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ANGELS
ON FIRE LIGHT up lives in antigua
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We must respond to the cries of the hurting and the
hopeless.
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Pathfinders appealed to the youth to make positive choices.
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The values of love and courage can advance the mission
of Caricom.
Part
2
“Remember,
as an Army of God, His angels on fire, you are required
to let your light shine for others to see and give praise
to our Father.
“Remember
an army of youth that lacks a sense of direction can easily
become willing tools in the hands of those who spread delinquency.
This, my brothers and sisters, is one of the greatest dangers
that our region faces today.
“You
are building strong leaders for our tomorrows and the region
remains deeply thankful for your work.”
(Statement made by Prime Minster of Antigua & Barbuda,
Baldwin Spencer, as he delivered the inauguration address
at the Angels on Fire Camporee which was conducted in Antigua
from August 13 to 18.)
In the first article, “Angels on fire against crime
and violence,” we stated that “thousands of youth
from the Caricom region will be descending upon the edenic
and scenic island of Antigua, marching against crime and
violence, repairing and painting homes, proclaiming the
everlasting gospel and visiting institutions such as the
hospital and rehabilitation centres.”
We went on to describe a scenario where thousands of Path-finders
will be engaged in clean-up campaigns on the streets and
beaches, feeding the hungry via the “meals on wheels”
project and launching community adoption ministries.
Did the 4,000 Pathfinders and their officers keep their
promises? Many wish to know if the vision was fulfilled
and the dreams accomplished.
While Michael Phelps was burning the water in the Beijing
aquatic arena, winning eight gold medals and proving the
value of dreaming the impossible dream, Pathfinders were
restoring hope and motivating youth to adopt a drug-free
lifestyle.
While Usain Bolt was scorching the tracks and melting in
dramatic fashion past achievements of stellar athletes,
Pathfinders were making a difference in Her Majesty’s
Prison, St Vincent de Paul geriatric home, the Home for
the Disabled, the Children’s Ward in the hospital,
the Boys’ Training School, and in homes throughout
Antigua.
The Guyana delegation took the prison by storm with scintillating
Holy Ghost music and power-packed biblical preaching. They
motivated the residents to experience transformation and
to be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.
August 14 was declared Community Adoption Ministries Day
in the Angels on Fire Camporee. Pathfinders were challenged
to go to the streets and homes and seek to make a difference.
In Parham, the delegation from Barbados and Dominica moved
to the home of 81-year-old Christiana Barton. Armed with
the relevant tools, the Pathfinders pro- ceeded to move
the debris from the yard and painted the home of this senior
citizen. But they also painted a smile on the face of this
mature and noble Antiguan and proved that youth, if properly
guided and motivated, can and will make a difference.
Listen to the appreciative statement of Edith Francis: “I
could not do it on my own.” She lives in Brown’s
Avenue and the teenagers from St Vincent and the Grenadines
region did minor repairs, and then painted the home. She
showered praises and blessings on the Pathfinder army.
The Pathfinders and their leaders sent a strong and certain
signal to the Caricom region and those who are engaged in
the latest integration initiative. What is that signal?
We must mobilise the re- sources of the region to respond
to the cries of the hurting and the hopeless.
Therefore, the spiritual component, the values of love,
courage and courtesy, must be the hallmarks of any move
to advance the vision and mission of Caricom. Integration
requires unconditional love and the involvement of youth.
Public clinics at Jennings and Bendals benefited from the
generosity of Pathfinders from St Maarten, Tortola, and
the rest of the British Virgin Islands. Contributions included
a microwave oven and first aid supplies.
The Suriname team delivered food supplies to four children
at the Children’s Ward at the Holberton Hospital: one
secondary and three primary students.
The St Lucia delegation made an enthusiastic presentation
at the Boys’ Training School. They impressed the young
men with their positive attitude and gave food hampers and
toiletries.
In the Kennedy’s area there was a unique Community
Adoption Ministry. St Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat revealed
the love of Christ as they shared 50 hot meals to individuals
in that community.
The Tobago delegation fulfilled their promises and with
a profound level of discipline, went to the Home for the
Disabled and presented handicraft items. They also conducted
a special programme for these extraordinary individuals.
Another section from Tobago went to Fort James and with
extra-large garbage bags improved the environment as part
of an eco-evangelistic thrust.
One of the major highlights of the Angels on Fire Camporee
was the march against crime, violence and drugs. Bugles
and trumpets shook the city and surrounding areas, as the
drums exploded for marchers on August 16 at 4 pm.
Prime Minister Spencer took the salute in front of the St
John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with president
of the Caribbean Union Conference, Dr Eugene Da-niel; Latin
American youth directors Bernardo Rodriguez and Balvin Braham;
world SDA associate youth director Hiskia Missah, and Pastor
Silton Browne, president of the North Caribbean Conference.
About 8,000 Caribbean teenagers appealed to youth as they
marched to make positive choices and to be involved in a
gigantic campaign to use peer pressure in a positive manner.
The Angels on Fire Camporee ended with a mega investiture
and consecration service and over 1,000 youth were invested.
The camporee has ended but the work to save teenagers must
continue in every territory in the Caricom region.
Let us keep hope alive! Angels on Fire was a spiritual and
social catalyst for genuine, regional integration.
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