CARIBBEAN CHURCH CARING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CARIBBEAN CHURCH

God’s Unchanging view of our children

If we don’t have our children, then who are we doing this for?

The Caribbean faces an urgent crisis. According to the World Bank data, in 2020, the estimated population of the Caribbean was around 44 million people, with approximately a quarter being children. in countries like Haiti, the percentage is up to a third of the population.

We must view our children as gifts, not burdens, and create structures that support their wellbeing.

Yet many children do not experience the love and care needed. Our view towards our children should reflect God’s view. Beyond developing policies and redirecting resources that support our families and communities, we must also prioritize the unique needs of our youths in vulnerable situations.

We must make sure our young people have access to quality education, health services and have safe environments to live and grow. Again, I ask, if we don’t have our children, then who are we doing this for?

Being intentional in parenting

Who are we going off to work, building homes and wealth for? As we say in Jamaica, what if the whole a we, gone? Or worse if we have to live in the future we create by how we treat our children? Our children will be the ones to continue the next leg of the race of life. As a young mother, I was challenged by God to start calling my children a reward. Therefore, how do you treat a reward?

What is your attitude towards your children? Do they feel love and appreciation from you?

Parenting is an ongoing journey that is filled with challenges, joys, and successes. The journey begins when a child is born, and it continues until the child is an adult. As parents, we have the opportunity to nurture, guide and love our children. Likewise, every child is different and each has his or her own personality, strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, we must be intentional in how we parent. Being an intentional parent involves; setting goals and boundaries for your children, having clear expectations of them, and, following through with consequences when limits are crossed. It also means focusing on positive reinforcement and communication, being proactive rather than reactive, and understanding the journey we make with our children is worthwhile.

Without our children, God’s vision for our future, the future of our communities, of our church and our nations is at great risk. Are we willing to take the steps necessary to secure the future that God has given for us and for our children, and their children?

Taking a proactive approach to parenting, means anticipating and responding to potential problems before they arise. It means not shying away from difficult conversations and having open communication with our children. It also means providing structure and guidance, and communicating importance of discipline.

Being reactive, on the other hand, is responding only after a problem has already occurred. This approach can quickly become overwhelming and can lead to more issues down the line. Reactive parenting can result in a lack of consistency, ineffective discipline methods, and boundaries that are not enforced.

As the journey continues, we can often find ourselves in unfamiliar and trying situations. In these moments, it is important to remember that parenting is an ongoing process and we need to be present and engaged in your children’s lives. providing support and guidance as they grow. Helping them to develop the values and behaviors that will help them become successful adults.

It also involves creating a home environment that promotes healthy growth and development. By facilitating open communication, and creating a safe and secure space for exploration and play. With appropriate structure and discipline.

Being intentional in educating all our children

In addition to creating a home atmosphere that is encouraging and supportive, our children need to provided with equitable education in their respective school environment.

Treat all students fairly and with respect and provide the resources and guidance to schools to address educational inequities, increasing access to and availability of resources.

We can then begin to come up with solutions that can address these issues. This can be done by actively listening to them, showing interest in their lives and accomplishments, and being open and encouraging about their ideas. Create an atmosphere in which mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning. Finally, be sure to focus on the progress each student makes, providing feedback that is reinforcing and uplifting.

We need to advocate for educational policies that promote equity, and examining and addressing any implicit bias that may exist in education.

Parents, Teachers and community need to encourage students to express their feelings and perspectives on issues. Provide opportunities for meaningful discussion and dialogue.

Once we know the issues that can contribute to educational inequities, such as disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and cultural competence and creating a safe and welcoming environment in the classroom through building positive relationships and fostering respect for each student.

Allow time for students to respond and discuss topics. Encourage active listening and emphasize the importance of respecting different perspectives.

Use positive reinforcement practices to encourage and motivate students for their hard work and contribution.

Intentional in Discipling our children

Furthermore, we must also prioritize creating an environment in which our youth feel they can; safely express feelings, ask questions, and receive guidance.

A Godly environment should be one of discovery and acceptance, where our children can grow in their understanding of the Bible and be guided towards wise decision-making.

We should also take examples from David and Timothy, with their examples of faithfulness, justice and perseverance.

Providing meaningful accountability and prayerful guidance for our children.

Timothy was trained by his grandmother and mother in the ways of the Lord. He was then picked up by Paul, who encouraged him in his faith and example. Specifically, Paul gave Timothy instructions to remain strong in the faith, be an example to others, and remain faithful to the Lord’s commands.

David's example served as a model of faithfulness and obedience to God. Teaching Solomon the importance of relying on God's guidance, wisdom, and justice. David taught Solomon to use wisdom and diligence in his decision-making, and to be patient and humble when faced with difficult situations. Finally, David exhorted Solomon to always serve God and be devoted to his religious duties.

He also instructed Timothy to patiently endure hardships and reject any false teachings. Paul reminded Timothy of his godly heritage and urged him to be an example of youthful perseverance. Our children need our investment of prayer, service, nurturing, and mentorship. Leading them in paths to help shape their worldviews and giving them a solid foundation to become all God wants them to be.

Investing in God’s Future by embracing our children

We must balance our responsibility to protect our children from harm. Encourage them to pursue their dreams. Teach them about God’s love.

When we create a safe and uplifting space for our children, where they can make mistakes and learn from the consequences, we are modeling grace and Christian love. The most effective way to model grace and Christian love is to lead by example in front of our children. So that they see the concept of grace and Christian love in action.

