Meet the ISCF Grenada family

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12

Many people have commended me on the "great job you are doing with ISCF Grenada" but it would be remiss of me to take the credit for all that God has been doing through the ministry here. There is no way I could have accomplished what has been done on my own, so I would like to take the opportunity to recognise and show appreciation to the other parts of the body of ISCF Grenada:

THE BOARD

At our first Annual General Meeting in October 2014, eleven persons made themselves available to serve as Directors and Board members for ISCF Grenada. Under the leadership of Brother Rodney Mc Intyre, the Board has been meeting monthly to provide direction to the ministry. We are in the process of developing a strategic plan for ISCF Grenada, to ensure that we are able to accomplish our mission and see our vision fulfilled. The Board has also appointed a sub-committee which has been working to raise funds to assist the Grenada delegation to World Assembly 2015. We thank God for these men and women who have volunteered of their time and expertise to provide good governance for ISCF Grenada.

Drafting a strategic plan for ISCF Grenada

THE SPONSORS

Christian teachers who are willing to take up the additional responsibilities of investing in the lives of students through the ministry of ISCF are not easy to find. In the midst of their teaching duties and involvement in other extra-curricular activities, these faithful soldiers make time to meet with students to plan meetings, encourage students to attend meetings, and some even take up the challenge to share in meetings when the students are unable to do so. They can be assured that their labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Sponsors sharing in an evening of encouragement earlier this year

THE PRAYER WARRIORS

Once a month these faithful soldiers meet to give God thanks for His faithfulness and to petition His throne on behalf of the ministry of ISCF Grenada. There is great rejoicing when we see prayer answered, and much intercession when requests are presented. Prayer is the foundation on which this work is built, so we are trusting God to raise up even more prayer supporters who will commit to covering the ministry in prayer.

St. George's prayer cell celebrating the birthdays of two
of their faithful members

Two committed intercessors from St. Andrew's
meeting for prayer at Easter time

THE FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS

There are a few loyal supporters who have been unwavering in the financial support of the ministry. They give quietly and cheerfully, without expecting anything in return. We pray that they would receive good measure for all they have given, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

THE VOLUNTEERS

All the ISCF activities which happen outside of the regular school time would not be possible without our hard-working volunteers. They serve on committees to plan events, coming to meetings on evenings after work to ensure that all details are in place. They give up their Saturdays to work with the students, leading small group discussions, bible studies and praying for them. Without their enthusiasm and involvement, the work would surely not be able to go on.

Posing for a pic before Link Up

Judging the team presentations at Link Up

Meeting at 6:30am to put together breakfast boxes
for a camp fundraiser

All of the items for the breakfast were donated
by our dedicated volunteers

Our customers were impressed with the quality and
presentation and can't wait for the next breakfast sale!

At ISCF Grenada, we work hard, and play harder :) A social event was organised earlier this year to show appreciation to our dedicated volunteers. It started with a photoshoot at Quarantine Point, after which we enjoyed a stunning sunset. We ended the evening with a fun time of games with lots of laughter and pizza (one of which was an unexpected gift). God worked it out that we were able to enjoy this time of fellowship at the Radisson after being unable to find a table at the crowded Rick's Cafe. The blessings of the Lord!

Some of the crew

Magnificent display of God's handiwork

Pizza time!

THE STUDENTS

They are at the heart of what we do. They are the ones who attend meetings every week and fellowship with others at national events. They are the ones who have present truths at meetings and ask questions about how to live godly lives. Without their involvement and participation, all our work would have no impact.

Students from seven different schools at a recent hike

Small beginnings at St. Mark's Secondary

On my initial visits to schools in 2013 to meet with principals and share the vision of ISCF, the principal of St. Mark's Secondary was very supportive of the ministry, and recommended a Christian teacher whom we could work with to get the group started. Over the past year however, all attempts to get the group started were unsuccessful.

