Trinidad: Culture, Life, and the Need for Jesus
Trinidad is full of culture, life, and the need for Jesus. In a recent GO trip to Trinidad, a group of students from Anderson University had a unique encounter with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob while working with Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries. Over 80% of Trinis are Hindu. In fact, our GO partner, Pastor Ashoke Bachew, was raised as a Hindu, until a group of short-term missionaries from Michigan came and held a "Bible Club" in his father's carport when he was 12 years old. There were about 7 youth and children that attended that week of study about Jesus, the Son of the one true Living God. At the end of the week, Pastor Bachew and the rest of the young people in attendance gave their hearts and their lives to Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
When Pastor Bachew shared his story and his culture, we learned that there are 330 Million Hindu gods. Part of our mission was to hold Vacation Bible School in a community named "Jacob's Hill," a poor, rough community comprised of predominately Hindus and Muslims. On the first day of our trip, we were knocking on doors inviting children to our "Bible Club" (Vacation Bible School). While walking the streets in Jacob's Hill that day, we talked to one father who sang a song he wrote about Jesus. Intrigued, I asked how long he had been a Christian. Without hesitation, he responded that he was a Hindu, but worshiped Jesus the same way as other Hindu gods. Realizing this challenge, we held Bible School every morning at Jacob's Hill with the intention of showing that Jesus was the only way to everlasting life. Starting each morning under a small pavilion in that community with music from our local DJ, kids and youth were quickly drawn to our presence. Each day, the students from Anderson shared a different Bible story showing how God's love and mercy saves lives. As the invitation was given on the last day to ask Jesus to be their personal Lord and Savior, three (3) young boys came forward to make that life-changing choice. We were excited to make 3 new eternal friends.
What we learned after our last day of VBS about Jacob's Hill was amazing. The kids there had heard others in the same pavilion talk about this Jesus. On previous occasions, the local pastors had to call the police to break-up fights between the youth coming to these events. At most events, the kids would not sit down, talk during lessons, and continuously be disruptive. Our experience was just the opposite. We jumped into action playing music and games from the moment we arrived. Everyone sat quietly. Everyone participated. We made sure that everyone attending felt loved and important. Fortunately, we were blessed to see 3 lives forever changed.
In crop farming, four major events must occur to fill the storehouse. Whether you are planting, fertilizing, watering or harvesting, each event is important in filling the storehouse. Each trip with GO International is an opportunity to share your personal story with Jesus. Just remember that no matter which activity you are engaging in, you are a vital part of filling the storehouses of heaven for the Kingdom of God.
Guest article written by Andy Tucker, Trinidad Team Leader