We need our children to realize God’s future by embracing who they are and who He has called them to be.

Every youth in the Caribbean needs the opportunity to fulfill their potential, while addressing the unique needs they face.

We must prioritize God's vision and values; investing in our children who are the future of our communities and nations.

Marsha McDonald

Caribbean

Christian Response, President

It is our responsibility to pass on the faith to the next generation, granting God's vision for the church and the advancement of His Kingdom to be fulfilled.

Caribbean Christian Response (CCR) is a movement that seeks to bring a God-centered perspective to global events, aiming to ignite a sense of purpose in Christian young people and emerging leaders of the Caribbean and its diaspora. Through media, meetings, and ministry programs, CCR aims to gather, unite and deploy these individuals as a force to contend for the Kingdom of God in the end times.

For the better part of 3 weeks, The PAJE Media team had the privilege of being an official partner of The Well Encounter which was staged on March 18, 2023. Reminisce on the experience with us as we take you on the journey with us.

"Meet us at the well” has been the call sign of the impending Christian Worship event, The Well Encounter, as it stands on its vision of promoting oneness, inclusivity, and transformation like what was experienced by the woman at the well as written in the Bible.

When asked about her vision for the event and what she hopes is accomplished through the meeting of people for this momentous occasion, The Well Encounter the event’s Founder & Executive Producer, Indrid Abrahams-Larmond expressed that, “it is my passion to create a space where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to encounter the transformative power of God's love."

The night promised to flow with powerful worship sessions led by various ministers, including multi-award-winning Gospel Aristes Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine of Maverick City Music as well as Jamaica’s very own: Kevin Downswell, Carlene Davis, Rondell Positive, and Rhoda Isabella.

PAJE's journey with the team officially began somewhere close to March 1, 2023, and we quickly hit the ground running - getting into the groove of providing support for what promised to be a purposeful encounter with the Lord. The first stop was The Press Conference, which was to be held a day before the actual event to facilitate one final push of info to the audience, and to also allow persons to hear more from the ministers who were about to pour out from their own encounters with God.

Hosts, Kingdom Culture, continue to affirm that "All Are Welcome to Meet with the Lord," reflecting its commitment to creating a space where everyone is valued and embraced as they journey together in surrender to Jesus Christ.

Before the programme officially began, Experience Director, Mrs. Ingrid Abrahams-Larmond, informed those in attendance that there were a flight delays affecting the international artistes, with Naomi Raine eventually taking her seat - while Chandler Moore was delayed another day.

We also later learned that Rhoda Isabella would not have been in attendance, and with that, the event was turned over to the host, once more.

The host for the evening was Mr. Daron Smith, a popular, young Master of Ceremonies within the Gospel industry, who brought a solid flow and tasteful charm throughout the evening.

Though the full complement of the headline Acts were not present due to flight delays and other unforeseen circumstances, the programme was able to flow and allow for a unique time of bonding followed by a fun moment in the programme led by a surprising and dynamic duo of wellknown Gospel minister, Jodian Pantry, and also popular social media Pastor, Stephen Blake! They went on to introduce guests to the headline Acts in more detail, so we gained more of an understanding of their stories and their own journey to The Well Encounter.

The programme flowed with us hearing from key Sponosrs Purity & Digicel. Then, we got to spend some time hearing from the ministers.

CLICK EACH MINISTER'S IMAGE BELOW TO HEAR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED OF THEM AND THE POWERFUL RESPONSES THAT WERE PROVIDED!

The ministers shared passionately about their personal convictions while they skillfully provided potent responses to all questions that were asked of them.

Carlene Davis speaks about her own journey up to this point and the work that she has been doing through her ministry to impact lives

The Press Conference served as a powerful time of sharing for all those in attendance and truly set the stage for what was to come on the next day - a time of prophetic worship and basking in the Lord's presence.

To close the time of sharing, Prophetess Sarah Smith passionately prayed over the event and all those involved, declaring God's coverage and authentic and transformative move over the event.

Once the event was over, we entered into a time of sharing over refreshments, which allowed all those in attendance to leave on a great, positive note, and expectant of what was going to be taking place during The Well Encounter.

It was finally D-day, and best believe we were absolutely ready for the day ahead. We got to the venue at 12:30 to carry out our specific duties, and to also prayerfully settle ourselves for what was about to unfold. With sweet tones ringing from sound check and the humidity pelting, we knew that the Lord was about to do a mighty work! Guests began arriving from as early as 2PM, as the gates were to be opened at 3. However, due to the downpour of rain in moments prior, and the need to ensure that guests would not be affected by the water in designated areas, the gates opened closer to 4:30pm.

By 5:45, a number of quests began pouring into the Bleechers, Grand Stand, VIP and Ultra VIP areas, with complete anticipation of what was about to take place.

Darron Smith quickly warmed up the guests, signalling the official beginning of the show, and that landed us into a fun, pre-party session with DJ Chinny who got the guests on their feet, ready to worship and praise the Lord! He played all-time crowd favourites and truly got the energy going ahead of the time of repentance that the guests were about to transition into.

Then, the night's official Host, Nadine Blair, took to the stage to officially welcome guests to The Well Encounter and proceeded to introduce the Jamaica House of Prayer who were prepared to lead the guests in a time of repentance and prophetic worship.