In September, around 150 people attended a special celebration to mark ten years of Langham Preaching events in Trinidad & Tobago.
Mark Meynell, Langham Preaching Director for Europe and the Caribbean, said it was “very moving” to see members of perhaps 20 different denominations attend.
He also said the day provided a “wonderful shop-window” for the work, as 30 people there had never been to a Langham Preaching event before.
A remarkable work
Jonathan Lamb (former Director of Langham Preaching) first visited Trinidad in 2009 after events in Jamaica and Grenada led to seeds being sown there. Mark said that “Angela and Lindsay Gibbings have spearheaded a remarkable work, though they are by no means the only ones involved.”
He added: “… there has been remarkable growth. It was wonderful to be able to honour them at this celebration”.
The day included various committee members giving an overview of Langham Preaching’s history in Trinidad & Tobago. Langham Preaching Associate Director Ruth Slater gave a global perspective to the work and Mark delivered three talks on the book of Ruth.
Challenge to consolidate
Celebrations climaxed with the cutting of a specially designed cake and a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung by all.
Mark explained that the challenge is now to “consolidate” the work. This involves developing local trainers and focusing on local events in key places. He would also love to see more Preaching Clubs taking root on the islands.
After the 10th anniversary celebrations, Mark headed to Tobago for a ‘Caribbean Leaders’ Consultation’. Travel was disrupted by Tropical Storm Karen but miraculously everyone arrived in time for the beginning of the meetings.
Very encouraging
Representatives from Langham Preaching’s work in Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Haiti and Jamaica were present. Mark reports that the consultation was a very encouraging time, with many plans made about future work.
He made it clear to the other leaders that Langham Preaching is committed to “indigenous leadership” and that his oversight is temporary until the work grows. He is hoping that in the future, a Regional Coordinator could be identified who has the vision and maturity to carry on the ministry.
The next Langham Preaching seminars in Trinidad & Tobago are due to be held in January 2020.
