Missional Tripping from WACC and beyond

From Trinidad and Tobago's Newday

2007-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

PRISONS Commissioner John Rougier yesterday called on fathers, both in and out of prison, to take fatherhood seriously and act responsibly, saying that this was integral to making Trinidad and Tobago a “good, fearless and happy” place.

He was speaking at the Prison Fellowship of Trinidad and Tobago’s (PFTT) Father’s Day activities organised for inmates at the Maximum Security Prison

I am wondering if this is the gentleman that we met at the Men's Maximum Security Prison?

American Church on AIDS

2007-04-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

"Every church should be engaged in the war against AIDS."

Rev. Bill Hybells, Willow Creek Community Church

"This is the greatest opportunity for the Church to be the Church and meet hurting, suffering people at their point of need."

Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church

African Saying

2007-04-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

"When a snake comes into the house, we do not stop to ask where the snake came from before we kill the snake."

--from The Skeptic's guide to the Global AIDS Crisis

More Photos, recently found on my camera

2007-04-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is our group at Sham's Family's home on our last night. If you click on it you can see all of us on the Flickr.com page.

Lindon our driver poses with the Reach for Life book, his son (right), Sergio (left) and the van. Then: add Steve to the picture.

These photos are from our last night in Trinidad. Good memories.

Specialist

2007-04-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is the "Taxi," called a "Maxi" that Lindon our driver drove us all around the island of Trinidad in. We got used to piling in and out of this thing day after day. Lindon is a great driver. If you get to go to Trinidad and need a driver, I recommend him.

A few more images in Sangre Grande

2007-04-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Click on any photo to see full size and see more on the Flickr page.

Some thought upon leaving

2007-04-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

I asked Dexter what he felt we accomplished together during our week in Trinidad and Tobago. We talked about a variety of things and it seems we did a lot. Here is my summary of what I learned and believe we accomplished:

I learned about the church in T & T and what God is doing there. The church is full of young people, vibrant, energetic, and collaborative. The leadership is highly trained and motivated. They are ready and willing to work hard and do new things to help people in T & T.

A lot of books were distributed to leaders, young people, prisoners, etc. A vision was created about youth organizing themselves into support groups around the word of God to grow into transformed lives in transformed communities.

It would be a delight to check in year after year to see how the “Fire Starters” (young people inspired and trained to lead others in a supportive bible study) get along with that. How many youth get involved and to see if there is impact on there lives—new relationships with Jesus, supportive relationships, improved health, lower incidence of HIV and other STDs.

Ultimately, I would be pleased if youth use the books we brought to find new and transforming relationships with Jesus, had reconciled relationships with families and friends. Within that context, my experience is that the Spirit of God works, transforms. People get second, third, fourth chances. Lives are transformed. Behaviors improve.

It used to seem like it was important what behavior a person participated in that led to HIV infection. Dexter and I talked about this. He never said publicly how his favorite cousin was infected. He told me he didn’t know how the PLWHA we met were infected. Today, I believe that it is un-important how a person is infected. In fact, I recently decided that I would not ask a person how they got HIV. That should come out of a friendship with the person. My job is to love people. Tell them that Jesus loves them and act like it.

I hope that my friendship with people in T & T will continue. I can continue to learn from them. I would like to help the churches there engage their community in a way that leads to transformation. The conversation has started.

Home and more [UPDATE]

2007-04-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

[UPDATE] My nephew Daniel helped me with the link for the Trinidad 2007 link. Try this.

I have posted more than a hundred photos over on Flickr.com. I was trying to figure out how to make a like to just the set of photos I have put in the Trinidad 2007 set. Anyone know how to help me with that?

You can click on any of the photos in the Trinidad posts below, go to the Flickr site and follow the Trinidad 2007 (set). You can leave some comments over there too.

I am looking forward to being at home tomorrow. I have been in El Paso Texas since Tuesday at a conference on outcomes, research and evaluation: "Community Transformation Research Summit," put on by the Compassion Coalition. Dexter, I will send you something about all of this some time.

