The twenty-two retreat attendees along with guest speaker, Bill McDonough (fifth from right)
By Jamali Jack (Kingstown Church of Christ, SVG)
The Layou Campsite was a hive of spiritual and social activity on the weekend of September 16 and 17th, 2016, when a total of twenty-two men representing eight autonomous congregations of the church of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) met for a 24-hour retreat. Congregations represented were Arnos Vale, Biabou, Barrouallie, Brighton, Georgetown, Kingstown, Richland Park, and Spring Village.
The retreat is yet another step towards rekindling a more cohesive and cooperative atmosphere among the 13 congregations of the Lord's church in SVG. The theme selected by the coordinators was, The church of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines - in Retrospect, in Introspect, and in Prospect. To realise this theme, a number of sessions were devoted to looking at the history of the establishment of the church in SVG, the current state of the church locally and worldwide through SWOT analysis, and consideration towards the numerical and spiritual growth of the church in SVG through strategic development and partnerships.
Originally conceived in December 2015 when Kingstown Church of Christ planned its calendar of congregational activities for 2016, the possibility of a nationwide retreat was realised during the course of monthly meetings where men from various congregations discuss common issues and share information and ideas of common interest. The providential hand of God was further felt with the serendipitous attendance of Bill McDonough from Arkansas, who was visiting St. Vincent after a hiatus of over twenty years. McDonough was able to speak on his work in St. Vincent in the 1980s and continuing around the world.
The Layou Campsite was a hive of spiritual and social activity on the weekend of September 16 and 17th, 2016, when a total of twenty-two men representing eight autonomous congregations of the church of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) met for a 24-hour retreat. Congregations represented were Arnos Vale, Biabou, Barrouallie, Brighton, Georgetown, Kingstown, Richland Park, and Spring Village.
The retreat is yet another step towards rekindling a more cohesive and cooperative atmosphere among the 13 congregations of the Lord's church in SVG. The theme selected by the coordinators was, The church of Christ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines - in Retrospect, in Introspect, and in Prospect. To realise this theme, a number of sessions were devoted to looking at the history of the establishment of the church in SVG, the current state of the church locally and worldwide through SWOT analysis, and consideration towards the numerical and spiritual growth of the church in SVG through strategic development and partnerships.
Originally conceived in December 2015 when Kingstown Church of Christ planned its calendar of congregational activities for 2016, the possibility of a nationwide retreat was realised during the course of monthly meetings where men from various congregations discuss common issues and share information and ideas of common interest. The providential hand of God was further felt with the serendipitous attendance of Bill McDonough from Arkansas, who was visiting St. Vincent after a hiatus of over twenty years. McDonough was able to speak on his work in St. Vincent in the 1980s and continuing around the world.
FRIDAY
From about 4:30 on Friday afternoon, attendees began to arrive and settle in as they greeted each other and socialised. In addition to making such decisions as what room/bunk to occupy, some of the settling time was spent discussing issues of fundamental importance regarding the unadulterated doctrine of Christ. It was made clear that some of the challenges facing the church today are no different than those confronted by first century Christians.
After dinner was prepared by Elton Lewis (Kingstown) along with the assistance of a small army of willing and able support staff, a prayer for the meals was offered up by Marlon Charles (Georgetown). The dinner included an assortment of delicacies that ranged from toasted peanut butter sandwiches all the way to the finest in healthy Italian-inspired cuisine - spaghetti with minced meat and vegetables.
In keeping with Jesus' statement in Matthew 4:4 that man shall not live by bread alone, the first session of the retreat commenced with Joel H. Jack (Kingstown) as chairman. In his introductory remarks, Jack welcomed all in attendance and highlighted the significance on such a gathering of men. Before inviting James Stephenson (Biabou) to lead the night's devotion, he made reference to an extensive 1978 research project done by Clayton Soleyn entitled, History of the Beginning of the Church of Christ on the island of St. Vincent (1965-1968). During the devotion, Stephenson lead in the acapella singing of joyous songs, punctuated with an opening prayer by Albert "Jack" Gellizeau (Spring Village).