St. Mark's Secondary School, located in a parish
about 50 minutes away from St. George's

Fast forward to January 2015 where I was sharing with a sponsor from another school my desire to get a group started in St. Mark's Secondary, but the teacher who had originally been identified was now on study leave. The sponsor recommended that I speak to another Christian teacher, who started teaching there in September 2014. Not only was this teacher a past president of ISCF while she was studying at Anglican High School, but she was also involved in the CCCF group at TAMCC, and was thinking about starting an ISCF group at St. Mark's Secondary! We thank God for her willing spirit and her dedication in recruiting students to join the first ISCF group at St. Mark's Secondary.

Do you need to go to church in order to be saved?

Five students turned up for the first meeting where they were given an overview of the ministry, including pictures from our activities over the past year. At the next meeting, there were seven students present to discuss what was necessary for salvation according to the Bible. There was one student who was in the classroom at the beginning of the meeting, but he did not want to join even though his friends were encouraging him to. But when they started asking questions, he joined in, and has been attending meetings ever since.

Other topics which were dealt with include the changes which should be seen in the life of someone who has surrendered their life to Christ, how we know that God is real, overcoming obstacles in prayer and who is God. This past week, we had to use another classroom, and there were a couple new students who sat in the background and listened attentively to the discussions we were having.

Students engaged in an activity

We thank God for the seeds which are being planted at St. Mark's Secondary. Please pray for the continued growth of the group, that the questions of the students would be adequately addressed, that they would hunger for more of God, and that God would raise up from that group men and women of God who would boldly proclaim Christ and His Kingdom in their school.

Roll call

Here is the answer to the question that is on many people's minds: How is ISCF going?

Happy Hill Secondary

The group at Happy Hill comprises a few faithful students who are quite open with their views, and willing to learn more about how God wants them to live. We had some spirited discussions on why young people indulge in alcohol, and discussed ways that they can have fun without exposing themselves to the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Being reminded of the importance of honoring God with their bodies

We also examined the value of waiting until marriage before engaging in sexual activity. In discussing the consequences of premarital sex, we spoke about abortion and the negative effects it has on the mother. This led to a discussion about suicide, and whether God would forgive persons who kill themselves, and what was necessary for persons to do if they wanted to get to heaven.

Activity teaching the importance of boundaries

We shared Matthew 7:21 about some persons not getting to heaven even though they called on God’s name and did works, because they never had a personal knowledge of God. This led to a bible study the following week on how to become a true follower of Christ.


Anglican High School

The ISCF group at High School consists of a small but dedicated group of girls who are committed to learning more about how they can honor God in their daily lives. We looked at how our faith as Christians is based on the fact of God’s Word, which is always true in every situation. We examined how our faith relates to social issues that are prevalent today.

Sharing about how to choose friends

At one session we examined various scripture verses to determine what the bible teaches about the kinds of friends we should have, and how to choose friends. They spent some time evaluating their friendships, praying about any relationships that needed to be ended because they were not healthy.

We also had a good discussion on how we can know that God is real. After talking about the evidence in creation and science, we recognised that there are some persons who will continue to deny God because the enemy has blinded their minds, so we need to pray for their eyes to be opened. We also spoke of the value of having a testimony of a personal encounter with God, and recording incidents of God’s faithfulness to us in times past.

Boca Secondary School

One of our larger meetings, the ISCF meetings at Boca Secondary are planned by students who are on the Executive, with the guidance of their sponsor. Each meeting starts with an icebreaker - a fun activity that helps the new students feel welcomed to the group.

Having fun with the "I went shopping" game

 Following this exercise, an Exec member or the sponsor shares on the selected topic for that day. So far, they have examined the authenticity of the Bible and looked at the topic of Forgiveness. They also did a bible study based on Proverbs 3.

Encouraging the students to study the Bible on a regular basis

One student from this group, along with the sponsor, are preparing to represent ISCF Grenada at the IFES World Assembly in Mexico in July. The group has been very creative in developing ideas to help raise funds for this, as well as ISCF camp, by doing portraits for students, and creating jewelry and keychains for sale.