Monday, April 16, 2007

2007-04-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

This morning approximately 1,200 books are distributed to students at two junior secondary schools in Point Fortin. This was our last official event of our week here in Trinidad.

Pastor Daly presented a fan to the school principal as a gift from his church. The church is offering in to help set up bible studies and support groups for the kids using the Reach for Life book and the school’s leadership is expressive of their gratitude.

Tonight we are eating at Sham’s family home in the town of Sangre Grande.

Tomorrow we leave at 5 am for the airport. Bibi goes to Guayana, I got to El Paso, TX, everyone else goes home to California

Friday, April 13, 2007—Morning, Arima

2007-04-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

In Prison Again

This morning we were at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) for men. Prison Fellowship Trinidad and Tobago arranged this visit for us. At least 85 men joined us in the chapel. After being screened for through security we met the Superintendent of Prisons. I noticed he had a Bible on the corner of his desk. He thanked us for coming and said, “have a blessed day.”

This experience, as has been the case with other meetings we have been in, rolled out in it’s own interesting way as the Spirit led. While we always had a carefully planned program designed for each situation, the circumstances did not always allow the program to unfold in the way we expected. In each case, it unfolds as God designs it.

We started out with about 50 men in their blue prison issued uniforms. The prisoners themselves led the worship music. Loud, joyous, engaging. Songs just rolled out one after the other. I can remember they sang This is the Day and Give Me Oil in My Lamp among many others. We sang for about 20 minutes. No printed words, no overhead, no Power Point. Just enthusiastic singing, clapping, two tambourines, some stomping and I sensed that in some way these guys felt free during this time. It was a privilege to worship with them . . . as with one of the least of these.

One man gave a testimony of how God had changed his life since coming to MSP at the age of 17. He would be released this next week at the age of 30.

A woman introduced us from Prison Fellowship this time. We presented the book, how to use it, and the problem of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean. We read scripture from the Reach for Life book. Peter and Sham spoke. As Peter was giving an invitation to follow Christ, another 50 or so men started to come down the sidewalk, which we could see from where we sat at the front of the chapel. It was hard to tell what was happening. They started into the room and took seats at the back. Some of those who had come at the beginning were dismissed, most of those seats were filled. After that transition I counted 85 men.

Peter finished his invitation, Sham spoke again, and Dexter preached for a while. The service kept on going; we repeated parts; we distributed more books. At some point there was an invitation to those who had raised their hands to come to the front of the chapel. Our team mingled with those who came; we laid our hands on their shoulders as many prayed to receive Christ and ask God to help them lead a better life—whether for the rest of their lives they would be incarcerated or one day they would walk outside again.

We distributed a copy of Reach for Life, which includes an NIV New Testament, to each prisoner, guard and Prison Fellowship staff.

Trinidad, West Indies, 11 PM

Sunday, April 15, 2007, Point Fortin

2007-04-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Morning
This morning we were at the Nazarene Church in Point Fortin where Rev. Dexter Daly is the pastor.

Pastor Dexter has been our host leader here in country for the week and it has been a pleasure to make his acquaintance and be friends. Much of the success of our trip is due to Dexter’s energy, networking, and leadership. I have noticed that the churches with which we have had contact are very open to collaboration and cooperation.

Worship music was loud and joyous, even as the guys worked to make the sound system work properly. The worship leader’s voice carried the day as the instrumentalists caught up with her and the congregation’s singing. It was a delight for me to see how it all worked together with all the effort.

The church service included a presentation by an outstanding choir singing about the last week of Christ’s life from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.

Peter followed up with a sermon about Jesus interaction with Peter in John 21 asking him “Do you love me more than these”?

The church provided us with a wonderful lunch, cooked by some of the church members. This gave us the opportunity to get to know some more of the church folks. I sat with John and Marilyn. John is part of the church’s leadership and works full time as a vocational school instructor and administrator.