The feature address that night was presented by Mark Charles (Brighton). Charles, along with Gellizeau, held the responsibility of coordinating the various logistical and organisational aspects of the retreat. In his presentation, he gave figures that placed the church within the context of an increasingly diverse religious landscape locally and internationally. Much of the global statistics were derived from the publication, Seven Hundred Plans to Evangelize the World, by David B. Barrett and James W. Reapsome. The data demonstrated the importance of the brethren taking a more active role in the areas of evangelism and benevolence. He gave the assurance that, with God's help this can be achieved with a change in attitudes from being "criticising spectators to becoming active participants." Drawing on the fact that the congregations of the local church are yet to fully mature to the point where there is an eldership and deacons, following the biblical pattern (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-3), Charles challenged the men not to be satisfied with the status quo and encouraged a desire to personal and congregational growth and maturity.
After dinner was prepared by Elton Lewis (Kingstown) along with the assistance of a small army of willing and able support staff, a prayer for the meals was offered up by Marlon Charles (Georgetown). The dinner included an assortment of delicacies that ranged from toasted peanut butter sandwiches all the way to the finest in healthy Italian-inspired cuisine - spaghetti with minced meat and vegetables.
In keeping with Jesus' statement in Matthew 4:4 that man shall not live by bread alone, the first session of the retreat commenced with Joel H. Jack (Kingstown) as chairman. In his introductory remarks, Jack welcomed all in attendance and highlighted the significance on such a gathering of men. Before inviting James Stephenson (Biabou) to lead the night's devotion, he made reference to an extensive 1978 research project done by Clayton Soleyn entitled, History of the Beginning of the Church of Christ on the island of St. Vincent (1965-1968). During the devotion, Stephenson lead in the acapella singing of joyous songs, punctuated with an opening prayer by Albert "Jack" Gellizeau (Spring Village).
The feature address that night was presented by Mark Charles (Brighton). Charles, along with Gellizeau, held the responsibility of coordinating the various logistical and organisational aspects of the retreat. In his presentation, he gave figures that placed the church within the context of an increasingly diverse religious landscape locally and internationally. Much of the global statistics were derived from the publication, Seven Hundred Plans to Evangelize the World, by David B. Barrett and James W. Reapsome. The data demonstrated the importance of the brethren taking a more active role in the areas of evangelism and benevolence. He gave the assurance that, with God's help this can be achieved with a change in attitudes from being "criticising spectators to becoming active participants." Drawing on the fact that the congregations of the local church are yet to fully mature to the point where there is an eldership and deacons, following the biblical pattern (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-3), Charles challenged the men not to be satisfied with the status quo and encouraged a desire to personal and congregational growth and maturity.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Charles fielded questions and comments from the men including factors affecting church growth, the challenge of denominationalism, effective and biblical strategies to strengthening current membership while spreading the gospel of Christ, etc. One such initiative that was asked about and discussed is the interactive, radio program, Scriptural Search. Joel H. Jack, who is one of the program's two hosts, did an excellent job answering questions on the genesis and expansion of Scriptural Search.
The formal part of the night's session concluded with a brief outline of the planned schedule for the following day, the singing of a chorus, Bind Us Together, and a closing prayer by Glendon Swift (Richland Park). In addition to playing games such as draughts and table tennis, some of the men extended the discussion with deep analysis on the current condition of the local church in relation to leadership, discipleship and discipline, and deliberations on issues such as addressing the godhead directly, the dual deity and humanity of Christ, and the Lord's supper. By 2AM, the last man had retired to a comfortable night's rest.
SATURDAY
As day broke on Saturday, rested men slowly woke with the sun to refresh and groom themselves in preparation for a full day of activities. After protocol was established and completed in relation to bathroom rotations, all gathered for a hearty breakfast that saw such options as the beloved toasted cheese or peanut butter sandwiches, cereal, cocoa, tea, and fruit choices such as watermelons and bananas. The kitchen area was converted into a makeshift clinic with "Dr. Jack" Gellizeau using the opportunity to encourage and provide blood pressure checks for whosoever willed to come. Fortunately, no one needed to be hospitalised.
