youth ministry reviewed at pentecost - zorce · a professor of comparative religions most ... mrs....

What’s Inside:The Moderator Speaks – Pg 2

Synod Committees- Pg 3

50 years of Marriage– Pg 5

Youth Retreat – Pg 8

Jewish Columbus – Pg 10

Book Review – Pg 14

Children’s Corner – Pg18

Taking Responsibility – Pg22

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONOF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

$3 • JUNE 2009 • VOL CV No.5presbyterianchurchtt.org

continues on Page 9

Youth ministry reviewed at Pentecost

Rev Mark De Vryes was the trainer at a super retreat on the topic of Youth Ministry. For most people present it was a first time intensive programme by

such a trained and experienced lecturer.Many challenging issues were raised. “We learnt that the ultimate goal of our Youth Ministry should be to lead our Youth into Mature Christian adulthood. Family Based Youth Ministry focuses on the foundation upon which a Sustainable Youth Ministry should be built. As their ex-tended Christian family, we must surround our Youth with a great cloud of witnesses as we seek to integrate them into the total life of the church” We also recognised that the Youth Ministry must work to-

gether with parents and the various boards of the Church to ensure that the mission of building the future church is accomplished.

Youth Ministry has never really taken its place in our church. Often, the youth group is a means of keeping youth together and occupied with a decent set of friends. Participants got a new vision. We were taken down a road that helped us to understand that from childhood we were all learning about Christ and living the christian life. We learned that the Youth Ministry is part of that process that produces young men and women of strong faith and good character.

The Trinidad Presbyterian

For many years we have time set apart for religious purposes in schools. While this may be a good entry point for some

kind of religious harmony, at least by appear-ance, we need to go a step further. I do not think that the watchword “tolerance” is today relevant to describe how we should behave as regards the religion of the Other.

Best defined, tolerance suggests “a willingness to be patient towards people whose opinions or ways are different from one’s own or the power to endure.” (The World Book Diction-ary)

We should go beyond that to a way of thinking, a practice, a culture which will not only lead to civility but plant seeds for a peaceful nation which at this point is confined only to our imagination. Thus, we should accept the religion of the other as a legitimate response to the Ultimate with the aim that there can be mutual enrichment of life with this acceptance. But how could this manifest itself and become part of the re-enculturation process in a place (like so many places) where one has an absolutistic position with regard to his or her own religion?

Thus we should carefully and seriously consider “Religion Studies” in all our secondary schools. By this I mean an ap-proach that considers from an academic perspective, how religions came into being, how and why they were formed and the role of religion in the promotion of acceptable be-haviour in any society.

The approach should also insist upon a systematic study of the various experiences of faith that penetrate the concrete

reality of all religions. And by including this in our national curriculum, the individual is required to listen without preconception and judgement as the religion of his or her neigh-bour makes claim to validity and truth,

I have found the position of Arvind Sharma, a professor of comparative religions most encouraging as we aim toward appreciation and the possibility of mutual enrichment. He wrote “each tradition possesses its own unique appeal: Hinduism with its calm reassurance that we live in a user-friendly

universe; Buddhism with its dynamic and liberative blend of wisdom and compassion; Confucianism which reminds us that decency may be next to divinity if not one with it; Tao-ism with its enhancing appreciation of life as integral with nature; Judaism as a compelling example of survival and then revival in the face of prolonged oppression; Christian-ity gloriously endeavouring to emulate its founder as ‘fully human and fully divine’, and Islam, with the majestic simplic-ity like that of a mosque, of its convictions of God’s absolute supremacy… There is something charming rather than alarming about religious plurality”

This in my opinion is a dream that has become a reality for only a few. Celebrating differences as we look for the richness in every tradition could be a beautiful but neces-sary challenge for our diverse community. And in addition, “Religion Studies” in our schools could play a significant role towards the strengthening and reinforcement of one’s own faith and tradition.

Rt.Rev.Elvis Elahie

LIST OF MEMBERS OF SYNOD’S BOARDS AND COMMITTEESPCTT - TERM 2009-2011

Primary Schools’ Board of Education

Chairperson - Mr. Manan DeoVice Chairperson - Mrs. Gemma TeelucksinghGeneral Secretary - Mr. Carlos LackhanRecording Secretary - Mr. Wayne MaicooTreasurer - Mrs. Sitara Gardner

Secondary Schools’ Board of Education

Chairperson - Mr. Hatim GardnerVice Chairperson - Mr. Aphzal AckbaraliSecretary - Mrs. Dianne RamjattanRecording Secretary - Mr. Stephenson MitchellTreasurer - Mr. Amos Boodoo

Board of Christian Education

Chairperson - Rev. Brenda BullockVice Chairperson - Dea. Ashmin GajadharSecretary - Ms. Judy SooknarineAssistant Secretary - Ms. Victoria RajkumarTreasurer - Mr. Winston Dookie

Board of Theological Education

Chairperson - Rev. Ralph UmrawSecretary - Ms. Barbara DyalTreasurer - Rev. Anthony Rampersad

Board of Women

Chairperson - Mrs. Priscilla Jute1st Vice Chairperson - Mrs. Geeta Lakhan2nd Vice Chairperson - Mrs. Chandra UmrawCorresponding Secretary - Mrs. Sandra SinghRecording Secretary - Mrs. Elizabeth RamjattanTreasurer - Dea. Indira RoopanAssociate Treasurer - Dea. Jenifa SinananPublicity Officer - Mrs. Tara Khan

Board of Youth Affairs

Chairperson - Mrs. Tara LalgeeVice Chairperson - Mr. Alex TambySecretary - Ms.Margaret AckbaraliAssistant Secretary -Mrs.Margarita AbrahamTreasurer - Mr. Roopnarine Sankar

Judicial Committee

Chairperson - Mr. Robert RamsahaiSecretary - Rev. Adrian SieunarineTreasurer - Mr. Mikey Bedasie

Board of Social Responsibility

Chairperson - Mr. Windy PartapVice Chairperson - Rev. Daniel ChanceSecretary - Mrs. Shirley OgeerAsst. Secretary - Mrs. Sandra SinghTreasurer - Mr. Osborne Ramjattan

Board of Stewardship and Finance

Chairperson - Rev. Anthony RampersadSecretary - Mr. Amitabh BoodramTreasurer - Mrs. Paula Harrison

Communications’ CommitteeChairperson - Mrs. Priscilla JuteSecretary - Mrs. Hazoon Baksh-DassTreasurer - Mrs. Geeta LakhanEditor in Chief - Rev. Dr. Randall Sammah

Naparima College Adcom

Chairperson - Mr. Frederick LakhanSecretary - Dr. Michael DowlathTreasurer - Mr. Ronald Jebodh

Naparima Girls’ High School Adcom

Chairperson - Mrs. Nola RamloganSecretary - Mrs. Patricia RamgoolamTreasurer - Mr. David Dookie

St. Augustine Girls’ High School Adcom

Chairman - Mr. Reynold BaldeosinghVice Chairman - Mr. Wendell SalickSecretary - Mrs. Kathleen Anderson Recording Secretary - Mrs. Catherine Bahadur Treasurer - Mrs. Indra Mohammed

Hillview College Adcom

Chairman - Mr. Larry KowlessarVice Chairman - Mr. Ralph SampathSecretary - Mr. Leslie MahaseRecording Secretary - Mr. Robert Ramsahai Treasurer - Ms. Judy Sooknarine

Iere High School Adcom

Chairperson - Mr. Roy UmrawSecretary - Mr. Roy RamloganRecording Secretary - Mr. Derajh SukdeoTreasurer - Mrs. Grace Bhola

Moderator Speaks - Going a step further

The Trinidad Presbyterian: Communications Committee

The Trinidad Presbyterian, established in 1904, is the official organ of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago, founded in 1868 by Rev. John Morton.

Chairperson – Mrs. Priscilla JuteSecretary – Mrs. Hazoon Baksh-DassTreasurer – Mrs. Geeta LakhanEditor-in-Chief – Rev. Dr. Randall Sammah

• Rev. Daniel Chance • The Rt. Rev. Elvis Elahie • Deaconess Ashmin Gajadhar • Rev. Stephen Harripersad • Rev. Emmanuel Ramdeen • Deaconess Marlene Seenathsingh• Rev. Everson Sieunarine • Rev. Damien Sieunarine• Rev. Ralph Umraw • Mr. Allan Ramdeen • Mrs. Nola Ramlogan • Mr. Felix Rampersad

• Mrs. Indra Ramsaywak • Mr. Daniel Sahadeo STATUTORY DATE OF MEETING: THIRD TUESDAY, 9:30 AMADDRESS: P.O. Box 187, Paradise Hill, San FernandoEMAILS: [email protected] OR [email protected] OR [email protected]

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS: Mrs. Salima Geetan-Sambrano (Editing & Proof-reading)Mr. Kendrick Sooknarine (Publishing) 1-868-799-1095Ms. Vicky Boodram (Media)

ART PRODUCTION: Mr. Narend SooknarineDISCLAIMER: The editorial committee may not agree with the views expressed by the writers.