Evening
This evening we made a presentation at the Open Bible Church in Lot Ten. There were lots of youth as well as adults. It reminded me of youth rally meetings of my youth all so many years ago. They sang that song: “Praise ye the Lord/Halleluiah” where they divide up the group: one side singing Praise ye the Lord, the other half answering Halleluiah each half competing for who can sing the loudest. Then at random times the Pastor shouted, “Attitude Check” and everyone would jump up with “Praise the Lord” as the answer. I don’t even remember when and where I was in a group that did this—but I was and I did.

Youth and adults alike were interested in involving themselves in distribution of the Reach for Life book and gathering youth into groups and leading Bible studies. The church in Trinidad seems to be youthful, progressive, and ready to work as they follow their leadership. There seems to be a strong emphasis on discipleship and scripture.

Tomorrow
We have two presentations to make one at each of two schools. One is at 8, the second at 9. The afternoon we are Sham’s parents’ home for relaxation and dinner.

Trinidad, West Indies, 11 PM

Friday, April 13, 2007

2007-04-13T20:18:00.001-07:00

Great day today and there are at least two posts to make from it. However, I did not have the computer with me today to do the writing and it is already past 11 PM local time and we have a 6 AM departure in the morning.

Briefly:

This morning we were at the Maximum Security Prison. At least 85 men joined us in the chapel.

This evening we hosted 16 PLWHA for dinner and had a great time. I will try to fill out these stories and post later.

Tomorrow we will be in Tobago for recreation. I do not plan to have access to the Internet from there. Sunday will be a full day and an early start on Monday morning. I will post as I can.

Trinidad, West Indies, 11 PM

Thursday, April 12

2007-04-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Training at St. John’s (London) Baptist Church—9:30 AM
Small group for the training with high level of motivation of these adults to engage youth in Bible study. The folks came from a couple of different area churches. This is the same church that we did the launch program on Tuesday. This church celebrated it’s 150th anniversary in 1995. This church was started by English missionaries from London with emancipated slaves from the United States in 1845. It is an interesting and old building in the heart of Port of Spain.

Training Open Bible Cathedral, Point Fortin, at the south end of Trinidad. A motivated group of young people are here for the training session. Even as I have led the first lesson Bible study from John 8:1-11 I enjoy the interaction with the young people and the things that I learn right along with them. Keion asked some interesting questions about using the Reach for Live book with his Muslim friend.

Best air conditioning so far this week has been at the Open Bible Cathedral conference room. Some have said we should spend the night here on the hard tile floor. Not likely. We are two plus hours from the Nazarene College where we spend the night.

Tomorrow morning we will be at the adult men’s prison in Arouca. Evening dinner will be with a group of 19 PLWHA (Persons Living With HIV/AIDS).

From Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies 8 PM local time.

We made it home by 10 PM.

Five thousand books looks like this!

2007-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Somewhat confident that Dexter's mission was accomplished at the customs office by late morning or early afternoon Peter decided we could leave the 45 books that we had shown the young men in the prison.

We were all excited to see a couple of boxes in Dexter's trunk at the church this evening and this sight--the balance of the 5,000 books--at the college on the porch. Thanks for your prayers.

Doubles anyone?

2007-04-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

On the way to the University this morning, Linden, our driver, pulled over to the side of the road to a small building with a crowd standing around eating “Doubles.” With a big smile he asked us, “Doubles anyone?” Lots of people stood around eating these. Cars just double-parked in the street blocking traffic into the university for the spicy little snacks.

Doubles are sandwiches made with garbanzo beans (I think they call them chick peas or just peas here), potatoes and a chile sauce on paratha, a fried bread. Another interesting ingredient was mango pits that looked like little rib bones. They seemed to contain much of the spiciness.

At the University of the West Indies

2007-04-11T19:06:00.001-07:00

. . .we are hosted by a chapter of InterVarsity of Christian Fellowship (IVCF). At this venue we are doing leadership training with these student.

The student leader who introduced our project to the students here told us and the students that HIV/AIDS prevention is a big topic on campus because of the habits of many of the student population.