Having been properly fed, the devotional session began with Rawlson Morgan (Biabou) leading a few choruses. Following the choruses, Gerwin Pompey (Kingstown) directed hearts in prayer and James Stephenson (Biabou) lead a brief exposition on Psalms 9. Mark Charles returned to lead the singing of a chorus, Jesus, Lamb of God, before explaining the session's group activity - a SWOT analysis of the church of Christ in SVG. Three groups were organised to allow all present the opportunity to give their input. An additional three brethren who were unable to be present at the Friday night session joined Saturday morning's activity.
Having been properly fed, the devotional session began with Rawlson Morgan (Biabou) leading a few choruses. Following the choruses, Gerwin Pompey (Kingstown) directed hearts in prayer and James Stephenson (Biabou) lead a brief exposition on Psalms 9. Mark Charles returned to lead the singing of a chorus, Jesus, Lamb of God, before explaining the session's group activity - a SWOT analysis of the church of Christ in SVG. Three groups were organised to allow all present the opportunity to give their input. An additional three brethren who were unable to be present at the Friday night session joined Saturday morning's activity.
After the first SWOT analysis session, there was a break for the next activity. The men assembled again as one group to hear some remarks from a surprise guest speaker from Arkansas, United States of America. Bill McDonough is the International Director of Partners in Progress. Joel H. Jack introduced McDonough and outlined the series of seemingly unrelated events that resulted in him and his wife, Marie-Claire, being in St. Vincent at such an opportune time.
In the 1980s, a series of missions, sponsored by the (then) Sixth and Izard Church of Christ in Little Rock Arkansas, came to St. Vincent to share the gospel of Christ in addition to providing free medical and dental services. McDonough, who initiated and coordinated those missions, later went on to establish Partners in Progress and Ship of Life, that provides humanitarian services and eternal hope to disaffected regions all around the world. After almost 30 years of these ministries, McDonough wanted to revisit the island where it all began with hopes of possibly meeting with some of the brethren. Through the providence of God, the retreat (which was planned 10 months prior) coincided perfectly with this visit.
In the 1980s, a series of missions, sponsored by the (then) Sixth and Izard Church of Christ in Little Rock Arkansas, came to St. Vincent to share the gospel of Christ in addition to providing free medical and dental services. McDonough, who initiated and coordinated those missions, later went on to establish Partners in Progress and Ship of Life, that provides humanitarian services and eternal hope to disaffected regions all around the world. After almost 30 years of these ministries, McDonough wanted to revisit the island where it all began with hopes of possibly meeting with some of the brethren. Through the providence of God, the retreat (which was planned 10 months prior) coincided perfectly with this visit.
After the guest speaker, the group activity continued for some time until the catered meals arrived. Junior Gellizeau (Spring Village), an always enthusiastic though physically blind brother, gave thanks for the meals and all those who had a hand in providing it. The delicious array was supplied by Ikater Foods.
When lunch was completed, the final session saw representatives from each of the three groups presenting on their group's discussions along with suggestions on the way forward. Presentations were made by Marlon Charles (Georgetown) for Group 1, Gerwin Pompey (Kingstown) for Group 2, and Mark Charles (Brighton) for Group 3. Charles used the opportunity to give the vote of thanks in which he again applauded the men for their attendance in bringing the retreat to fruition. From all accounts of those who shared their views, despite the relatively low turnout, the retreat indeed was a success.
When lunch was completed, the final session saw representatives from each of the three groups presenting on their group's discussions along with suggestions on the way forward. Presentations were made by Marlon Charles (Georgetown) for Group 1, Gerwin Pompey (Kingstown) for Group 2, and Mark Charles (Brighton) for Group 3. Charles used the opportunity to give the vote of thanks in which he again applauded the men for their attendance in bringing the retreat to fruition. From all accounts of those who shared their views, despite the relatively low turnout, the retreat indeed was a success.
