Sunday, August 31, 2008

Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme


The Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme(CYE) began with the visit of eleven (11) young people from the Liverpool District of the Methodist Church in Britain to the Bahamas. They were led by Rev. Alistair and Sarah Lowe and Ms. Ruth East. The group visited the Nassau Circuit, August 5-16, Andros Circuit-August 16-26, and the Grand Bahama Circuit-August 26-Sept 2. While they were visiting these circuits they participated in various activities which covered tourism and social outreach. These included visit with the Governor General and the Minister of Tourism, Atlantis, Pirates of the Caribbean, All Saints Camp, Home outreach, Vacation Bible School, Urban Renewal, work on St. Paul's Methodist College, learning authentic craft, participation in worship services and prayer services. The group also found time to relax and enjoyed the sun, sea and sand on the islands, especially on Andros. New friendships were formed, and it is the hope of the youth in the Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands Conference (MCCA) to visit Liverpool in 2009 to complete the exchange experience.


We wish the team from Liverpool a safe journey back home. May God bless and guide you.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Youth Gathering


It is a few weeks since our Youth Gatheirng ended. However, I will share some information of what happened. The Youth Gathering was the first after 16 years in our District Conference area. It started on July 25 and ended on July 31, 2008. It was held at the St. Paul's Methodist School in Grand Bahama under the theme, "We are the Branches: Abiding in Christ.". The youth were all excited as they gathered together from four of the five circuits. Oh, what an exciting feeling as they arrived one by one, two by two, three by three. The boys so graciously assisted the girls with their luggage and everyone began getting to know names. Down to St. Paul's Methodist College we went. The airbeds were opened, persons suffered from cultural shock but all knew that they had to adjust only for one week.
The daily sessions began with Keep Fit and yes, it was hard waking up the young people at times. Meals were made available, breakfast, lunch and dinner-you would think that you entered a restaurant. Informative and soul searching sessions took place, such as Bible Studies, Puppet Making, Dance, Tie-Dye, Crime and Violence, Anger Management, HIV/AIDS and STI's and Etiquette. The Youth Concert was the highlight as many of the campers gave their lives to Christ. What a moving experience that was when a christian drama group " Pages of Life" did a powerful drama of youth issues.
All work and no play make Jack and Jill a dull person. Yes indeed, there was much play as the campers were placed in groups- Roots, Fruits, Trunks and Branches. They were judged on duties for the day and the sports. Oh the sports! The young people had fun as they kicked off their shoes, ran with water leaking out of a cup, had horse rides around chairs and played basketball. The bond fire was a smash as hotdogs and marshmallows caused the bin to blow up and fly a few feet across the basket ball court. Well, well, the water fights( fun) and the face pacing with toothpaste, cream and cake or even anything the young people got their hands was a night for no sleep for counsellors, but it was all worth it.
In the end, with all the drama at the start and the dancing at the end, Youth Gathering 2008 was a success. Praise God!

Thanks to all we assisted with this ministry.

Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands Conference Youths on the move

Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands Youths are on the move. Finally, our blog is set up and we welcome comments and the sharing of information. The Youth Department of this Conference area is seeking to develop good relationships among youth, plus encouraging them to share activities that are happening in their circuits. It is hoped that many of our young people would take advantage of this opportunity to meet new friends from across the waters and to grow in Christ in 2009 and beyond. Youth leaders, ministers and the youth themselves are invited to share in this journey of blogging important information and exciting adventures.
Persons outside of our District are invitied to share. Do not be afraid to post your name as this will be a beginning of a long lasting friendship in Christ.
Please pray for the youth arm of our church. May God bless you as we share.

Stacia