Our objective at the University is that these IVCF group members will invite their peers to study the Bible with them in groups using the Reach for Life book. These will become support groups for the students that will encourage abstinence and healthy life-styles. We are spending a good amount of time here teaching about how the book is put together and how to use it in groups of students.

We are hoping that the 5,000 Reach for Life books that were shipped would have been released by now. We are told that they are the first item on today’s list for approval. We are telling the students here that we need to take the books that we will show them and send them copies once the books are out of customs. Dexter is also hoping that he will receive a call that the books are out so we can leave some or all of the 50 books we have left here.

This afternoon we will be at a “Training Center” also known as the youth prison. We will meet with 75 of the training participants and will deliver the Bible lesson from section one of the book, Who Is Jesus?.

NOTE: When we talk about “the book” we are talking about a New Testament published by the International Bible Society called Reach for Life. It is a youth oriented product with articles about HIV/AIDS and sexual practices. It includes the New Testament, 40 inductive Bible studies in 4 sections. The four sections have 10 studies each about what it means to be a real Christian, how to grow as a follower of Jesus, how to deal with real-life youth issues, and how to change the world.

In Prison In Trinidad

2007-04-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

We had some very carefully made plans for exactly how we would conduct our afternoon session at the juvenile prison in Port of Spain.

Our plans included meeting a Prison Fellowship chaplain who would be in charge of our presentation to the youth. He met us as the gate area to explain that he was expected at the adult men’s prison at the same time and would not be able to stay with us. But assured that we would be adequately hosted by one of the prison staff who is a believer. So, he left, and we waited. Shortly, we were escorted into a large gymnasium for our presentation.

Forty-four 14-17 year olds were quietly waiting on the bleachers; we were directed to white plastic chairs at half-court. Sham and Peter quickly realized that we were now on and got the program started. Sham opened with some remarks and prayer. Peter started his normal presentation about the book and the importance of living a godly life. The boys were attentive, quiet, and engaged turning to the various pages of the book.

Peter gave the whole presentation and started an invitation to close when two uniformed prison staff walked in, told Peter “one-minute” and escort about 8 of the boys out of the room. None of us knew exactly what had happened. Peter assumed that he was to wrap it up in one-minute—the same conclusion that I had. He finished his invitation and we all looked around wondering what was next. No one came. As part of the invitation Peter invited the young men to sign a paper indicating their interest in joining a small group Bible study using the Reach for Life book as a tool.

For the next 45 minutes we stood around and talked with the various boys and learned something about their lives and current situations. This was an important and impactful time for all of us. We learned that these kids were waiting for court dates and sentencing. Most believed they would be released within weeks or days and had been accused of petty crimes.

One boy who made an impression on me was Stefon Paul. He thanked us for coming to the jail and for preaching a gospel that included grace and forgiveness. He knows about his own guilt for his crime. He already knows about forgiveness that is provided by the blood of Jesus, but felt that many people were condemning him and his incarcerated colleagues with discouraging words. When Stefon Paul gets out of jail he wants to study and become a Pastor. I think his experience will make him a good minister for reconciliation and forgiveness. I promised him that I would pray that God would bless him and would use him to do just that. I hope that you will have the same prayer for Stefon Paul.

Most of the boys we talked to do not have much family at home. Some parents were dead; others had just abandoned them for economic reason. A grand parent had raised some. Most had lived on the street and had little formal education. Another boy, Michael, a more mature, tall and talkative kid, talked to us about the need for the other kids to learn better reading skills.

Today, as we visited with these young men in prison, I thought of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 “. . . I was in prison and you came to visit me.” I sensed Jesus’ presence in a special way there as I have in prisons in California visiting inmates.

While we were at the juvenile institution, Dexter went to the customs office where the 5,000 Reach for Life books had been held for proper processing. By the time he was finished there, the books had been released; some boxes were in the back of his car and the palettes were on their way to the college where we are staying.

