Trinidad and Tobago -- The community of Santa Cruz Old Road, in collaboration with the Nazarene Worship Centre, hosted “Mission for Transformation Conference 2009" October 21-25. The purpose of these meetings was to focus on the needs of the community as it relates to the present day experiences of death, violence, abuse of drugs and the general hopelessness of our people.

This conference addressed:

    * Meeting the needs of this generation
    * Facing the challenges of spiritual transformation
    * Challenging the church to rediscover passion
    * Helping parents face the hard realities of today.

On October 24, the community of Santa Cruz Old Road and the ministry of sport and youth affair, as a part of this conference, held a community youth rally called “A Party of Ideas,” giving opportunity to residents and visitors to register ideas for change. This event assisted the government representative and the church in formalizing an approach and strategy for continuing the work of transformation in the Santa Cruz Old Road, Quarry Road, Bougmalatress and Lavantille Road Communities.

Guest speakers for the conference were:

  • Rev. Dexter Daily, Caribbean English Field Nazarene Youth International (NYI) coordinator, director of Prison Ministry and senior pastor of the Point Fortin Church of the Nazarene
  • Rev. Joseph Cains, director of Operation Salvation in Trinidad
  • Rev. Benjamin, senior pastor Church on the Rock and community activist

Over 400 young persons from Santa Cruz turned up for the Party of Ideas. Young persons stood up and gave their ideas on how we can achieve peace and love among the members of the community. Young people said they were tired of the murders and violence.

One young man, Barry Jerrod, said: “There must be a change. We are all young men with children. We have to live for our children.” He went on to say, "I am willing to give Jesus a chance in my life.” Barry’s brother was killed by the police after hiding for many months. Videos tapes were made of interviews with several who were willing to come forward with their issues and recommendations .

Another highlight of the Party of Ideas was one young man who had not spoken to his brother in over 10 years. He said on the stage before the crowd that he forgave his brother and that it was time for love and forgiveness. His brother joined him on stage where they hugged each other and offered their love to each other.

The minister Anthony Robers, member of Parliament for St. Ann's East, responded to the young people. Minister Robers thanked Dr. Henry for being the first person to bring the community, the church and the government together in an event to discuss the needs of the community.

Dr Henry, in his response to what was heard, explained that this event was only the beginning of a series of events that will take place for the community. Among the things that they can look forward to are:

  • The Nazarene Worship Centre continuing home work centre for young people
  • A field for sports and exercise
  • A training to assist young, budding musicians, some of whom give their ideas through their conscious lyrics
  • Leadership workshops facilitated by the ministry of sport and youth affair
  • Continued mediation session for the community
 
Rev. Benjamin Agard brought down the curtain for the Mission for Transformation Conference 2009. On Sunday, October 25, he addressed the subject "Helping Parents Deal With Hard Realities." This closing addressed the young persons who are now teenage parents, helping them to cope and manage their parenting responsibilities.

Over 15 persons recorded decisions to surrender to Christ as a result of this conference. Baptism took place on November 8.

-- Dr. Lealand Henry, Nazarene Worship Centre