 Ben Matthews (3rd from left) with contingent after worship service. |  Ben and Denise Matthews |
By Ben Matthews (56th and Warrington Church of Christ, USA)
Unfortunately, most of the time it takes sad events like funerals or hospital visits to bring friends and family together. To counteract this, my sister, Dawne, created the "Zero Celebration" idea. Every summer, she would pick a date and folks from far and wide would convene at her house. There, we'll have fellowship, food (lots of food) and a funny skit and presents to honour the one(s) with a 'zero' that year. Whether a birthday, anniversary or even immigration date.
Two years ago, Tellisford "Limbs" Quashie attended his first Zero Celebration. He enjoyed it so much, that he suggested with the question, "Why don't you take it to St. Vincent?" So in 2016, we made it happen! He unfortunately was unable to attend, due to cancer treatment (he is doing well).
Our contingent of over thirty included my dear wife, Denise, family members, relatives and friends from around the world. We landed at the E.T. Joshua Airport on Thursday 7th July and the events in SVG began. The first outing was a Grenadine boat-ride on Friday, a picnic at Cumberland Bay on Saturday, church service and luncheon on Sunday, trip to the Owia Salt Pond on Monday, visit to Richland Park on Tuesday, a (lack of) talent show and skits on Wednesday, and culminating with the departure of most guests on Thursday.
Of the fun filled week, my personal favourites were the two church services. After an edifying Sunday morning worship service with the brethren at Kingstown Church of Christ with the sermon, God's Providence through Esther, we enjoyed a fabulous luncheon on that included the 'Red Ju-c' provided by the Mandevilles. They were gracious enough to spend their wedding anniversary preparing for our arrival. Many thanks to them. Many thanks to all who helped! The following Tuesday, there was the memorable visit to Richland Park (and Sister McCoy) where I led the Bible study. My topic was 'Be your best self' and God can use you. After many examples, I ended with the lad who provided the loaves and the fish for the miraculous feeding of thousands (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:5-15). Following the study I surprised the brethren by presenting a cheque form my congregation, 56th and Warrington Church of Christ, in support of Richland Park's evangelistic effort at Greggs.
Our family scripture verse was----Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalms 133: 1 ASV).
May God bless the work at the hands of the faithful who worship in the various locations throughout SVG
Unfortunately, most of the time it takes sad events like funerals or hospital visits to bring friends and family together. To counteract this, my sister, Dawne, created the "Zero Celebration" idea. Every summer, she would pick a date and folks from far and wide would convene at her house. There, we'll have fellowship, food (lots of food) and a funny skit and presents to honour the one(s) with a 'zero' that year. Whether a birthday, anniversary or even immigration date.
Two years ago, Tellisford "Limbs" Quashie attended his first Zero Celebration. He enjoyed it so much, that he suggested with the question, "Why don't you take it to St. Vincent?" So in 2016, we made it happen! He unfortunately was unable to attend, due to cancer treatment (he is doing well).
Our contingent of over thirty included my dear wife, Denise, family members, relatives and friends from around the world. We landed at the E.T. Joshua Airport on Thursday 7th July and the events in SVG began. The first outing was a Grenadine boat-ride on Friday, a picnic at Cumberland Bay on Saturday, church service and luncheon on Sunday, trip to the Owia Salt Pond on Monday, visit to Richland Park on Tuesday, a (lack of) talent show and skits on Wednesday, and culminating with the departure of most guests on Thursday.
Of the fun filled week, my personal favourites were the two church services. After an edifying Sunday morning worship service with the brethren at Kingstown Church of Christ with the sermon, God's Providence through Esther, we enjoyed a fabulous luncheon on that included the 'Red Ju-c' provided by the Mandevilles. They were gracious enough to spend their wedding anniversary preparing for our arrival. Many thanks to them. Many thanks to all who helped! The following Tuesday, there was the memorable visit to Richland Park (and Sister McCoy) where I led the Bible study. My topic was 'Be your best self' and God can use you. After many examples, I ended with the lad who provided the loaves and the fish for the miraculous feeding of thousands (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:5-15). Following the study I surprised the brethren by presenting a cheque form my congregation, 56th and Warrington Church of Christ, in support of Richland Park's evangelistic effort at Greggs.
Our family scripture verse was----Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalms 133: 1 ASV).
May God bless the work at the hands of the faithful who worship in the various locations throughout SVG