Beacon High School

This is another group which is run by the student Executive. Since this term started, they have dealt with the topics of homosexuality, teenage pregnancy, devil worship and pornography.

Listening intently as the President shares

It is very encouraging to hear the leaders sharing from their own personal experiences. This is what ISCF is about: students reaching students! They are much more in touch with the challenges that their peers are facing, and the students are a great deal more receptive to counsel from one of their own.

Student leaders engaging students in discussion

The students in this group are very open and candid about sharing their stories. They feel comfortable being honest in these meetings, and are very willing to accept godly advice.

T.A. Marryshow Community College

The Community College Christian Fellowship (CCCF) has been meeting consistently since the school term began. The two member Executive has been working with the sponsor to plan and execute meetings every week, in the midst of their preparations for final exams in just a couple months time.

Spending time in praise and worship

One of the discussions the group engaged in focused on the effects of sexual promiscuity, with particular emphasis on the spiritual implications. They also discussed triggers of sexual impurity like pornography. This topic is very relevant as many of the nation's youths are engaged in sexual promiscuity without any regard for the consequences.

Engaging in a fun activity

At CCCF the students are encouraged to participate in the meetings by sharing their own testimonies. At one session, they read scripture verses, and students shared what they felt God was saying to us through those verses. At another session, they shared what the phrase "God is in control" means to them.

Westerhall Secondary School

The group at Westerhall continues to be a wonderful opportunity to share God's principles and truth with students who may not otherwise have been exposed to the Word of God. This term the principal has mandated that all students must attend a Religious Instruction class, whether they belong to a religion or not. Most of the non-denominational students choose to come to our ISCF meeting.

Engaging in a Getting to Know you activity

For this term we having been looking at relationships – the purpose of relationships, why people get into relationships, and when is a good time to enter into a relationship. We spoke about why sex was only safe in the context of marriage. The students were taught about the bond that is formed between two persons who have sex (the two becoming one flesh) and cautioned that this bond is very difficult to break, so it should only be entered into with the person that you intend to spend the rest of your life with. They were warned about entering relationships with persons who  would prefer to see them dead rather than enter a relationship with someone else. Sadly, later on in the day reports came of a young lady from St. Mark’s who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. This served to reinforce the caution given about entering into relationships.

One of the young men expressed the view that he would not mind being with someone who had multiple partners before him, because he had done the same, and if it did not work out with her, he could always get someone else. An Anglican priest who was visiting asked them how many persons believe that sex before marriage was a sin, and out of a class of 30+ students, only 3 of them raised their hands. He went on to quote verses from the bible which showed that sex outside of marriage is not pleasing to God.

Students reverencing God in prayer

At another session we spoke about the increased involved in young persons in online pornography. The students were challenged to see their bodies as God’s temple, and encouraged to honor God with their bodies. They were also encouraged to see themselves as precious and valued in God’s sight, and to not seek love and acceptance from anyone else apart from Him.

Grenville Secondary School

The sponsor has been steadfastly working to ensure that ISCF meetings happen at GSS. Despite the challenges, she continues to persevere, encouraging students to know Christ, and to make Him known.

Mrs. Hamilton has a great influence over these young people

One session conducted so far focused on what does a Christian look like. While it is true that there is no typical ‘look’ for a Christian and that it is the heart that matters, we looked at bible verses that outline what characteristics should be seen in the lives of true believers.

Students leading in worship

Please continue to pray for :

• all these ISCF groups as the students seek to shine their lights in the midst of the darkness around them. 
• the sponsors, that they would not become discouraged 
• the student leaders, that they would not become distracted, but would keep their focus
• the group members, that they would hunger and thirst after righteousness, and that they would be filled
• those students who are supposed to be Christians, but for one reason or another do not attend the ISCF meetings - that they will be bold, and see the value of being a witness for Christ in their schools.