The Trinidad Presbyterian Page 3The Trinidad Presbyterian

On Sunday 17th may, 2009 it was certainly the most magnificent day to spend outdoor and the San Fran-cique Presbyterian Women’s group made full use of

this day by visiting the Palmiste Park to have a day of fun and fellowship.

When we arrived at the park, the ladies found a wonderful spot under a huge tree and laid their picnic baskets. We had a wonderful lunch together, provided by all the wonderful cooks within the group. After lunch, we all sat and conversed and then we went to play a game of cricket. Everyone took part and all enjoyed themselves. Even the older one who said that they never held a bat in years participated and had the most wonderful time. The Sunday school children, members of the choir and also some members of the congregation also joined us later that day. It was truly a wonderful day of fun and fellowship. Shenelle Nandlal

The Trinidad Presbyterian rejoices with Sam and Nora Sinanan as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anni-versary on 13th June 2009.

They were married by the Rev. Wilfred Dindial at the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Princes Town. Both Sam & Nora were born in the village of St. Julien (now part of the Tableland Pastoral Region). They lived their early married life there before moving to Gopaul Lands, Marabella. Later on they migrated to Canada. They are now domiciled in Tobago. They were blessed with six wonderful children and lots of grandchildren.

Sam has served the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad & Tobago faithfully over the years. He is the former Property Manager of Synod. He has fond memories of the work of the last batch of missionaries as well as the early ministry of Revs. Gopaul, Sitahal, Teelucksingh, Kalloo and others when they returned from studies in Jamaica.

While in Canada, Sam and Nora also gave stalwart service to their home congregation in the United Church of Canada.

We wish Sam & Nora many more years of happiness.Rev. Dr. Randall Sammah

Please note that if you wish to submit an article to the Trinidad Presbyterian (TP), there are some simple guide-lines to follow:1. Deadline for submission of all articles is the 15th of each month. Late submittals of articles have a way of causing sleepless nights.2. Articles should be TYPED and EMAILED to ALL of the following addresses: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected]@hotmail.com; [email protected]. Please use - Times Roman font, 12-point Size.4. ALL articles must have a writer’s name (or names) and a suggested title.5. If photographs are submitted, give full details of name(s), location, details of the event and so forth. In particular, CHECK SPELLING OF NAMES. Where possible, please send good quality medium- or high-resolution digital photos.6. If your article must be HANDWRITTEN, please deliver your hard-copy to: Synod’s Office, PO Box 187, Paradise Hill, San Fernando. VERY EARLY!

Thank You for Your Kind Cooperation!!!The Communications Committee, May 2009

Online Presbyterians: www.presbyterianchurchtt.org

“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28

“ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33

By now all Boards and Committees would have been convened for the 2009 to 2011 Synod Term, and new officers installed at the inaugural meetings. Synod in

its wisdom has appointed me to serve as Editor-in-Chief. I will endeavour to do my best just as I did when I served as Chairperson of the last Communica-tions Committee. This best included delivering the Trinidad Presbyterian on Public Holidays and Saturday evenings just to make sure that Regions got the news!

At the recent Synod meeting in April 2009, allegations were made that the T.P. was being “hijacked” by a few who had an agenda of power to take over. How ludicrous can one get! Again, the best included filling the spaces left by promised articles that don’t show up. The real hijackers are those who prom-ise to write articles yet renege!

At the first meeting of this Communi-cations Committee, new officers were installed (see Editorial Box). The question was raised about the purpose of the “monthly mag” – is it a newsletter or a magazine? The previous Communications Committee, apart from improving on the quality of the publication (from January 2008), also accepted that the T.P was there to inform – news of the churches, Synod and Presbytery events etc, and also to educate. The latter is an important characteristic of any media.

As a church we have to accept the fact that there is a general lack of knowledge and understanding of what it means to be Reformed and Presbyterian. This year is the

500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, the man who started the Presbyterian structure in Geneva, Switzerland. We hope to share more of his beliefs, the foundations of the reformed tradition. Many in our membership seem to take in more from what the televangelists have to say.

But do you know what Presbyterians believe? What do Presbyterians confess? Would you say something edifying about your church or would you spread the lat-est gossip and pass it off as information? A good litmus test is to ask yourself how would to explain your church to some-one who is not a member?

Reading theology is not in the forte of our average member. So the T.P must be used to enlighten members about the faith we profess. Our faith is founded on the Word of God and we must learn to listen. If we don’t, then we can be clas-sified as a cheap news “rag”. Karl Barth a great reformed theologian of the last century said, “Speak Lord, for your servant listens: this is the Alpha and the

Omega of Reformed Teaching” (The Word of God and the Word of Man -1957).

The task for all members today is to think, to discern and to think out our theology. Theology must inform all our deci-sions, not our personal opinions. It is my promise that this educational role will continue.

Happy Reading.

Dr. Randall Sammah

San Francique Women host Family Day

Sam & Nora:50th Wedding Anniversary

Article Submission Guidelinesfor the Trinidad Presbyterian

The Editorial: Doing Presbyterian Theology

e-TP (1.5mb): http://www.zorce.com/trinidad-presbyterian/TP-JUN-09.pdf

Page 4 The Trinidad Presbyterian Page 5The Trinidad Presbyterian

The Marabella Presbyterian Church was filled to capac-ity on Thursday 9th April 2009, with members coming from each church in the Marabella/Bonne Aventure

Pastoral Region for a specially organized Regional Holy Thursday Evening Service of Confirmation and the Sacra-ment of Baptism. Twenty five members were confirmed and four were both confirmed and baptized.

Leading in Worship was Presiding Elder, Mrs. Indra Debys-ingh.

The Scripture Lessons from 1st Corinthians 11: 23-26 and Matthew 26:17-35 were read by Presiding Elder, Mr. Harold Baccus.

The Regional Choir led by Mr. Winston Seupaul and organist, Miss Usha Kesraj, thrilled the congregation with their most touching rendition of a blend of Hymns –My God is an awe-some God, Amazing Grace and God and God Alone.

The Marabella Steel Orchestra, also in attendance, and led by Mr. Marlon Paul, was magnificent in the pieces they present-ed with Khadine Ramdin blending in her lovely voice with the song, “Above All” accompanied by the steel orchestra.

Mrs. Afrose Sampath of the Reform Church dedicated the offering. This was followed by the sign of peace and another touching rendition by the Regional Choir.

Rev. Letra Jacob in her meditation entitled “Seeing the Saviour” introduced her message saying that some people can see only the facts, but never see the meaning behind the facts. Some see only the literal. They never see the symbolic which is the truth behind the literal. Jesus often spoke in symbols and called himself the Door, the Light of the world and the Truth, telling many stories to illustrate spiritual truth.

Rev. Jacob went on to explain that because Jesus returned to his Heavenly Father, He left us a beautiful picture of his aton-ing work and we call this by several names, the best perhaps being “The Memorial Supper.” This is a service where we call to mind the most important act Jesus did for us.

Though we see the Saviour symbolically in many places and in many ways, the picture we have of Him in this observance tells us the fundamental truth about Him and his work.

She reminded the congregation of three essential facts:

1). Jesus died for us, fulfilling all the prophecies about the coming atonement.

2). He arose from the grave- and the resurrection of the Sav-iour from the grave was the one event that proved his death was part of God’s plan.

3). He is coming again- when He shall receive His children unto Himself.

Elders from the different churches assisted in the dispensing of the communion elements, and the service ended with the closing Hymn, We lay our Broken World in Sorrow at Your Feet, and the pronouncing of the Benediction by Rev. Letra Jacob.

It was indeed a touching moment in time, not only for the new Communicants, but for all who were present.

Florabelle Lutchman

Regional Confirmations and Baptism at MarabellaCounselling Column: Grandparents

Dear Rev. Paul, We miss your Counselling Column in the “Trinidad Presbyte-rian”. We hope you will be well enough soon to resume writ-ing the column. When you start back here is a question for you. We used to really enjoy spending time with our grand-children. Now that they have become teenagers they would rather spend time on the internet than with us. We miss that special relationship with them.

