For the disciples in Grenada, 2015 was the most difficult since our re-launch, but it may have been our most spiritually productive year! At the beginning of the new year we were filled with excitement. We were aware that although we might face challenges, we were focused on the joy and anticipation of learning new lessons, conquering weaknesses or overcoming trials.
As a mission team, we prayed together for God to do glorious things in this group of believers -- and yet none of us anticipated the change that God had in mind. Yes, the year 2015 brought much change to the St. George’s International Church of Christ.
Internal challenges surfaced early in the year, but we resolved to work hard at building true unity and family in the church. January to March saw us focused on developing a plan that would engage our children, and we formed a children’s ministry, with all disciples taking turns serving. It was a great beginning, and the children enjoyed the opportunity to learn different lessons and bond with the adults. We were also encouraged by special visits in the first quarter, as two wonderful couples, Douglas and Vickie Jacoby and Guy and Loretta Berndt, visited and spend time to teach and encourage us. The singles ministry also enjoyed some bounding during those early months, one highlight being the Easter Hike that allowed the group to deepen their friendships.
It was during this encouraging period when changes would come that noone was prepared for. On April 25, one of our dear brothers in Christ, Carlson Junior "JR” Jackson - our youngest member of the mission team - died suddenly (see photo on right of JR speaking with Doug during his visit). His death was a significant emotional challenge for the entire group, but we responded with an even greater resolve to draw closer together, to love and value each other, and remain committed to our goals. In spite of all this, we held on to God and to each other. Determined to strengthen each other, the sisters met consistently the last Thursday of every month, sharing lessons, praying and crying together. With God's strength, as a church we continued to lay a foundation for his work in the community. Five members of our church had been trained early in the year as "Good Enough Parenting" facilitators, and so we hosted our first series of workshops for communities in the capital city St. Georges.
Towards the end of the year, pilot workshops in two rural parishes and partnerships with local government agencies also blossomed. Our “Marrieds Ministry” also hosted an eight-week workshop and radio program during the summer, and we extended our HOPE worldwide program to include the local government-run home for the aged, with visits to the patients, and painting the walls of the wards.
Connections with other disciples in the Caribbean kept us encouraged, especially a special visit from Paul and Dale Williams of the Barbados church, who attended our anniversary celebrations in August. During the months of September and October, lessons on faith revived and inspired the disciples as the brothers delved into the Bible sharing about the awe-inspiring things God accomplished through certain men because of their faith.
To God's glory, we have started to see the fruit of our perseverance, as trust and genuine friendships among the disciples began to be forged and/or strengthened, and we are obviously a much more unified and cohesive group. In late November, there was much rejoicing, as God allowed us to baptise a single woman, and Keisha Layne was added to our number! We were also encouraged by a surprise visit from Tom and Denise Snyder just before Christmas! After such a tumultuous year – we praise the Lord that we ended the year with 12 committed and unified disciples.
For 2016, we will be teaching practical discipleship, helping each other to identify and use our unique talents for God, and inspiring our non-Christian friends to do the same. So far, our monthly Sunday series and midweek Bible Talks have been seeing consistent visitors interested in learning more, and several Bible studies have been initiated. Our focus will remain on serving at the community level, and our family life workshops (Good Enough Parenting & Marriage) will be high on the agenda. Highlights of our schedule this year include our first ever "Women's Day" in May, and our summer HOPE worldwide activity to launch the SGU Campus ministry.
We are very grateful for the individual disciples who reach out to support our ministry. We are especially encouraged by the love, prayers and sacrifices of the wonderful disciples in Columbia, South Carolina who provided much support and encouragement in 2015. We continue to pray for consistent financial support for our leaders, and look for partnerships for mutual training and growth as we continue to lay the foundation for a strong church in Grenada.
Please continue to support Caribbean Missions. As partners in the faith, always pray for and with us, that God's will be done in our lives, as we make every effort to "Reach Every Beach," to his honor and glory!
Ministry Contact: Richard & Romania Beadle
St. Georges International Church of Christ
St. Georges, Grenada
Mobile/ Whatsapp: 1-473-420-1306
Skype: r2beadles
See latest ministry news at: https://www.facebook.com/stgeorgesicoc/