News from Grenada June 2023

I am getting behind with my newsletter and keeping you up to date. I hope you are all well and connecting.

I will be back in the UK from the end of September until the end of November and I do hope to see as many people as possible. My sister has arranged a birthday party for me at Witney Welcome Evangelical Church from 3-6pm on 14th October. You are welcome to join us but do let us know for catering purposes.

As I say I am as keen to meet up with as many as possible and happy to take Church services, speak at them, do Children or Youth activities, speak at midweek meetings. Or just meet for a coffee. If you would like to arrange a time do make contact. Some dates are clashing already, and I am trying to avoid too much travel, but linking appointments in an area if I am there.

Holiday Trinidad
I had a week in Trinidad which is just about 30 minutes away by plane. Getting to the airport, waiting for the 3-hour delay and checking in takes more time. I spent most of my time in Port of Spain - the capital. The roads are so wide in comparison with Grenada. I was able to visit the Zoo, Mount Saint Benedict Abbey and walk in the botanic gardens, some of the houses around the Savanah Park are amazing.

I linked up with the Scottish Presbyterian Church whilst there and preached on Sunday and did a workshop with leaders on the Saturday about possible Youth, Children and Adult activities.

This last Saturday I was able to walk across to Grenville about a 3 hour walk in the hot sun, left me tired. I have done this walk a few times but we have hot and rain at present just escaped Hurricane, but we are in hurricane season. I am trying to keep my walking up as may do another island walk at the end of the year or beginning of next.

Schools:
Other than greeting students at the secondary school, I have done little this term. They are doing exams which seem to be going on for ever. I have just had a meeting with the Principal and hope we have a plan for next school year which will involve more in guidance session and biblical reflections.

Prayer day before exams
At the Primary school I have just completed sessions with the year 6’s about transition to Secondary. The Government has just decided that all year 6 students will move up to secondary, but have not provided the structure and support for the Secondary schools to meet the additional needs.

My sessions have included, Goals for 10 years’ time and stepping stones to get there. Staying focused, friends and peer pressure, Worry, Homework, Bullying and a check list to be ready.

I continue to do individual sessions with some students at the Primary School.

Building work:
This work seems to have come to a stop, but I hope the outside painting will restart soon and the sink be plumbed in.

A HOUSE ON MY WALK CALLED?
Guess?

Radio and TV:
I had a further chance to talk about mental health on the Conference of Churches TV hour.

Youth Group:
This happens on a Wednesday night when I am about and has its ups and downs. I had hoped for someone to come and help, but only get an occasional person. Some of the young people I am getting to know well and we can chat well but individually in a group it is more of a challenge.

Family Time:
After this last one we decided not to continue. I tried for 18 months. It was expected an adult will stay with the child, but in this culture many children have to get themselves from a to b on their own.

Sunday School
This started on 4th June and the next week we did an all-age service, but since it has not taken place??? So Last week I had prepared an emergency challenge which they did well.

Training:
I have one planned for 15th July on leading small groups, we will see if it goes ahead. I am up for other subjects if requested.

Harvest
This year felt more connected, but many tired at the end of the day. Harvest is like a summer fair but different! See prep below.

Three New Projects:
Open Space: started a few weeks back and is an opportunity for any age person to come and play table games, do craft activity, read, do homework and we have bible story in the middle. The space can develop. To date I have been amazed and that they have made from junk. It is an informal fun time. But again, I need help to do it well.

EXPLORE: I send out a short video weekly Via What App with a parable for people to explore with family or friends or come to Church to discuss and understand more. We are now up to week 8. You can check these out on my You Tube channel: pastornigel19

Youth Service: should have taken place at the suggestion of a young person at Church this last Sunday. No one came before I cleared away.

Thanks for prayers and conversations. Do let me know if you want a zoom or WhatsApp call.

pastornigel19@yahoo.co.uk WhatsApp +1 473 458 1932

Also check out my Facebook pictures.

God bless,
Nigel Lindsay