Sgd. “Lost grand-children to Internet”

Dear Grandparents,

Thanks for your question. Let me give you the good news and the bad news: the good news is that your grand-chil-dren are growing up. The bad news is that they are growing up. Watching your grand-children become adults can be difficult – but this degree of separation from the adults in their lives is actually a healthy process for teenagers. If they do not make the separation they will still be living at home

at 40, asking for spare change to buy hamburgers. You can make even those rare personal encounters wonder-ful if you can use them to celebrate your grand-children’s coming of age. For example, your grand-children’s superior knowledge of the baffling world of technology – like that same computer that mystifies you – gives you an opportu-nity to invite them to be the experts and teach you some-thing new. You can then shower them with admiration and respect. I am certain that they will feel so good that they will come back for more – and as a bonus from then on when someone says “I saw your blog on My Space,” you would not instinctively check your zipper.

P.S..: It would not hurt to keep some extra money for ham-burgers.

Rev. Cyril Paul

(If you have a question you would like answered in this column, please write to Rev. Cyril Paul, #53, First Street, Bara-taria.)

Peace Rally: Inverness Presbyterian School.

Parents, teachers and children all gathered at the Lower Barrackpore Recreational Ground as Inverness Presbyterian School held its Annual Walkathon on

15th May 2009.

School Principal Mrs. Lystra Gooljar started the day’s proceeding with prayer and everyone began what seemed at first to be a very long and hard journey but would prove to be quite different at the end. The large banner displayed the theme ‘Let Peace Encircle All The World ‘in bold letters as well as an image of the world and a dove with an olive branch. Children held various placards with messages such as “ Heal The World” , “Stop The Violence” , “Find Peace In God” , “ Peace Begins With Our Leaders”. The procession made its way along the sidewalk and up to the school.

Senior Teacher Mr. Selwyn Fuentes had his pick up truck specially outfitted with speakers and a PA System. Mrs. Stacy Badree urged members of the community to come out and support the school as the school tried to spread its message on that bright sunny morning. The togetherness that was experienced served to encourage all and many were quite surprised that they were able to walk the entire distance. Mr. Fuentes continued the message on the hill. He expressed the view that peace was needed more than ever at this time in our country as he thanked everyone for their support and participation. Sheahan Ramlogan

Check out www.worldpeacenewsletter.com

St. Andrew’s honoursMothers over 80!

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Princes Town honoured nine of its members for Mother’s day, all over the ages of 80.

(L to R) Mrs Radhay, Mrs Lakhan, Mrs Hajari, Mrs Bassant, Mrs Dube.


Foundations for Youth Ministry Retreat Seminar 1

On May 29th and 30th the St Andrew’s Theological College became the home of 30 Youth Ministry Stakeholders as we explored various Youth Ministry

Issues including: The Crisis In Traditional Youth Ministry; What is Family Based Youth Ministry?, Implementing a Family Based Youth Ministry; Why Most Youth Ministries Stay Stuck; A Systems Approach to Youth Ministry; and Overcoming Obstacles in Building a Thriving Youth Ministry.

This seminar was hosted by The Trinity (Gasparillo) Presbyterian Church Youth and Family Ministry in col-laboration with SATC, Youth Ministry Architects and Joel John Music. Our special guest facilitator was the dynamic Rev. Mark DeVries, founder of Youth Ministry Architects, Associate Pastor for youth and families at First Presbyte-rian Church in Nashville TN and author of several books including Family Based Youth Ministry and Sustainable Youth Ministry.

Here’s what some of the participants had to say:

Samantha – St Julien Pres. “.Family based youth ministries targets our youths for long term service to carry on the church long after we are gone. By not isolating our kids and exposing them to the extended Christian family or other Christian adults we can work alongside God’s ordained process for our youths to reach mature Christian adulthood.” Victoria – St Julien Pres. “The seminar exceeded my expectations. Mark has an energetic personality and his presentation skills lend itself to successful group dynamics. The utilization of vary-ing and enthralling illustrations helped see you through the presentation keeping one interested, enraptured and engaged at all times.” Haresh – Riversdale Pres. “The seminar explored different views of the present state of the Youth Ministry in our Church. After the presenta-tions by Mark and many discussions we began to chart a way forward to the development of our Youth Ministry.” Maria Gopaul – New Century Pres. “As a mother of two children aged 18 & 20 and youth coordinator of my church such an experience for me is unforgettable. I am now equipped of handling the many challenges involved in youth ministry, leading them into Mature Christian Adulthood.” Alyssa Ramnanansingh – Akashbani Pres. “Special thanks to God for placing this in Joel’s heart to do this and for his taking up the calling and for all those who answered the call”

Cherisse Ratiram- Rousillac Pres. I must commend the YFM of the Gasparillo Presbyterian Church for enabling what was a life-changing, refresh-ing and spiritually enhancing two day journey. Rev. Mark DeVries truly has an exceptional call on his life and is fully utilizing his God-given talents to assist in the creation of a body of Christ that is pleasing to God. As participants of all ages gathered to share this powerful experience, it instilled the hope that we, as a church, are ready to move forward as a family into an era that is filled with a re-newed passion for Christ and His ministry. Zanipher Mohammed – Marabella Pres. “Participation in such an intense seminar provided a time-ly opportunity (in the midst of a failing youth ministry) to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding about a relatively new concept, from one of its pioneers. Rev. DeVries blended substantial content with both personal and vicarious experiences to engage our intellect, individ-ually and collectively. With God’s grace and Rev. DeVries’ continued support and guidance, we, the small core of participants, can now use our action plan to incrementally revolutionize the nature of youth and family ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago.” Rendell Ramdawar – New Grant Pentecostal “This has helped me understand the importance of Youth Ministry In Churches. This could not have come at a better time” Rev Randall Sammah – Presbyterian Minister “The infectious and dynamic leadership given by Mark renewed my passion for Youth Ministry!” Kimberly Ramlochan – Pres. Student Minister “This program was one of the most valuable programs in our Church. The facilitator Rev. Mark DeVries was brilliant; leading the participants through a process of under-standing the problems we face both the Youth and Family Ministry of our Church and then channeling our thoughts to possible solutions to create sustainable programs in our church. It was enjoyable and thought provoking” Christopher John – Gasparillo Pres.“An excellent approach to Youth Ministry, we were re-minded that even if we fail, once we fail in the right direc-tion eventually we will succeed” Sheahan Ramlogan – Susamachar Pres.“..quite informative and insightful. Provided new ap-proaches to Youth Ministry” Sanya Beharry – Reform Pres.“Mark was down to earth and engaging, He made Youth Ministry feel very real and rewarding, though it is a dif-ficult commitment that must be made” Joel John, Gasparillo Youth Ministry

We hope to take a new look at our youth groups and we hope to help them to be better organised. We hope to exchange these ideas with BOYA and any session that will accomodate so that a whole new architecture can be created for a vibrant and effective Youth Ministry in our church.

We look forward to a continuation of this training and

hope to have Mark visit us again before the year is done.

Many thanks to Rev. Jacob and Rev. Joy for assisting in making the event possible. The group would also like to publicly thank Joel John whose interest and enthusiasm made this a reality.

Kendrick Sooknarine

Kelly Presbyterian Church: Celebrating 76 years!

Founded in May 1933, the Kelly Presbyterian Church celebrated its 76th Anniversary with Kimberly Ramlochan leading the congregation in worship.

Mr. Nathan Nagir along with choir members from

St. Charles Presbyterian and Zara Lackhan provided inspirational music. As you can see from the pictures above, a sumptous lunch was served as members continued their fellowship in the church hall. Narend Sooknarine.

continued from Page 1


Was Columbus Jewish? … And were some of his crew members buried in Trinidad?

The diary of Christopher Columbus begins: “In the same month in which their Majesties issued the edict that all Jews should be driven out of the kingdom and its ter-ritories, they gave me orders to undertake with sufficient men my expedition of discovery of the Indies.” There have been many recent books contending that Columbus himself, or his parents, were Jewish “conversos.” He set sail on August 3, 1492, a day after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain began. It is now presumed that many or most of his crew were Jewish. We know that most of the leadership of the expedition was Jewish, or recent conversos, including his friend and translator, Luis de Torres, his personal doctor, the ships’ surgeon, the naviga-tor, and the astronomer. Two of the three captains on his first voyage were Muslims, but subsequent captains were likely all Christian, since most Jews had little experience at seafaring. The financing was arranged by two wealthy conversos, Luis de Santangel and Gabriel Sanchez, and the plans for the first voyage were drawn up by Abraham Zacuto and Joseph Vecinho, Jewish cartographer and geographer, both concerned to find future refuge. Columbus could apparently write in Hebrew, perhaps cinching the argument.

