The beginning of FIRE

God’s Anointed New Generation (GANG) a Catholic lay community started their first mission under their new ministry. FIRE, a missionary team made up of a group of young men from the community, was conceived in Barbados earlier this year at a one-week crusade. Living Water Community Barbados and GANG hosted the crusade.

Having ignited the Diocese of Bridgetown these young men felt a burning desire, a call from God, a call to win souls for the Kingdom, especially the young people of the Caribbean region.

Kyle Dardaine one of the community co-leaders, on a visit to Rome in April placed this special intention at the tomb of John Paul II. Upon his return the community was led into a time of fasting and prayer and it was confirmed that God was calling these young men to service.

Out of this special call two young men came forward and decided to serve the Lord full time for one year, together with other young men who are part time. Avinesh Sankar and Adrian Hercules were then given the privilege of attend the Missionary Institute put on by the Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Commission. They both successfully completed the five-week training and were commissioned by Bishop Robert Rivas and their community.

Mission

On August 14, the FIRE team began their mission in Barbados. Avinesh and Adrian together with Kyle Dardaine, Níkoma Monsegue and Stefan Degale were given the responsibility to run a camp for one week.

They ministered and taught a group of teenagers who came from all parts of Barbados. The main focus at the camp was to allow the young ones to identify their lives as a pathway. The theme chosen for the camp - “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”.This was the title of Pope Benedict’s message at World Youth day. On each day the team ministered through a sub-theme and a main activity was given.

On day one the teenagers were led to recognise that life is a journey that leads to the Good Shepherd. They also conceded that their pathways could be influenced by others sometimes causing them to drift into dark places. On the second day they experienced finding treasure.

FIRE team members (from left) Stefan Degale, Avinesh Sankar, Adrian Hercules and N'koma Monsegue. They assist the young participants to find treasure.

This concept was put forward through “sailing the seven seas” (activity) to find treasure; they later understood the treasures of the Church which are offered through the seven sacraments and their importance to their journey.

On day three they explored “Darkness”, the darkness that exist as obstacles in their lives. They further acknowledged that darkness is the absence of light. Discussions followed with the outcome being a long list of experiences of darkness. Some offered by friends, family, movies, video games and music.

Day four brought great excitement to the young participants. They were taught that they are the image of light and through their baptism they are given the light of Christ. The following events closed day four: the youngsters after reflecting on their lives listed their dark experiences and symbolically presented them to God at a bonfire session.

The youngsters then placed themselves at the Blessed Sacrament altar rekindling in their hearts the light of Christ. Each participant then lit his or her candle from the Paschal candle and were asked to take their light to their families who were present.

On day five they extended the light to shut-ins and to families that were less privileged. The camp concluded on the next day with a Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The participants were all involved in the liturgy.

On August 18, the FIRE team ignited another fire in Barbados. They ministered at the CAINCO retreat for young adults at the retreat centre in Verdun. Stefan’s sharing on the theme of faith made an impression on their hearts.

Kyle then shared on the need for missionary work in the Caribbean and encouraged the young adults to be part of the next Missionary Institute. The session then ended with vibrant praise and worship, including songs they composed themselves.

On August 20, the team was invited by Living Water Barbados to support their ministry to the Juvenile Prisons. Both sessions began with Praise and Worship led by the FIRE team and Living Water.

The young ladies at Summer Vale heard testimonies and participated in activities based on trust, faith and courage. This ignited their hearts causing them to express their desire for Christ in song. The young men at the Boys’ Training Center were excited to have the FIRE team there, as they had encountered GANG on two previous occasions.

The FIRE team assisted the young men through group discussion to express their spiritual need. With the information gathered Living Water are working on strategies through which they can be more effective in their ministry.

The FIRE team returned to Trinidad and Tobago with great joy, knowing they had left Barbados ablaze through their ministry. The way the young people responded to God continues to inspire the work of the FIRE team.

 This trip also helped the team recognise the need for evangelisation within our region. Indeed the harvest is rich but the labourers are few. The FIRE team continues to pray for young men to assist in their mission.