Newsletter March April 2016

SCFSU Staff Workers in Training
This year two staff workers from Jamaica Sherika Sewell, Western region and Latavia Henry, Eastern region. They journeyed to Trinidad for the 3 day, bi-annual Caribbean staff training conference.
CASET/ELT Conference Trinidad 2016
We give thanks to God for the success of the recently concluded Caribbean Area Staff Education and Training/ Emerging Leaders Training(CASET/ELT) Conference, which was held at Turning Point Campsite, Maracas Valley, St. Joseph., Trinidad. The training ran from March 29– April 2, 2016. It was a great blessing to receive knowledge, training and spiritual food from fellow brothers and sisters from throughout the region as well as from the United States and Canada. Worship was coordinated by the representatives of Suriname.
The training sessions were conducted by Desmond Rogers (Regional Secretary), Marc Pulvar (Associate Regional Secretary), Kurt and Laura Thiel (InterVartsity Link Staff Workers from the United States), Tomy Wilkerson (Cayman Islands Staff Worker), Josephine Romain (former IFES board member), Paul Mursalin (International Director, Barnabas Fund),and many others. Bevaun Ragobeer introduced a scripture engagement initiative entitled, Face the Book, which CARIFES hopes to apply throughout the region.
The method allows for Bible study participants to engage in reflection on personal application of scriptures incrementally throughout the Bible study session rather than at the conclusion of the study. It also facilitated group accountability to help students commit to personal Bible study.
During the closing ceremony tokens of recognition were presented on behalf of IFES. Mrs. Ruby Thompson for 60 years service in Trinidad. Deborah Dowlath and Josephine Romaine for their outstanding contributions to the movements in Grenada and St. Lucia respectively. By Anastaziz Hamilton
As our American team entered into one of the Jamaican Universities, we were greeted by the title of this post. I must say, it has definitely become one of my favorite quotes from Jamaica. lol. As a person who unwittingly lives under white privilege, I have never thought twice about someone being surprised by my race. Yes friends, In case you were wondering, white, caucasian, european american or whatever term you prefer, is in fact one of many races in this world. That is not something that I’ve ever thought about much before joining staff with IV, but since I have grown in my multi-ethnic journey, and Jamaica gave a new experience in living as a minority. I want to tell you about the JUMP (Jamaica Universities Mission Project) trip! I’ve never been out of the country before (save for Canada…but I mean come on. I didn’t even need a passport back then), so I was excited to journey to new lands. My excitement wasn’t disappointed.