The first visitors to Trinidad were crew members on the third voyage of Christopher Columbus. Many were not seasoned sailors, but Jews desperate to get out of Spain when the Christian monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, de-feated the Muslim rulers and instituted ethnic cleansing and persecution of Jews and Muslims in what became the Spanish Inquisition. So most of the first non-indigenous people to set foot in Trinidad would have been Jews and there has been a Jewish presence on this island for 500 years, with numbers varying from a few dozen to six or seven hundred, mostly limited to Diego Martin, Port of Spain and San Fernando.

We respectfully took note of Trinidad’s Jewish heritage at St. Andrew’s Theological College in 2009 during studies examining the Torah, often referred to by Christians as the “Pentateuch,” meaning “Five Scrolls.” Approaching the West Indies on his third voyage, Colum-bus sent three vessels with supplies on to the colony of Hispaniola (Santo Domingo) which he had established on his second voyage, and he took three ships to explore the southern Caribbean and the coast of Venezuela. Before he too sailed on to Hispaniola, Columbus spent most of

the time from July 31 until August 19 in the Gulf of Paria, mapping and exploring the south and west coasts of Trinidad, named for the Trinity because of three promi-nent mountains, as every Trinidadian knows.The ailing admiral left ship to explore Trinidad on possibly only one occasion, but the crews went ashore on frequent expedi-tions to gain information, to hunt, fish, gather nuts and berries and to take on fresh water. Naparima (later called San Fernando), with its beacon-like hill and shelter from Atlantic storms, would have been noted by sailors who might return two years later in search of refuge.

That was when the Spanish sent Commissioner Francisco de Bobadilla to take over Hispaniola, a forceful leader who quarreled with Columbus, clapped him in irons and sent him back to Spain. The Jews in his crews were expelled from the colony but forbidden to return to Spain. No-body is sure where they sailed first, but one guess might be Trinidad, which they knew. Jews appeared later in Dutch, French and British colonies in the Caribbean: Suri-nam, Curacao, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Martinique, where ancient Jewish graveyards and early synagogues remain and Jewish communities continue. Caribbean Jews came to Trinidad in still later generations, suggesting familial recollections of the 1498 arrival, and possibly the winter of 1500, when Jewish sailors may have taken refuge here. In 1595, some 95 years later, in his book, Discoverie of Guiana, Sir Walter Raleigh reported seeing “dwellings” at Anaparima (Naparima).

We may never know if Jews were here in 1500 as well as 1498 unless archeological evidence is found, but Euro-pean sailors would have occasionally visited this village inhabited by “naturals.” Naparima also became the site of Purisima Concepcion, the first Spanish mission in Trinidad in 1687. An investigation of possible Jewish burials at this interface of aboriginal and European cultures is sched-uled for researched in 2010 by St. Andrew’s Theological students aided by local historians and professional land surveyors with infrared detection equipment. There are no clues like “pieces-of-eight” or metal buttons as yet, but expeditions had high mortality rates. Detection equip-ment might produce something at an old San Fernando cemetery, unused since 1850, which may have been es-tablished by the 1687 Mission at a burial site for original explorers in 1500. If Naparima is where Columbus’ Jewish crew took refuge in 1500, one or more may be buried here.

Much of the subsequent history of the Jews in Trinidad has been researched through interviews with Hans Stech-

Jewish Columbus?? SATC students do research!er, who arrived with his parents in 1938 as a child among the Austrian Jews who fled here to escape an impending Nazi Holocaust in Europe. They discovered an old Jewish community here, which had arranged the opportunity for this haven for them, and which had committees and groups organized to help the newcomers settle in. No visas were required in the circumstances, and the land-ing deposit was only fifty pounds. The Jewish Aid Society in Port of Spain rented houses for them and, suspecting Jews had once lived there, built “the Maltese Project,” a housing complex in San Fernando occupied by refuges like the Schnapp family.

Many of the Jews that were here when the Stechers arrived were “marranos” (swine), descendants of those earliest Spanish Jews, joined subsequently by Portuguese Jews who were pushed out of Brazil by Christian harass-ment, all of whom were converts who became Christian in Trinidad only under pressure from authorities while this island was a Spanish colony. They are thought to have secretly practiced Judaism for several generations before becoming assimilated. The Rivera, Nunez, De Lima and De Silva families are among those acknowledging a form of Jewish heritage.

The first migration of English speaking Jews to Trinidad took place after the British conquest in 1797. Assault orders given to Sir Ralph Abercrombie, the British Com-mander-in-Chief, pointed out that the Gulf of Paria had long been “a shelter for privateers” and an “asylum” for people of all descriptions. Jews were then encouraged to come, in contrast to a more secretive arrival earlier. In the late 1800’s yet another group of Portuguese Jews arrived from Brazil, bringing a group of Dutch speaking Jews with them from Curacao. However, many of these also assimi-lated and intermarried, so that at the turn of the twenti-eth century a census suggests there were just 31 Trinida-dians identifying themselves as Jewish. All were of English origin, mostly merchants and civil servants. For example, Sir Nathaniel Nathan, a Jew, was Associate Justice of the Trinidad Supreme Court 1893 – 1900, and Chief Justice 1900 -1903. As if to testify to an ancient Jewish heritage, Trinidad’s postage stamps all bore a tiny Jewish Star of David from 1885 until 1909.

In the twentieth century it was the turn of Germany to try and rid itself of Jews. The reticence of other Christian nations, including the United States, Canada and Britain, to admit Jews at certain points, led to a rapid increase in Trinidad’s Jewish population, reaching 600 by 1939 and peaking at over 700 a few years later, when Passover Sed-ers were so large that they were sometimes hosted at The Trinidad Country Club. At its petition, the Jewish popula-tion was granted a burial section in Mucurapo Cemetery

in Port of Spain, known as the Bet Olam section, still in use today. As they established themselves economically and professionally, these “Calypso Jews,” as they called themselves, turned their attention to cultural and reli-gious matters. A synagogue and community centre was established on Duke Street in Port of Spain, including offices of an aid society for the poor and elderly. More enduring, in terms of lasting impact, were the drama and opera societies, which endevoured to connect Jewish, European and Caribbean cultures. Their music included classical elements which blended with embryonic pan music to raise the caliber of Calypso from street beat to the professional standards in performing arts which have become a hallmark of the nation, even after the depar-ture of most of the Jewish impresarios from Trinidad. And depart they did, after some nastiness scarcely reported in the official histories of the island these days. The first hint came in 1940 with the passage by of a ban on further immigration originating from Nazi occupied countries. Then the Jewish community was refused a permit for a kosher slaughter house, as if to increase the pressure for assimilation, despite special provisions then being made to accommodate others ethnic groups.

Finally the unthinkable happened. As the war progressed, all refugees deemed to be “enemy aliens” were interred by the British throughout the Caribbean, and Trinidad’s Ger-man speaking Jews were no exception. Along with cap-tured Italian and German merchant seamen and German U-boat crews, the Internment Camp in Trinidad would hold its entire immigrant Jewish population, over 90% of the island’s Jews or some 500 people were incarcerated, in spite of the fact that they had fled those very same enemies. Trinidad’s Internment Camp stood on what are now the residential neighbourhoods of Federation Park and Ellerslie Park, then code named “Rents.” It was sur-rounded by the usual tall barbed wire fences with search lights and sentry towers. Trinidad’s shame is that neither churches nor other peaceful elements of society made any protest at this treatment as their Jewish neighbours were rounded up. The whole sorry story is documented today at the Chaguaramas Military Museum. Eventually children were given permission to attend school outside the camp and in 1943 the immigrant Jews were released, under restrictions, thanks to legal interven-tions in court by English speaking Jews. But they re-mained under curfew from 8:00 pm until 6:00 am and had to report daily to the nearest police station. Movements were restricted by bans on such Jews driving motor cars or riding bicycles. In disgust, many Jewish families left for America at the first opportunity, but others stayed to re-build community life with a soccer team and the eventual reopening of the drama club, this time with plays per-


formed mainly in Hebrew and Yiddish, with little regard for the interests of neighbours who seemed to have had little regard for them. The Jews held fund raisers for the new state of Israel, where some planned to relocate for safety in the future. New Jewish neighbourhoods sprang up in Diego Martin with streets named for Israeli leaders David Ben-Gurion and Chaim Weizmann, an Albert Einstein Avenue, a Theo-dore Herzl Drive and the Golda Meir Gardens, the origin of such names being a mystery to non-Jews living there now. For a time, vibrancy returned to the community, but as younger members of these Jewish families aspired to profession education (more portable than land or busi-ness for this frequently harassed minority) the lack of a local university caused many to go abroad for study. Few returned to a climate which had turned out to be less hospitable than originally expected. After the Black Power riots in the 1970’s, the Muslim population began to appear as just one more threat to Jews. The population dwindled to the few dozen fami-lies of today and the religious artifacts of the synagogue were removed to Barbados for safe keeping. The Torah Scrolls were deposited with the Dorshei Emet synagogue in Montreal. The remaining Jewish community in Port of

Spain remains active through B’nai Shalom, its informal charitable organization. However, the Jewish presence is not entirely forgotten in Trinidad. Hans Stecher, now 86 years of age, still remem-bers the British officer who was transferred from Palestine to Trinidad as Commanding Officer of the colonial police force on this island. Colonel Arthur Stephan Mavrogorda-to was not Jewish, but he had been inspired by the story of Jewish survival through centuries of atrocities at the hands of Christians, and their determination to establish a Jewish refuge in their historic homeland, where the ancient Jewish presence was being supplemented daily by European refugees.