Now we are on our way to San Fernando to another Church where we will do yet another presentation.

At the University of the West Indies

2007-04-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

. . .we are hosted by a chapter of InterVarsity of Christian Fellowship (IVCF). At this venue we are doing leadership training with these student.

These are some of our student hosts:

The student leader who introduced our project to the students here told us and the students that HIV/AIDS prevention is a big topic on campus because of the habits of many of the student population.

Our objective at the University is that these IVCF group members will invite their peers to study the Bible with them in groups using the Reach for Life book. These will become support groups for the students that will encourage abstinence and healthy life-styles. We are spending a good amount of time here teaching about how the book is put together and how to use it in groups of students.

We are hoping that the 5,000 Reach for Life books that were shipped would have been released by now. We are told that they are the first item on today’s list for approval. We are telling the students here that we need to take the books that we will show them and send them copies once the books are out of customs. Dexter is also hoping that he will receive a call that the books are out so we can leave some or all of the 50 books we have left here.

This afternoon we will be at a “Training Center” also known as the youth prison. We will meet with 75 of the training participants and will deliver the Bible lesson from section one of the book, Who Is Jesus?.

NOTE: When we talk about “the book” we are talking about a New Testament published by the International Bible Society called Reach for Life. It is a youth oriented product with articles about HIV/AIDS and sexual practices. It includes the New Testament, 40 inductive Bible studies in 4 sections. The four sections have 10 studies each about what it means to be a real Christian, how to grow as a follower of Jesus, how to deal with real-life youth issues, and how to change the world.

Images from today Tuesday, 4/10

2007-04-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dexter, on the left, is our group's leader and host here is Trinidad and Tobago. He is Pastor of a Church in the south part of Trinidad. Note that he is not the driver, the guy on the right side seat is the driver. We drive on the left side of the street.

Day One Report: Port of Spain

2007-04-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

As I write this, Peter Torry of the International Bible Society is speaking to a group of young people about the Reach for Life book here is Trinidad.

Our day started at St. John Baptist Church in Port of Spain with a Launch Reach of Life program. We heard from Rev. Dexter Daly and others about the book and how it will be distributed throughout Trinidad. Jonniebelle shared with us about how she has lived a positive life for the fifteen years since she found out that she has been infected by HIV. She shared how adversity has led her to a stronger relationship with God.

This afternoon we visited an orphanage in Port of Spain. There we about 20 primary age kids who have been orphaned by parents who had died of AIDS. Some of these kids would also become infected by the virus. Sham led a Bible story and Dexter led us in some kids songs. Deep and Wide was my favorite.

We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. Games like Pounce on Sergio, Spin on Steve's Shoulders. This was in the heat of the afternoon in the tropics. We were ready for an aircondistioned mall for dinner. Thanks Dexter for finding that for us.

PLEASE NOTE AND PRAY: Five thousand Reach for Life books were shipped to Trinidad and Tobago for distribution during our trip. At the end of today they are still in the customs office waiting to be released so we can pick them up. We pray and hope that these can be released for us tomorrow.

Blogging from Trinidad

2007-04-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

We made it safely to Trinidad and are now at the Nazarene College of the Caribbean. We are sleeping in the dorm with some students from the college--I think there are 8 male resident students, most commute for night classes.

We are now waiting for transportation to Port of Spain for the Reach for Life launch. This afternoon we will be at the orphanage. We brought children's books and other gifts for the kids there. Pastor Dexter Daly just did a telephone interview with the Christian Radio station.

It is warm and humid here as expected.

At the Airport in Ontario, California

2007-04-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

We have all made it to the airport and are waiting to board Continental flight 162 to Houston. Sham brought some extra suitcases for all of us to check--gifts, books, lots of stuff for his home country.

Another Map for perspective

2007-04-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

I like how this map from the UN gives some perspective on the location of T & T. It's a long flight from Houston. If it's a clear day, I hope we can see Cuba.
I found this map at reliefweb.int, here.