ISCF Grenada delegates to World Assembly 2015

The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) hosts a World Assembly every four years. This event brings together students, graduates, speakers, supporters, staff and board members from each national movement. ISCF Grenada has nominated the following persons to represent our movement at this special event:

Hope Mitchell-Secretary of ISCF Student
Executive at Boca Secondary

My name is Hope Raysha Arenstin Mitchell. I am 15 years old and I live with my mother and younger brother in an apartment located at Mt. Hartman, St. George’s, Grenada. I enjoy playing music in my school band (I play flute), reading, writing stories, star-gazing and learning more about the Bible and God. I got saved at a young age and since then, even as a teenager, I can already see that my life is different from my unsaved friends.

Honestly, being able to attend this World Assembly in Mexico will have a huge emotional and spiritual impact on my nation and my ISCF group at school. It will help them to have an increased faith in God and help them understand that even though we are a small country, we don’t have to be small thinkers, but with God we can climb to new heights. Even though we all come from different backgrounds and range in age, when God has plans for you, He has amazing ways of showing them and amazing ways of using you.

This trip will be an amazing experience for me too. I’ve heard about people who travel from their home for youth conferences all around the world for God. I never thought that I would have that opportunity at 15 years to be able to travel from Grenada to attend a youth conference in another country. I have never travelled before and I am happy that my first to do so is for God’s use.

Don-rae Wilkinson -
sponsor at Boca Secondary

My name is Don-Rae Wilkinson. I am presently teaching Art at the Boca Secondary School, and I in charge of the ISCF group there. I have a passion for ministry to young people, and I am grateful for the opportunity to impact the spiritual lives of my students and encourage them to grow in their walk with Christ through my involvement in this student ministry. I also work with the youths in my church, and co-ordinate an outreach to young men in my community through sports.

I believe that I will benefit from attending World Assembly because it will give me a broader view of the ministry of ISCF. I will be able to meet others and learn ideas from them that I can use when I return to Grenada. I also look forward to a rich time of worship and bible study with believers from all over the world.

Rodney McIntyre - Board Chairman

My name is Rodney McIntyre. Most excited to be a son of the Most High God, for the last thirty-one (31) years. Received Jesus at age fourteen (14), a secondary school student at the time. Married to the loveliest wife for twenty-one (21) years, a marriage blessed with three beautiful daughters. I have been a teacher for most of my life. Twenty years at a local secondary school. I enjoy working with young people and men. 

I have been involved with student ministry as a student, as a sponsor and most recently as a board member.  Attending World Assembly is important to me as an individual because it would give me an experience of a lifetime. Something I’ve always heard about but only dreamt attending. Apart from the experience it will help me to build relationships and network with persons who share the passion for student ministry.  Student Ministry in Grenada went dormant for a number of years and was only recently re-launched. Attending World Assembly as a board member will give the necessary boost, in the area of knowledge and experience with an awareness of the regional and global movement.

Cheryl Jessemy - Board member 

I have been serving the Lord for over 25 years in various areas of ministry.  For many of these years, I worked with the Christian Education/Children's ministry at my church and assisted other churches with training and organizing their Sunday School ministry.  Two years ago, I entered full-time Kingdom service with an emphasis on Children's ministry. I am privileged to be associated with not only the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, but also the Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF). Recently, I pledged to work with this Fellowship as a part-time Staff Worker. 

I was honoured to attend the Regional Conference last year and I believe that attending IFES World Assembly will further deepen my understanding of the scope of the ISCF work. I look forward to it also as I believe that it will be an opportunity for me to learn from the experiences of others in the same area of ministry. I believe the Lord has called me into this ministry and the passion I feel for it can only be heightened by attendance to an Assembly of this nature.

Jim Andrew - Board member

I am Brother Jim Andrew; 31 years of age, presently involved in local ministry and studying to enhance my capabilities both at a church and secular level. However, as a product of the Inter School Christian Fellowship it is with great delight to serve in another capacity. Presently, I am an active elected board member of The Grenada ISCF team responsible for coordinating prayers.