On learning of the first Jews to visit Trinidad in 1498, Col. Mavrogordato designed a police insignia to honor the Jews who may have settled here some five hundred years ago and who have contributed to island life in various ways for five centuries since. Mavrogordato’s emblem was the six pointed Star of David, the “Magan David” as it ap-pears on the flag of modern Israel, seen today on Trinidad police cars and flags, hat badges and buttons. Brian Arthur Brown, Professor Emeritus, St. Andrew’s Theological College, San Fernando

A home gardening series organized by the Re-gional P.C.W.. and the Ministry of Agriculture was conducted at the Bonne Aventure Presbyterian

Church during four Sessions held in March and April 2009. It was well attended by members and person from the Community, who grasped the opportunity to learn the different aspects of Home Gardening considering the high cost of vegetables today.

The District Officer was Mrs. Abgail Rampersad and our most capable Tutor was Mr. Anil Bridgelal. This series cov-ered the following aspects of gardening:• Cultivation Systems• Classification of Vegetables• Identification of Pest and Diseases• Fertilizers and Insecticides• Advise on the use of Pot, trough and location.• Pre-harvest spraying and safety precautions

The Graduation ceremony was held on 5th May 2009 where forty persons received Certificates of Completion. Our Presiding Elder Mrs. Indra Debysingh the chairperson for the evening’s proceedings was instrumental in plan-ning the series with the assistance of Mr. Kurt Paul.

In the Tutor’s remarks Mr. Bridgelal commended the

Regional P.C.W. For organizing the project and remarked that our class was one of the largest groups. He also com-mended the group for the keen interest they showed in learning. He expressed the hope that we would put into practice what we learnt.

Certificates were presented by Mr. Kurt Paul, who brought greetings from the Ministry of Agriculture. Mrs.Keeira Singh responded on behalf of the Graduating Class of 2009.A token of appreciation was presented to Mrs. Bridgelal on behalf of the class.

Mrs. Grace Jagessar expressed thanks and appreciation to the Bonne Aventure Local Board for the use of their facili-ties the Ministry of Agriculture, our Tutor, Mr. Paul and all those who were instrumental in the planning and success of the series. Light refreshment was served.

The Regional P.C.W. look forward to the next Series of Herb and Spices.

Churches and groups interested in this Home Gardening Series can contact the Ministry of to arrange classes, ask for advice, recommendation or home garden visit.

Grace Jagessar

Home Gardening Graduation: Marabella BonneAventure Regional PCW

Greetings fromRev. & Mrs Dayfoot

The La Romaine/Debe Pastoral Region celebrated its 10th Annual Family Day at Palmiste Pasture on Monday 23rd February 2009 (Carnival Monday).

This Family Day was initiated by Rev. Clifton Mathura in 1999. The day began with intermittent showers but this did not deter the members of the five Churches in this Pas-toral Region from attending. The coordinator, Mrs. Sally Manoosingh-Ali, welcomed all after which Mrs. Dianne Doodnath, Choir Leader of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, led the gathering in a period of praise and wor-ship. Rev. Rawle Sukhu, Minister of this Region opened the Family Day with a prayer and the blessing of the meal.

There was food, snacks, Indian delicacies and drinks in abundance. Mr. David Persadie of the Esperance Presby-terian Church coordinated the well organized games and fun events. There were prizes for winners as well as other participating members. The games included flat races, musical chairs, eating the watermelon, the balloon races, tossing the rings, filling the bottles, treasure hunt, cricket and many more exciting events. Every member present enjoyed themselves immensely. The evening turned out to be bright and sunny. We thank all the families who made this event so successful. Thanks to the Family Day Committee for organizing this most memorable Family Day. Mrs. Sally Manoosingh-Ali

Rev. Dr. Randall Sammah with Rev. & Mrs. Arthur Dayfoot during his recent visit to Canada.

La Romaine/Debe Pres.Region 10th Annual Family Day

“For God did not send his Son into the world to con-demn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13


was very generous and always gave away his last penny in the belief that the person asking for the money had a greater need.” (p.77).

Butler vigourously assisted in the distribution of maga-zines, clothes, Christmas cards and books which were sent from Canadian churches to the mission in Trinidad. Let us now visualize Butler in his suit and tie and white cork hat, moving among needy villagers and their chil-dren- he must have been compared to a Santa Claus in season and out of season. The author, Dr. Elisha Tikasingh, must be commended for including in this biography, But-ler’s both wives at different times in his life-- the 2 sisters – Emma and Bessie. They supported him in his mission and the entire family is indebted to the frugality, fore-sight and resourcefulness of these 2 women. After Emma died in 1924, Butler married her sister Bessie and this reminded me of the Old Testament story – of Jacob who married 2 sisters Leah and Rachel. Bessie, resourceful and talented kept the family together after Butler died in 1940. She endeared herself to everyone and skillfully budgeted for the family even during the challenging times of World War 2. She maintained Butler’s legacy of a strong family life and binding ties until she died at the ripe old age of 103.

In God’s Servant from India, Butler is portrayed as a spiri-tual giant with steely determination who wisely used op-portunities to improve the lives of members of his family and fellow villagers. He was able to overcome poverty, rise from the lowly status of estate worker and yard boy to the respected status of catechist and social worker par excellence. Yes, Butler the Methodist became Butler the Presbyterian. He successfully filled the roles of father, brother, friend, husband and preacher.

Butler Tikasingh was a tireless servant of the Presbyterian Church. He neither received national recognition nor awards as his namesake- Tubal Uriah Butler, but this did not make Butler Tikasingh a lesser human being. Indeed, Butler Tikasingh’s stature and reputation made him a religious colossus who was well-loved and respected in many communities in South Trinidad.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to encourage you to read this book. It provides us with a vital lesson in life i.e that we do not have to search for role models in sport, culture, movie stars, local artistes or those from North America and Europe. Yes, right within your family, you will find a role model. Such a role model as Butler is needed in our society, and the Caribbean which is plagued by multiple social ills- juvenile delinquency, a high divorce rate, a poor work ethic, murders and domestic violence and crime in general. In retrospect, Butler Tikasingh has made

not just his family proud, but all of San Fernando, Trini-dad, Canada, India, and I dare say the entire world.

Jerome Teelucksingh

God’s Servant from India: The Story of Butler Tikasingh, by Elisha S. Tikasingh. Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: Texprint, 2008. 97 pages.

Reviewed by Jerome Teelucksingh

A significant feature of the book its reader-friendly format, i.e presenting scholarly research in a style which will be greatly appreciated by the lay

reader. The many coloured pictures also add to the at-tractiveness of the book.

Historically, the story of Butler Tikasingh is the story of an East Indian worker tricked and transported here from Mother India. It is the story of a man in a strange land, to be socialized in this adopted land of his children’s births as he freed himself from the bondage and shackles of the disadvantaged indentured in a colonial era. Histori-cally it is also within the Presbyterian context, the story is one of those brave, energetic, evangelical souls of that then vibrant order called ‘The Catechists’ of the Presby-terian Church. Yes, Butler was one of the few Christians who was recruited to Trinidad, had a high school educa-tion, spoke a few Indian languages and dialects so he was another of God’s answer to the Canadian Mission for more indigenous evangelists to the East Indians.

The book records the true story of this God-fearing un-ordained minister of the word who as a local missionary helped the Presbyterian Church as it further prepared the East Indians in the early 20th century for the new challenges of post-indentureship freedom during the final decades of decolonisation.The title of the book God’s servant from India will certainly make it appealing to the wider community. Readers and students of history will find the sections entitled “Recruitment” and “Arrival” filled with interesting information on the indentureship system. Butler’s unfortunate experience of being tricked by a recruiting agent in India is now acknowledged by historians as one of the facts of indentureship. Nonethe-less he was one of the very few Christians who found himself making the dreaded trip across the ‘kala pani’, the dark waters between India and the Caribbean.

