GOD CONTINUES TO EXTEND HIS UNMERITED GRACE TO CCV……
It’s been quite some time since our last update so I will do my very best to tell of all the great and mighty things that the Lord has been doing. But first I must give honor and glory to the God of ALL things who continues to bless us.
CCV is continuing to grow with God’s grace and wisdom, not just in numbers but spiritually. To see the growth in Francis and how God is using him to teach His word is amazing, even the members of the body whose desire is to know, to love and to serve the true and living God. We now have a steady group who attend bible study on Wednesdays. We have had 3 people accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and one baptism last September. We now have children’s ministry every Sunday morning, there are at least 6-8 children regularly and we are preparing for our first Christmas play next month.
Several months ago the country went into a state of emergency due to the high incidence of crime with curfew hours from 9pm-5am, after six weeks it was extended and now the hours are from 11pm-4am. Things seem to have gotten a little better in terms of the crime but we don’t know how long this will last or what the overall outcome of all this would mean for the country; but our hope is that the people of Trinidad and Tobago will turn away from the things of the world and turn to a life of serving God.
Francis had been seeking the Lord as to how we can continue to reach the people of the community; God spoke to his heart and showed him that if the people won’t come then take the gospel to them, so in August outdoor evangelism started, we purchased 2 PA system speaker boxes and a microphone, along with the computer and music CD’s we ventured out on Monday and Tuesday nights throughout the community along with the support of pastor Alvarez who also shared with Francis. The response was great, people sat outside their doors and some even gathered on the street to hear what was being taught; God told that His word will not return void!
As a body we gather every other month for fun and fellowship, the first one was in held August at the De Freitas Farm; everyone who came had a great time playing games, swimming in the river and the food was good too. The second one was held on the beach where we had a baptism and a baby shower combo; it was wonderful there were about 30 people who attended! After the baptism of Ms. Cheryl James everyone gathered for the baby shower for Makeda then it was off to the sand for the games, there were three legged race, lime and spoon race, grown men drinking milk from baby bottles and then for some relaxation in the cool waters of the beach. Our next gathering will be in December where we will have the Christmas play and dinner as we celebrate the true reason for the season.
Over the summer Brandon expressed a desire to attend school and make new friends because according to him since Jon retuned to the US and Adrian was working a lot he had no one but also his dad and I were too old. So in September he was enrolled in Primary Christian Academy and I must say he is much happier and has adjusted very well, so much so that he even got a part in the school play for Christmas…he plays God!(one morning we were running a little late dropping him to school and he was quite nervous he kept asking what time is it because he had play rehearsal before classes that morning and then out of the blue he said “please don’t let god(him) be late… it was too funny!)
As a family we were seeking God for guidance about the path we should go and after much praying we moved out of my dad’s house and into a place of our own last Wednesday; the house is located in Arima which is more centrally located it’s closer to Brandon’s school, town and the airport; but beyond that it is more comfortable, air-conditioned and everyone has their own space. We thank God for the time spent in Valencia because every experience in life is a lesson and we strongly believe that God placed us in that environment for a specific purpose…so that His will is done!
With each passing day comes new and exciting challenges, after leaving the surgical unit in July I have been working on the maternity unit for the past 3 months and what an experience that has been. My eyes have been opened to see how much Christ is truly needed; so many people living in common law relationships both young and old, marriage seems to be a thing of the past, teenage pregnancies are overwhelming and the breakdown of the family unit is saddening!
I will be starting my rotation in the emergency unit next week and my prayer is that God will continue to use me for His purposes that I may share the Love of Christ as I provide care to those in need. On a different note Adrian will be returning to the US within the next two weeks; he has enrolled for online classes at Liberty University. Even though our hearts are saddened it is our prayer that he stays in the will of God and also be a source of support for Jon.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For Adrian as he returns to the US and for school, job and finances.
For Jon that he seeks God for wisdom, guidance and direction.
For continued guidance, protection and provision.
For a safe delivery of Makeda’s baby.
For reunion of my mom and dad and their health.
For provisions to attend pastors conference in January/June
In His Grace,
Francis Celestine
Matt. 28:19-20 ~ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo I am with you always even to the end of age.