In the event, that I have the opportunity to attend the World Assembly in Mexico carded for July 2015, it will definitely better prepare me to develop myself spiritually and experientially and as result, enables me to contribute more effectively towards the youth ministry in the different school of my country, especially where there is break down in moral values. Additionally, I will be so interesting to share one common faith with other persons, which was shared abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Deborah Dowlath - Staffworker

My name is Deborah Dowlath and I am currently serving as staffworker with ISCF Grenada. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, but I believe that God’s purposes involve me impacting nations with the gospel of the Kingdom. As such, I left secular employment in 2006 and since then I have been involved in full time ministry doing short term mission trips throughout the Caribbean, as well as in Africa.

I believe that attending World Assembly would put me in contact with strategic partners who would be valuable resources in my international network of ministry partners. I also look forward to learning from what God is doing in other countries worldwide, and seeing which strategies can be applied to my local context.

Back on the scene for 2015!

Normally after taking a break, it takes a while before the momentum can start the ball rolling again. It was fitting that the first activity that resumed for the new school term was our monthly prayer meeting. Prayer is the engine that powers this ministry, as it acknowledges our total dependence on God. Without His help and enabling, the work of ISCF Grenada would not be effective. We are grateful to the faithful few who have committed to supporting the ministry in this way.

Hearts united in prayer

Nine students from three different schools attended the training and planning session for student leaders at the St. George’s Evangelical Bible Church on Saturday 10th January 2015. After a couple Getting to Know You and Team Building activities, we conducted a bible session on holy and righteous living. This session was very interactive and well received by the students, who asked questions about how to practically live the Word of God. Students then spent time praying for one another in the areas where they needed to be more committed to God.

Enjoying a team building activity

After lunch we examined how to present a Bible lesson using the Hook, Book, Look, Took method. Students were then put into groups and given topics which they had to present to the group using this teaching method. The students did a good job in the limited time they were given.

How to conduct an ISCF session

We then looked at the topics which were suggested for the next academic term, and discussed ideas which could be used in presenting each one. The final segment was prayer, with students praying for God to move in their ISCF groups this term, and also receiving prayer for areas in their lives where they were struggling.

Students praying for one another

The Board of ISCF Grenada resumed its monthly meetings. Time was spent in prayer, as well as discussing plans for the year, and how they would be executed.

Dedicated Board members

Finally, the sponsors got together for an evening of encouragement and fellowship. Challenges were shared and testimonies were given of God's faithfulness. We prayed for one another and I believe that all left encouraged to keeping fighting the good fight on behalf of the lives of our students.

Sponsors getting to know one another

Details of the resumption of the meetings in the schools will be given in a subsequent post. We give God thanks that the wheels have started back turning, and look forward to great things in store for ISCF Grenada in 2015. 

Christians can have fun too

For the end of term activity, most of the ISCF groups decided to have individual closing-off parties. This worked better than trying to co-ordinate a national event since each of the schools were running different schedules in terms of exams and closing off activities.

Happy Hill’s party was the first on the agenda. There was a highly competitive Sword Drill game, followed by a treasure hunt for sweets which left the room in disarray by the time they were finished. After a game of Basket Turnover, we discussed topics and questions they would like answered in the upcoming term.

I found it first!

Musical chairs

Must find every single sweetie!

The next day students from Anglican High School came together for their lime. The girls bought eats and drinks and we they had great fun playing Bible charades. We reflected on the term which passed, and brainstormed topics to be addressed in the coming year.

Guess the Bible character

Basket Turnover

If you love me, please smile :)

The group at Boca Secondary decided to pool their resources and go on an island tour as their end of term activity. The students had a great time exploring Annandale Waterfall, learning about Grenada’s history at the Rome museum, petting animals in Cabier, and having a treasure hunt in Camerhogne Park.

Exploring the nature trail at Annandale Waterfall

Listening attentively to how life was like in Grenada 'back in the day'

Brave enough to hold a live snake

The ISCF Board was not left out of the excitement, as the last Board meeting for the year took the format of a social where food was shared, games were played, and gifts were exchanged. We also spent time sharing projections for ISCF Grenada in 2015.

Musical questions

Something was really funny!