Readers will appreciate the supporting invaluable histori-cal documents inclusive of the black and white photo-graphs of a cocoa house and ajoupa, reproductions of a certificate of Exemption from Labour and the license for Butler’s agricultural cart. Furthermore, references of the Manse in the Mt. Stewart –Iere Village area where Butler and his family lived and a map of the layout of Reform

Estate, all vividly recreates Butler’s experiences, but, also sheds light on a geographical zone which was the birth-place of Presbyterianism in Trinidad.

What valuable lessons can we learn from this biography and insight into the life of Butler Tikasingh? Firstly, we are amazed at the discipline and work ethic of this individual. According to the Annual Report for 1937, in the Mt. Stew-art district he visited 432 homes! Incredible as it might sound, this was achieved by travelling on foot, later using a horse-driven two-wheeled carriage, a buggy and then a car. Secondly, this biography reflects the importance of spirituality in a close-knit family and the father’s accep-tance of responsibility impacting positively on the chil-dren’s lives. Here was this busy man who would ensure that family worship was also institutionalized in his own home as “…he also held worship services with his family every night he was home.” (p.31). However, life was not dull or lifeless, recreation was also included and he would often play cricket with his children and take some to weekly outings to San Fernando.

The section entitled “His Family” on pages 57 to 64 demonstrates Butler’s appreciation of education as an agent for social mobility. He ensured that all his chil-dren received a sound education and today they have all excelled in their various professions. Butler, the man, also possessed admirable and rare qualities of humility, patience and self-control. These qualities were powerful and added vitality to his missionary zeal. This is recount-ed in his biography and reads as follows: “…Butler would tell the villagers the Good News of Jesus Christ. By doing so, he incurred the wrath and abuse of some of the Hin-dus and Muslims who formed the majority of the people in the villages.” (p.30).

Another notable incident and mentioned in the sec-tion ‘Conversions’ reveals the story of a man residing in Barrackpore who resisted conversion but challenged Butler that he would attend his church service on one condition- that Butler should wash his dirty feet.How many of us would ignore such a request and consider it ludicrous? But a determined Butler like Jesus Christ who washed his disciples feet, fulfilled the demand and not surprisingly the man eventually attended the service and became a Christian (p.50). Butler’s charitable disposition, affable nature and generosity of spirit should also be lauded. In the section entitled “Last Days” there is a sen-tence which aptly captured his magnanimous nature “He

God’s Servant from India: The Story of Butler TikasinghA Book Review

Church Signs in the UK

www.fasterpastor.com


On Wednesday October 1st , 2008 St Joseph cel-ebrated her 125th anniversary with the theme “ Forgetting the Past, Go Forward” (Phillipians

Chapter 3, vs 13-14). The anniversary service was jointly conducted by our presiding Rev. Bruce Kramer and Dea-coness Indira Roopan. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rt. Rev. Elvis Elahie was the guest speaker and brought an inspiring and thought provoking mes-sage based on the bible passage and theme. The Mod-erator stated in his message that” we spend too much time focusing on our history and not talk about our goals we have set or how we are operating in the present”. He emphasized on the bible passage “ hold true to what you have attained by going forward”. Rev Elahie spoke about the need for all Christians to embrace the salva-tion process and subsequently for personal transforma-tion. He urged the congregation present to spend time thinking “about how you can become a better individual and that can only come by making a conscious deci-sion.” The worship service was attended by churchgoers from the Curepe/St. Joseph pastoral region along with visitors from Cunaripo, San Juan, Santa Cruz, Aramalaya, Tacarigua and Arima churches. A brief history of the church was given by the chairman, Mr. Vinay Lutchman. The choir was recognized as the longest surviving arm of the church with the choir leader, Ms Juliet Seerattan, serving continuously for more than 40 years. The church also honored the elderly congregation members - the men who attained 70 plus years and women who were 80 years plus. This represents a cumulative period of wor-ship at St Joseph in excess of 200 years.

An evening of song was held on the Saturday 4th of that week and congregation members from St. Joseph and the region took full part in song, instrumentals, dance ,folklore and skit. It was an evening in recognition of the anniversary of the church by praising God in song and other talents.

The anniversary activities were closed off at the regu-lar Sunday worship service which was followed by a luncheon, commemorative of the week of events and the lunch was representative of a thanksgiving to the congregation. During the luncheon a 125th anniversary commemorative booklet was given out which brought back pleasant memories to many of the congregation members. It was a fun day of songs, games, fellowship and laughter filled with nostalgia.

Shane Baccus

Invitation to Purchase: Properties For Sale St Joseph Pres Celebrates 125 Years of Worship

Congratulations and best wishes- Karen Beckles

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOPROPERTIES FOR SALE

LOS IROS, R.E. Road (Camp Beattie)6 Lots (Surveyed) - $300,000.00 per lot (6000 sq.ft.) or nearest.3 Acres - $40.00 per sq. ft. or nearest

BURIAL GROUND ROAD, ST. JULIEN850.3 Mz - $60,000.00 or nearest

FREEPORT, Lime Fruit RoadApproximately 4 Lots more or less (unsurveyed); under-developed and unapproved for built de-velopment – Highest offer.

The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago does not bind itself to any offer for purchase.

Kindly contact: Mr. Frederick Lakhan, Property Manager of Synod @ 652 – 4829 / 620 – 7796

Karen Beckles-Mustonen, daughter of Lloyd and Merlyn Beckles, members of the Grant Memorial (Esperance) Presbyterian Church;

graduate of Holy Faith Convent, Couva.

She is currently working as a Culinary Arts Instruc-tor at the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School in Bethlehem, PA. USA. Karen is also a graduate of Temple University with a BSc Career and Technical Education (2007) and most recently

from the East Stroudsberg University with a Mas-ters in Education (MEd.) with Principal’s Certifica-tion (2009).

Karen is currently living in Pennsylvania with her husband Jani of 18 years and their three children Jaana, Ben and Noa.

Best wishes to you and yours Karen and Jani.

RealityCheck-AIDS

Reality Check - an AIDS awareness programme

6 Third Street West, Rowland Avenue, Trincity.Tel:(868) 743-9977

E-mail: [email protected]

Joining Together to Prevent HIV/AIDS &

Support those Infected and Affected

VENUE: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,Edward Street, Princes Town

DATE: Saturday 27th June 2009 TIME: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Your Life Depends On The Choices U make

ALL ARE INVITED

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10


Does God have feet? Does God have feet so he can stand or run or go for a walk to places that he wants to go? Many people do not believe that God

has feet because that would make God a human person with a body like you and me.

A story in the Old Testament book of Genesis tells us about Adam and Eve the first people that God had cre-ated and who lived in the garden called Eden. It was in the cool of the day when they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden and Adam and his wife hid themselves amongst the trees because they had dis-obeyed God.

Children, your feet are important gifts that God has given you. What do you use them for? Our feet are to stand, to walk, to run and even to climb, yet many with feet walk not. Others make their feet swift to running to mischief instead of using their feet to help the tired, the sick, the lame and the old or to run errands for themselves, our parents, others and for God.

Children, again this year I walked with you when you walked at the Sunday school rally. I walked to all your classes and saw how much you enjoyed your activities. What I enjoyed most is when you stood on your feet and sang. Truly on that day you kept the theme, ‘walk in the way of peace’. But what more are your feet to do?

Children, your feet are to be like the feet of the shepherds who ran to Bethlehem to see the baby and then went

back rejoicing and telling everyone what they had seen and heard. Children, your feet are to be like the feet of the women and disciples who went to the tomb on resurrec-tion morning and went back to tell everyone that Jesus was risen, he is alive. Your feet are to be like the feet of all including the children that followed Jesus when he lived on earth. All those feet carried good news, peace and salvation to others. Remember, God has no feet but yours.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3: 1-24

Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 2:9. He will keep the feet of his saints.

Song: Be careful little feet where you walk. (Hymns for Children # no. 41 - choruses)

Prayer: Lord, let your word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Amen.

Activity: Draw a pair of big feet on a piece of Bristol board. Then draw out your feet in these two feet. The big feet are God’s and the small feet are yours. At the top write, My feet and God’s Feet Write below, ‘Stand for what is right, walk for what is true; run with peace and love, God will carry you’.

Until next month, remember to keep walking with God, God will walk with you.

With all my love, Uncle Bill.

Children’s Corner: About God’s FEET

TP Comics: God must have a sense of humour...

As we continue with this as our focus for 2009, be re-minded of the fact that you must believe this and secondly, it is up to you each member of the family

to make it happen.

