News from Grenada March 2024 - UK Visitors

It has felt busy over these last few weeks and as I prepare to go on holiday for a week in Barbados there is lots to do to be ready for the time when I return. It was great having the Vince, Trevor and Rich from Congregational Federation churches in the UK visit me. I tried to keep them busy and had put a programme together. Sometimes it had to be very flexible as here in Grenada things change and expected timings don’t always work.

All of them had opportunity to preach and lead a staff reflection and were bumbled into a class (with a teacher) to do a class reflection. They came to lessons with me and Rich had a chance to take a Guidance lesson. On a couple of occasions we did games on the pasture at the Primary School and children could choose to play football, badminton, cricket, rugby and frisbee.

There were lots of 50th anniversary celebrations going on over the time they were here. February 7th being Independence Day. At Mac Donald College we attended a good quiz, but starting late and finishing late blocked the concert taking place. At Samaritan Primary School the concert was great and all joined in the independence song: Bing Videos do have a watch.

We travelled across to Grenville for a play about Grenadian History which was very good. On the Sunday before was the Independence Day service in St Georges. Here the Rev Osbert James preached an inspiring sermon about people working together in this small country encouraging the political leaders to work together and not tearing down what has had positive impact. It was well received with applause throughout. We attended the Independence Day Celebration in the Stadium where our Prime Minister echoed some of the same theme. The celebration was impressive.

On 20th February the Conference of Churches was invited to meet with the Prime Minister and we had a very productive meeting. I was able to speak about issues to do with education and there are now plans for further dialogue. He does see education as a priority.

It has also been sports term and so I have attended two big Sports days which always seem to start late and go on long into the evening. Parents come to buy chicken and chip and drinks after work. Alexander House won at MDC and the other school won at the primary sports, but Rich and I sensed some unfair issues.

Family who stayed with me: I went down to visit them today before walking into St George’s. It seems a family member has allowed them to build on a place near where they used to live, but they now wait for the government to get the building underway. The man who has limited movement is very stuck in the place they are staying. I will see what can be done.

Youth group: Had restarted and we have had two good sessions. It had been on hold due to sports practices. It is a struggle when not all arrive at the start time and sometime bring younger siblings.

Open Space now on Fridays is going well, some of the time. The UK team were able to help but that week we had just 7 and yet weeks I am on my own we have had 24. We do parachute games, have a bible story, pray, sing and do a drawing and end with more games and a big circle prayer. Last week I had a grandson of mine from the UK helping. He was great.

Visits: It is still possible for you to come out and visit. I can provide transport, and accommodation. I am also happy to Zoom into a Church service or meeting. Do make contact with any questions or suggestions.

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 and my YouTube Channel - pastornigel19

God bless,

Nigel Lindsay