On Carnival weekend in Trinidad, Robert and Raylene Bush (Grenada), Douglas and Valerie Salmon (Martinique), Kendrick and Rose Benn, Gary and Florence Ricks, Lynn and Sharon Angus (Humanitarian Services), Larry and Karen Harris (CES) and Verrol and Helen Young (all from Guyana); Ronald and Rosella Boman (Barbados), Willie and Julie Ann Gibson (St. Lucia), Dallas and Sharon Stevens (St. Maarten), Clive and Arlene Henderson (St. Vincent), Jean and Gertrude Drolet (French Guiana), Peter and Ina Jansen (Suriname), Doug and Jean Clarke (Tobago), Robert and Susan McIntosh (Guadeloupe), and missionaries from the West Indies Mission Office, including Diane Ellison, Ralph and Paulette Childs, James and Joey Luster and Ed and Linda Sappington gathered in St. Lucia with President and Sister Gamiette for spiritual feasting and socializing.
During 3-days together, President Gamiette spoke of mission goals and shared his knowledge of Jacob 5 and its importance in reactivating members. President Ricks spoke of shadow leadership and the role of couples in helping branch leaders and new members gain understanding. President McIntosh shared the value of the Couples Area Book, encouraging couples to create this resource for themselves and those who will follow them. Elder and Sister Jansen enthusiastically shared their experience organizing a Young Adult Center in Suriname. President Ricks added his direction on helping prospective missionaries through the application process. A brisk question-and-answer session provided information to those seeking answers to their inquiries. After dinner sessions included health and wellness taught by Sister Ellison and Sister Gamiette. Elder and Sister Boman taught a short session on temple preparation; then Sisters McIntosh and Young spoke of the culture of the islands. Elders Luster and Sappington updated missionary couples on managing mission finances; Elder Childs spoke on auditing and record keeping and CES was covered by President McIntosh and Elder and Sister Harris before President Gamiette’s final thoughts ended this amazing and helpful time together.These outstanding senior couples are young in spirit, wise and willing to "lengthen your stride" or “hasten your shuffle” to serve the Lord and strengthen the lives of the Lord’s children in the West Indies Mission. Even those who may not know the local language, their accomplishments are great and their spirit of sacrifice is praise worthy. Thanks to all willing to leave home and family for 18 months to 2 years to enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that comes from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master.
The Couples Conference in St. Lucia by the numbers:
- 19 couples and 1 wonderful senior sister
- 113 children
- 323 grandchildren
- 4 greats
- 34 church missions plus one sister who spent 3 years in the Peace Corps and one couple who taught English in China for 2 years
1 comment:
One of the highlights of our mission in the West Indies was a couples conference held in Trinidad. That was a great opportunity for training but also a fun time spent with all senior couples in the West Indies Mission at that time. The mission didn't seem so big after that. How awesome for you to be able to go to St. Lucia.
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