We previously noted that the values, norms and traditions of a people are stored within the culture of its families and this wealth can be accessed and retrieved by de-scendents from generation to generation. However, each succeeding generation must contribute to this store in a meaningful and practical way that ensures that they add rather than waste this wealth. It is therefore required that the children and young of families be socialized to this wealth. Take time to identify and record your family’s worth now, if you have not done so. It is in knowing the past and the rich history of your family that each and all family members can continually draw to refresh, renew and restore themselves.

During this month let us focus our thoughts on the actions of ‘adaptation and adjustment’ that can lead to changes which can make all things new for your family. Each day brings new opportunities but the question remains, are you willing to grasp and hold on and work on the opportunities which present themselves to you and your family? Some of us choose to follow the same identical patterns and routines, thereby making the same old mistakes, continuing the same old conflicts because we refuse or are unwilling to adapt and adjust our be-haviours and attitudes towards other members of our family. The results are the same old stress, frustrations and failures that we then either blame on destiny or others persons but never our self.

Failure, success or indifference demands action that can result in changes but change itself demands adaptations and adjustments. Whilst individuals can do so by them-selves based on their own goals and objectives, in the context of the family this becomes a greater challenge as there are often family members who would obstruct

rather then support because of their own selfish mo-tives or even ‘for spite’ as we are often apt to say. Families constantly need to adapt and adjust to positively impact on the disagreements, conflicts and misunderstandings Take time to talk it out and to work it out. These are the changes that can lead to newness.

Adaptation and adjustment are needed in the social envi-ronment with responsiveness and willingness becoming the human responsibility that results in change and new-ness for you and your family. To adapt is to modify or tai-lor oneself to suit the environment of the family in which we live/reside. This is different from conforming. The host environment of our family has history, traditions and beliefs that give our family its goals. Should your ideas, opinions and goals as an individual be incompatible, then we may find our family non-accepting. This is where adap-tation is required. However, both you and other members of your family also need to make adjustments. Adjust-ment refers to the regulating of oneself in the ‘give and take’ interaction between husband and wives, parents and children and child and child as through these rela-tionships are developed.

As light comes with the dawn of each new day, we each are challenged to not to make changes for the sake of change as this would be meaningless. We are challenged not to renew the negative occurrences of the past yes-terday and the days before. Should we decide to make changes it should be with the intent to making all things new; and making all things new is to be a daily occur-rence in your family.

With all my love, Uncle Bill.

THE FAMILY CAN … make all things new; believe it and in 2009 a miracle can happen in your family!

A MONTHLY THOUGHT TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR FAMILYHilton R. Siboo

The Family Can: make all things new

Far left: Glass windows painted at Pentecost. Photography by:Robin Sam

Right: Pentecost paint-ing by PAUL REUBEN 1619, Neuberg State Gallery, Germany


Memoriam: Kenneth, Rawle, Cynthia and Shannon

In Loving Memory of

ShannonMohan Sunrise: 23.03.1929Sunset: 18.06.2008

It’s been one year since we lost youWe never knew God was going to call your name that morningIn life we loved you dearly

In death we do the sameIt broke our hearts to lose youBut you did not go aloneFor part of us went with youThe day God called you home.You left us beautiful memoriesYour love is still our guideAnd although we cannot see you, you are always at our side.Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,But as God calls us one by one,The chain will link again.May our Heavenly Father enfold you in His loving care and grant you eternal rest.

Sadly missed by: your loving wife Winnie; Children Patricia, Jennifer & Michael; Son in Law – Sam; Grandchildren – Samuel and Sa-mantha; Great grand son: Zion; Other relatives and friends.

In Loving Memory of our dear mother

Cynthia Phillip Sunrise 27th May, 1929Sunset 30th June, 2006

We do not lose the ones we loveThey only go beforeWhere there is everlasting lifeWhere sorrow is no moreWhere the soul will always live and peace is everywhere

We do not loose the ones we loveGod takes them in his care

Lovingly remembered by:Husband- Carlyle PhillipChildren- Indrani, Ralph, Jeniffer, Kenrick, Trevor, Joan, Sandra, Clifford and Dianne

Inlaws- Neil, Dee, Anjanie, Chandra, Brenda, Freddie, Reynold, Zaid and Anjie

Grand Children – twenty five

Great Grand- tenSiblings- Marjorie and Krishna

June1st 2ND Chronicles Ch. 15 – 16 John Ch. 12 vs. 27 – 502nd 2nd Chronicles Ch. 17 – 18 John Ch. 13 vs. 1 – 203rd 2nd Chronicles Ch. 19 – 20 John Ch. 13 vs. 21 – 384th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 21 – 22 John Ch. 145th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 23 – 24 John Ch. 156th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 25 – 25 John Ch. 167th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 28 – 29 John Ch. 178th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 30 – 31 John Ch. 18 vs. 1 – 189th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 32 – 34 John Ch. 18 vs. 19 – 4010th 2nd Chronicles Ch. 34 – 36 John Ch. 19 vs. 1 – 2211th Ezra Ch. 1 – 2 John Ch. 19 vs. 23 – 4212th Ezra Ch. 3 – 5 John Ch. 20

13th Ezra Ch. 6 – 8 John Ch. 2114th Ezra Ch. 9 – 10 Acts Ch. 115th Nehemiah Ch. 1 – 3 Acts Ch. 2 vs. 1 – 2116th Nehemiah Ch. 4 – 6 Acts Ch. 2 vs. 22 – 4717th Nehemiah Ch. 7 – 9 Acts Ch. 318th Nehemiah Ch. 10 – 11 Acts Ch. 4 vs. 1 – 2219th Nehemiah Ch. 12 – 13 Acts Ch. 4 vs. 23 – 3720th Esther Ch. 1 – 2 Acts Ch. 5 vs. 1 – 2121st Esther Ch. 3 – 5 Acts Ch. 5 vs. 22 – 4222nd Esther Ch. 6 – 8 Acts Ch. 623rd Esther Ch. 9 – 10 Acts Ch. 7 vs. 1 – 2124th Job Ch. 1 – 2 Acts Ch. 7 vs. 22 – 4325th Job Ch. 3 – 4 Acts Ch. 7 vs. 44 – 60

26th Job Ch. 5 – 7 Acts Ch. 8 vs. 1 – 2527th Job Ch. 8 – 10 Acts Ch. 8 vs. 26 – 4028th Job Ch. 11 – 13 Acts Ch. 9 vs. 1 – 2129th Job Ch. 14 – 16 Acts Ch. 9 vs. 22 – 4330th Job Ch. 17 – 19 Acts Ch. 10 vs. 1 – 23

July1st Job Ch. 20 – 21 Acts Ch. 10 vs. 24 – 482nd Job Ch. 22 – 24 Acts Ch. 113rd Job Ch. 25 – 27 Acts Ch. 124th Job Ch. 28 - 29 Acts Ch. 13 vs. 1 - 255th Job Ch. 30 - 31 Acts Ch. 13 vs. 26 - 52

Read the Bible in one year: June-July ’09 Guide

In Loving Memory of

Rawle Rambridge Dowlath Sunrise: 19:05:1924/Sunset 10:06:1986

It has been twenty-three years, since you de-parted this life, Your memory is forever instilled, in our hearts. May you continue to rest in peace.

Lovingly remembered by: Wife - Gloria, Chil-dren: Evangeline, Emeline, Ezekiel (deceased), Hailes (deceased) Michael & Ronald. Inlaws: Clifford, Keith, Anmarie, Sally (Canada), Tisha & Nadira (Vidya). Grandchildren: Mark, Anna, Alina (Jamaica), Jaime (Kelsy), Adam (Canada) Matthew and Joshua.

March 8th 2009 was indeed a historic day for the Presbyterian Church in T&T. This day marked one year since the Cunaripo Presbyterian Church was

demolished to make way for a new church.

On Wednesday 5th March 2008 the last service was held in the old building. At this nostalgic, night service, which was held by candlelight (as the electricity was disconnect-ed that morning) Rev. Cyril Paul, minister of the region at that time, delivered an apt Lenten message to a congre-gation full of patois. He offered appropriate prayers for the breaking down of the old church and the rebuilding of the new structure. He reminded the members that the church was not the building but the people, for without members there would be no church.

And the roof came crashing in on Saturday 8th March 2008 as the demolition process began. Children who were having lessons at the school next door expressed their joy of seeing the old structure demolished whilst some church workers/members, neighbours and passers-by looked on with mixed emotions and teary eyes.

Work was hampered due to bad weather conditions last year but the congregation has not lost hope. Continuous work is being done to ensure the continuation of this tremendous task ahead. At present services are being held at the Cunaripo Presbyterian School next door. Dur-ing the Easter break, services were held at the home of the school’s principal Mrs. Josephine Sam, as repairs were being done at the school.