Food time!

The last lime was with students and the sponsor from the T.A. Marryshow Community College. We shared a pizza at Rick's Cafe, and they expressed their appreciation for the support from the ISCF staffworker over the past year. They were challenged to continue searching for Year 1 students who they could hand over the leadership of the group to when they leave in June 2015.

One important truth that was evident in these activities is that, contrary to popular belief, especially among youths, Christianity is not boring. It is possible to have fun without indulging in drugs, alcohol and sex. This lesson is crucial especially for those young people who feel like they are ‘missing out’ when they commit their lives to serving Christ.

Giving God thanks

As I reflect on the school term that has passed, I recognise that there is much to give God thanks for. One year ago, ISCF Grenada had recently been relaunched, volunteers were being sourced, and there was only one functioning ISCF group. At present, we have groups in the community college and six secondary schools. We have over 40 persons who are committed to the ministry in various ways - serving as Board members, sponsors, prayer and financial supporters, camp counsellors and volunteers.

Cheryl Jessemy and Arlene Marcell have been of great help in the school ministry, building  relationships with students and facilitating sessions. They have also served as volunteers at our national student rallies and ISCF Camps.

Cheryl with Happy Hill students

 Cheryl has a great love for ministry to young people, and is very excited about serving the Grenadian students through this avenue. Whenever she is unable to come to a school visit, the students ask, "Where is de next teacher?" One even said, "I think I like her better than you!" :)

Arlene has adopted the group at Westerhall Secondary as her 'baby'. In October, she conducted a session entitled "Is there really a God?" looking at looking at how creation, the Bible and Jesus all pointed to the existence of God. Arlene also shared about the reality of heaven and hell. There were many questions, such as “Why didn’t God just make all of us go to heaven instead of giving us a choice?” The discussion extended beyond the allocated time into the next period, since they did not have a teacher. By the end of the meeting, eleven students indicated that they wanted to surrender their lives to Christ!

Talking with students who committed their lives
to Christ about plans for follow up

One of the mottos of ISCF is "Students reaching students". This is a distinctive which sets ISCF apart from other youth organisations, with a focus on developing the leadership potential of students while they are in school, and have the opportunity to reach their fellow students. At Boca Secondary, under the guidance of sponsor Don-Rae Wilkinson, members of the Executive have started sharing the message at ISCF meetings. They meet on Mondays to discuss the topic for Wednesday, and take turns in presenting truths from God's word about issues which are relevant to their peers.

Boca students listening attentively as Hope shares about purpose.

Beacon High School is a private Christian school, but many of the students there are not believers. As members of the Executive have found out, the majority of their peers have no interest in learning more about God. This term the Executive decided to focus their energies on reaching out to the Form 1 students, and were able to conduct sessions on Bullying and Self Respect.

Ariel and Danielle leading ISCF meeting at Beacon High School

At the T.A. Marryshow Community College, sponsor Mae Patterson has also been encouraging members of the Community College Christian Fellowship (CCCF) to share their faith with their classmates. The preparation for these sessions are evident as the students deliver the message in a way that is engaging and appreciated by those who attend. There is much interaction as students feel free to share their view points when the meetings are conducted by one of their own.

Shanika sharing on the topic "Taking a stand for righteousness"

 I am also encouraged by the "little things", like last week Monday on the way to Happy Hill, I noticed there were many students on the road, indicating that school had been dismissed early. I wondered if the ISCF students had gone home, thereby making my journey a 'waste'. When I arrived, I was plesantly surprised to see that the students had not only been waiting for me since 1pm, but they had also encouraged two new persons to stay back for the meeting as well! We had a vibrant discussion on Jesus' teachings about forgiveness, and addressed concerns about how to forgive when you had been deeply hurt. Blessings like these are evidence to me that God is clearly at work through this student ministry.

Playing a game before the session on Forgivenss

Special thanks to all who have partnered with us in this journey to re-start the work of ISCF in Grenada. We give God all the glory and honor for the growth seen in this ministry over the past year.