The Skeptics Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis

2007-04-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our trip to Trinidad we are reading up on the issues around HIV/AIDS. The Skeptics Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis: Tough Questions, Direct Answers is our textbook on the subject.

Itinerary Updated*

2007-04-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Reach 4 Life Trip
April 9-17

April 9, Monday
Meet at airport, 5:00 AM Ontario Airport, outside security, Continental Airlines.
6:15 AM, Flight departs for Houston/Trinidad, Continental flight 162
7:23 PM, Arrive Trinidad, Continental 418, Port of Spain airport (POS)

April 10
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., Reach 4 Life Launch, St John Baptist, Pembroke Street, Port of Spain
11:30 p.m. Lunch, Port of Spain Restaurant
1:00 p.m., Visit Cyril Ross Center (HIV/AIDS orphanage), Tunapuna
5:30 p.m., Dinner, Local Restaurant, TBA
6:30 p.m., Training Church Youth Leaders, World Wide Church, Arima

April 11
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., University Campus Launch and/or leadership training, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine
11:30 p.m., Lunch, Local Restaurant, TBA
1:30, Youth Training Center / Youth Prison, Golden Grove, Arima
5:30 p.m., Dinner, San Fernando Nazarene, San Fernando
6:30 p.m., Youth Leadership Training at a church, San Fernando Nazarene, San Fernando

April 12
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
9:30 a.m., Training at St. John’ Baptist, Training, Pembroke Street
12:00 p.m., Lunch, Restaurant in Port of Spain
6:30 p.m., Training in Southern Trinidad, Open Bible Cathedral Conference Hall, Point Fortin

April 13
6:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
9:00 a.m., Prison Ministry Training, MSP/St Johns, Arouca
12:00 p.m., Lunch, Restaurant, Arima
1:00 p.m.,
6:30 p.m., Dinner with PLWHA**, San Fernando, confirmed at 16 persons

April 14--Saturday
Recreation Day

April 15
6:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
9:30 a.m., Ministry in Churches, Point Fortin Nazarene, Point Fortin
1:00 p.m., Lunch, Point Fortin Hospitality,
6:30 p.m., Dinner – Shams parents, Sangre Grande, Point Feeds you well

April 16
6:00 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
8:00 a.m., School Visit, Point Fortin Junior Sec, School Assembly Hall
12:00 p.m., Lunch, TBA
6:30 p.m., Dinner, TBA

April 17
Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
Depart for Airport,
Flight leaves POS, Continental 419, 7:40 a.m.
[Glen goes on to El Paso, Texas arrives 3:32 pm]
Arrive 7:22 p.m. Ontario, CA Continental 150 from Houston (IAH)

*You can anticipate that there will be further changes to the itinerary, with or without notice on the blog.
**PLWHA-persons living with HIV or AIDS

Friday, April 13, 2007—Point a Pierre

2007-04-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

This evening we hosted 16 PLWHA for dinner in a banquet room in Point a Pierre. The group was diverse, mostly women and three men. These people meet regularly on Monday evenings with a doctor who treats AIDS patients at a large hospital. The group is to allow them the opportunity to express themselves, learn about the disease and find support.

Pastor Dexter makes it clear wherever we go that Jesus loves everyone no matter what our situation. He has a clear vision of the church’s involvement ministering to PLWHA and God’s offering the free gift of salvation to all. We sang:

“Jesus Loves Me This I Know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, we are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”

Peter gave a brief presentation about the books. We read John 8:1-11. Each one received a book at no charge. The woman next to me told us that she is Muslim. But, that would not stop her from reading the book. The group gave us encouraging words about our work and the importance of our message.

The fellowship was good. I felt blessed to be there. Jesus said, “I was sick and you stopped to visit”.

There are no pictures or names in this entry due to the sensitivity of being pointed out as a person with HIV disease or AIDS.

Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, Friday evening

The Group--before picture

2007-03-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

Trinidad Itinerary First Draft

2007-03-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

Reach 4 Life Mission Trip

April 9-17

April 9
5:00 AM meet at Ontario Airport outside security, Continental Airlines
6:15 AM depart Ontario Airport
Arrive in Port of Spain airport, Trinidad at 7:23 PM EDT

April 10
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary, Santa Cruz, Trinidad
9:00 a.m., Reach 4 Life Launch, College Chapel
11:30 p.m. , Lunch, College Cafeteria , Santa Cruz
1:00 p.m., Visit Cyril Ross Center (HIV/AIDS orphanage), Tunapuna
5:30 p.m., Dinner, Local Restaurant, TBA
6:30 p.m., Training Church Youth Leaders, World Wide Church , Arima

April 11
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., University Campus Launch and/or leadership training, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine
12:00 p.m., Lunch, Local Restaurant, TBA
5:30 p.m., Dinner, San Fernando Nazarene , San Fernando
6:30 p.m., Youth Leadership Training at a church, San Fernando Nazarene, San Fernando

April 12
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., School Launch in Southern Trinidad, Point Fortin Junior Secondary, Point Fortin
12:00 p.m., Lunch, Point Fortin Nazarene, Point Fortin
6:30 p.m., Training in Southern Trinidad, Open Bible Cathedral Conference Hall, Point Fortin

April 13
6:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., Prison Ministry Training, Port of Spain Prison , Duke Street POS
12:00 p.m., Lunch, Restaurant , POS
1:00 p.m., Youth Training Center Leadership training, Golden Grove, Arouca
6:30 p.m., Dinner with PLWHA, Will be Confirmed, Will confirm on 26/03/07

April 14
8:00 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary,
Recreation Day
5:30 p.m., Dinner at Sham’s Mom’s home

April 15
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., Ministry in Churches, Location TBD

April 16
7:30 a.m., Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
9:00 a.m., HIV Seminar and borough outreach – National television coverage, Point Fortin

April 17
Breakfast, Nazarene Seminary
Depart for Airport
Flight leaves, 7:40 a.m
Arrive home, Ontario airport 3:32 pm
Glen goes on to El Paso, Texas arrives 3:32 pm

Church Services on Sunday, March 25

2007-03-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

Message from Peter:

Pastor Glenn wants to pray for our team and another one that is going out this Sunday after each of the services. So, if possible each team member should be in each of the three services, at the end of the services, and when called forward at the end should go up to the front. Thanks for passing this on.

Peter

What is the weather like right now in T & T?

2007-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00


Plan your trip Local Radar Detailed Forecast

Electricity Access in Trinidad

2007-03-19T22:03:00.001-07:00

Hi again friends,

Trinidad uses 110-115 volts therefore any equipment that is
wired for such will work perfectly.

Blessings,
Jeray

Towel for Trinidad--BYOT

2007-03-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Dexter has requested we bring towels as that part will not be supplied. Probably good to bring your own soap also if you want to be smelling good.

Blessings,
Jeray

Internet Access in Trinidad

2007-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning Team,

Here is an update regarding internet access in Trinidad where we will be staying.

Hi Sister Jeray the College is configured for wireless and there is also a
computer center that can be accessed. Once they have a lap top they can pay
10TT(6 tt to 1 US) for one hour and will get wireless access.

All for your information.
Blessings,
Jeray

From Jeray, by email

2007-03-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Good morning team,

Just a quick note that we will be seeing all of you this Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 6:00pm church lounge.

Bible study leaders:
Bibi - The Cross
Glen - The Faith

Hope to have an itinerary from Dexter. If we have time and questions may discuss The Skeptics Guide.

Blessings and God speed.

Praying:
Leaders for God to raise up in Trinidad
God's spirit to go before us as he uses us as his servants to ministry
for safety
interaction with teens and leaders - sensitivity and listening ears
God move in peoples hearts to create a passion for Trinidad
Funds for Trinidad - R4L Books for every student in school

Peter and Jeray

A Map of T & T

2007-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Seven miles off the coast of Venezuela.