On Sunday March 29th 2009 (Youth Sunday) approxi-mately 30 members gathered together at the school and then ventured out to the peaceful, clean and beautiful Lopinot Resort nestled smack in the heart of the Lopinot Valley to have service and to spend a day of fun and fel-lowship.

As a congregation, we thank all those who have contrib-uted financially and otherwise (both locals and foreign-ers) to the building of this new structure . We look for-ward to your continued support and prayers for we know that through God all things are possible.

Deokala Rampersad.

Cunaripo Building - Work Progress Report


In our last issue, we began the reflection by Justice Peter Jamadar.We invite you to read carefully and to reflect on this presentation. He went on to out-

line the issue of our human state:

Understanding our human condition 1. Separation- We emerge out of the Unity of Being but lose our sense of unity and experience ourselves as separate from each other, from creation and from God. Believing that we are separate and alone, comparison and competition are the natural responses to life as we seek self preservation. Its about ME and MINE first.We fear losing ourselves, we become untrusting and we may lose status and friends. This experience closes us off from God and each other. We believe a lie, the falseness of our separation. We are unaware of the truth, the love of God and the unity of all creation.

2. Frustration/DistortionWe come into this world with instinctive drives for power, control and belonging. We develop compensatory pat-terns of behavior, for example, crying. When we are frus-trated, we close ourselves off from each other and from God. When we experience a lack of trust from early in life, we may begin to mistrust God. Our attitude to money (symbol of security) reveals the sad truth that too many of us have too little faith in God. We trust in money, not in God.

- Pleasure/approval/affection/esteemOther instinctive drives for pleasure, affection, approval and esteem and for power and control all emerge early in life. When these needs are not satisfied in childhood, we may seek these needs later in life. We may be hesi-tant with regard to intimacy and consequently this could affect our relationship with God. Fear of intimacy must in-clude fear of intimacy with God, the fear of a true relation-ship with God.

- Power and control ( terrible two’s)Having been deprived of a voice in our formative stages of development, we acquire selfish traits such as demand-ing to have our own way, we focus on narrow agendas and we become dictators/autocrats since we cannot express our power and control. Thus we remain trapped, closed to God and the other, only concerned to exercise and assert our own authority.

- Belonging – The group we belong toWe all have an innate need to belong, whether it is to a

family a group, a society or a nation. Our sense of who we are is group bound. Thus we uncritically accept the distorted values and mindsets of the group, including its prejudices and classifications about gender, class, race, religion and so on. These group values and attitudes can create unconscious blocks in us, preventing us from being open to the ‘other’.

- Idea of repressionDid you experience rejection as little children? Were you required to follow too many rules- don’t do this… don’t do that? Do we carry around “invisible bags” full with the parts of us that were rejected, so that we could be ac-cepted and loved? The truth is we carry the invisible bags with us everywhere but we do it to be accepted and to be loved, to keep our jobs and reputations and our friends. We do it out of fear, the fear of rejection. We become a wedge. “Wedges come into relationships with wedges”. We hide away parts of ourselves given by God. These ‘invisible bags’ inhibit our ability to love each other and to love God.

Taking responsibility for our human condition:We cannot help who we have been, but we can take responsibility for it and more importantly we can accept the responsibility to overcome our human condition. We can control our responses. We can control how we be-have, what we say. We can be free from the shackles of sin.

How can we love as Jesus loves? The truth is what sets us free. There is a link between mercy and truth. Mercy is made available in the face of truth. Without self knowl-edge there can be no mercy (Psalm 51).

We can only be healed in the context of authentic rela-tionships. We need to have self-disclosure, for without it, we cannot truly love. Self disclosure or truth is necessary for authentic relationships. With self disclosure, comes the risk of vulnerability. We may be afraid that if others know us they would not love us. Mercy requires self dis-closure. We can never disclose to another, what we have not first disclosed to ourselves. We disclose ourselves to God because without disclosure there can be no true re-lationships. We are called to share our relationships with each other. Can we take the risk of disclosure? Only when someone know us they can truly love us.

This then is one of the main responsibilities in our efforts to overcome sinfulness; to know ourselves and disclose ourselves to God, so opening ourselves for salvific heal-

Taking responsibility for the roles we play (Part2)

Indian Arrival Day: Presbyterian Significance

ing- God’s mercy. And then, we can open ourselves to the ones we love.

Let us never forget that this pursuit of disclosure, of truth and this seeking of mercy, is for the sake of the freedom and abundant life that Jesus promises (John 10:10; Ro-mans 8:2; Galatians 5:1).

Let us begin today to take responsibility for the roles we play, the Mission of our Church depends on it.

This discourse, which was very interactive, left many members of Synod questioning themselves, their rela-tionships with each other, and with God. We would like to thank Justice Jamadar for his insightful presentation and hope that he would continue to be a blessing to the Presbyterian Church.

Justice Peter Jamadar

Indian Arrival Day signals a most rich and vibrant heritage for Presbyterians in Trinidad and Tobago. Ac-cording to Guruji “It is only an intense rejuvenation of

the spirit of our culture that can give us the true vision of our societal life and a fruitful direction to all our efforts in solving the innumerable problems confronting our soci-ety today.” According to our elders’ cliché, we as a people cannot truly know where we are going unless we know where we have come from…

In 1845, the Fatal Razack arrived on May 30 with 214 East Indian immigrants; between 1845 and 1917, several ships made 319 voyages bringing 147,592 registered inden-tured labourers to our sugar, cocoa and coconut estates. Of the Indians who embarked from India, 89% were Hin-dus, 10% were Muslims and 0.04% were Christian Indians (Vertovec, 1992). Subsequently we know what happened after - the Canadian Missionaries visited Trinidad and To-bago to convert many East Indians to Presbyterianism. Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in his sermon at the St. Charles Pres-byterian church on Sunday 17 May 2009 stated, “How can such a down-trodden community become so empowered moving up the social and education ladder?” The answer often lay in the work done by teachers and catechists of the Presbyterian church.In this way many persons ex-celled. Yet Dr.Teelucksingh warns “But as Presbyterians today we cannot adopt a narrow view of superiority or inferiority. If we do this we will attack the very fabric of our society and the cohesion of our nation. We must be united in common goals even though we are of different religions and ethnicities.”

With Mother’s Day in mind for the month of May, and Father’s Day soon approaching, we want to salute our forefathers (and foremothers) for the many physical toils and pains of sweat that they endured; the emotional chal-lenges that they bore; and the unplanned social adjust-ments that they had to make, in the creation of the many successful Presbyterians in our society today.

Let us always remember the Presbyterian emblem of the burning bush, “Nec Tamen Consumebatur,” it burns but does not consume. The omnipresence and power of God continues to be at work in our lives… The power of God is our protective shield even when we feel that the evils of the world are “consuming us.” The burning bush is a true symbol of our faith and spirit of our people; it teach-es us not to take things at face value, to analyze deeper; it represents the power, persistence and perseverance of an enduring God-respecting people; a people with much tal-ent and drive to contribute to our local and international society in a positive way. Remember, Indian Arrival is not just one day, or month, or year; it a cultural passage that has become our living legacy. Happy Indian Arrival to all!

Mrs. Salima Geetan-Sambrano

Church Signs in the UK

www.fasterpastor.com


PCTT SPORTS 2009: OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Board of Men hosted its annual conference last Saturday at the Naparima College. The event was well attended. It provoked a great deal of interest

since the topic was quite relevant, since it introduced par-ticipants to the whole idea of climate change and current environmental issues. Guest Speakers were Rev. Adrian Sieunarine and Mr. Rodney Harrinarine.

As an aside we also note that the hill also hosted a retreat and a wedding on the same day. All this was possible since the new hall provided by Naparima College is quite large and has a commanding view of the Gulf of Paria. On behalf of the Board we thank the Naparima College for the use of its facilities.

OVERALL WINNERSFIRST - Penal/Siparia2ND - Tableland3RD - Point Fortin & Aramalaya

MARCH PAST WINNERSFIRST - Barrackpore2ND - Penal/Siparia3RD - Point Fortin/Cedros

SPIRIT OF THE GAMESFIRST - Barrackpore2ND - Point Fortin/Cedros3RD - Aramalaya

TUG-O-WARFIRST – Penal/Siparia2ND - Diamond3RD - Marabella/BonneAventure

On behalf of all participants, we thank the committee for a job well done. The event proceeded with great efficiency and most people were quite happy. The committee thanks all who assisted with the event and congratulates all winners both teams and individuals. See you at the next sports!

The National Sports Committee has released the official results for the Games of 2009. They are as follows:

Board of Men Conference

Page 24 The Trinidad Presbyterian

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