonds among the WCG, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches continue to deepen in Freeport, Bahamas.
For the second year in a row the four denominations met during the Lenten season for six Sunday evening worship services, a lead-in to Holy Week. This year's theme focused primarily on the attitudes that crucify the message of Jesus today, which also were attitudes of those who crucified Jesus 2,000 years ago.
The five pastors serving the four denominations--Patrick Fearon, Roy Stackpole, Jan Jenkins, Cecil Herran-Venables and Doug Jenkins --took weekly turns presenting the sermons. The final message was presented by Gwen Newbold of Our Savior Lutheran congregation.
As the denominations interact, members of all groups develop a greater appreciation of the work God is doing in different parts of the body. There is also greater tolerance for denominational differences and greater willingness to mutually support one another. The denominations also draw on the strengths of one another--learning from and edifying one another.
On Pentecost, WCG and Presbyterian members had a combined service at which Doug Jenkins and Patrick Fearon shared in presenting the sermon. The following Sunday (Father's Day), Patrick Fearon presented the sermon at New Hope Methodist church. The WCG's young pianist, Chaz Parker, 11, played accompanying music.
The WCG and the Presbyterian church provide hot meals for 40 to 50 needy people in Grand Bahama the third weekend of each month.
Several members from Bahamas, Barbados and Bermuda have been trained in Evangelism Explosion. A clinic was scheduled for Trinidad July 24 to 29. Regional director Charles Fleming hoped that the delegates would return to their congregations with their passion for, and ability to evangelize greatly enhanced.
Hand in hand with this initiative to reach the lost is a Prayer Focus calendar for July that was distributed to members across the region.
Truly, as the WCG anchors itself on Jesus, and as each part does its share, the church is growing and is being built up in the love of God. The result is that a wonderful difference is being made for the kingdom of God.
To God be the glory!
WORKING TOGETHER--From left: Cecil Herran-Venables,
Patrick Fearon, Roy Stackpole, Doug Jenkins and Jan Jenkins.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION--WCG building in Bermuda.
MINISTRY CENTER--WCG building in Nassau, Bahamas.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000