CARYCAC 2010 - Regional Partnership

A team of 28 teens and adults from around the South Central Region recently returned from a trip to Jamaica where we attended CARYCAC 2010 (Caribbean Camp and Conference).  It was an incredible experience filled with passionate worship, impactful ministry together, and opportunities to connect with our brothers and sisters of the Caribbean NYI. 

The purpose of this trip was to connect with our sister region in hopes of putting some flesh on our partnership which was established at the Global Convention 2009 in Orlando.

Click here for Pics or check out below what the team experienced at CARYCAC 2010...

"The worship and praise was so real and refreshing..."

"I was impacted by our mission trip to Aberdeen.  I was very out of my comfort zone, but God really gave me a hurt for the people we met and a desire to bring them to Christ.  I wanted to say in Aberdeen and build relationships."

"Through this trip God has shown me that I can get by without my luxuries and comforts.  I may be uncomfortable, but I'll survive.  I don't need air conditioning, I don't need a schedule, I only need Him!"

"God has shown me that Christ needs to be the focus...He's made me realize how caught up in worldly things I can be.  With this event I have also been inspired with a hunger for the Word of God."

"The Caribbeans have shown me that things like schedules control our lives, instead we need to let God control our lives."

"I loved the worship and the freedom in which the Caribbeans worship!"

"CARYCAC has given me a glimpse of heaven - worshipping with people from various countries was an amazing experience!  Being able to relate with people from different cultures has given me a greater sense of unity!"

"God has shown me that worshipping Him should be boundless - it's important to do your business with God without worrying about what others think - don't be ashamed of letting loose in worship."

"This week we've seen a glimpse of the Kingdom.  I really appreciated the diversity of speakers, the varying music, and the many different Scripture readers...I enjoyed being in the cultural miniority and being invited to come and see, come and hear and then follow Christ together."

"I accepted God's call to do mission work this week!"

"The most exciting part of this week is that the Caribbeans showed us how to worship.  Not worship ourselves, but worship God!  Not worship the song, but worship God!"

"I saw this week that God is not a scheduled item.  He operates on his own time and when we try to limit his work, we are only choking His awesome power."

"I noticed that the Caribbean participants seem to read and memorize their Bibles more than we do."

"The Absentee Fathers Workshop was very moving for me.  It reminded me of the importance of a father figure all over the world..."

"My spirit rejoices!  I am lifted!  The Lord has revealed that my relationship with people from other countries is so significant.  It make my passion and desire to grow closer with other cultures so much greater.  I am excited for God has in store!"

"I have witnessed so much joy in worship.  It was not out of duty or obligation, but out of a desire and urgency to worship God.  It was our way of sharing our heart with God."

"This CARYCAC adventure has reminded me that God does not need the comforts and luxuries of home to get His message out and to reach His children.  He simply needs us to reach out to them."

"The music was such a great 'ladder' to lift us to the throne room of God!"

"Our Caribbean family has taught me so much about our command to have childlike faith!"

"God has again showed me how He uses people to change you - seeing the Caribbean Nazarene College Choir shows me the sacrifices they made but how much God uses them."

"When we were at the beach during the evening service I stood out in the water watching the stars.  A teen from Jamaica came over to me and we talked for 30-minutes.  It was so neat to be able to talk to him - no barriers."

"God has been speaking to me about worship.  May I worship unhindered!"

"I absolutely loved the music and energy of the services.  It's amazing to see young people so on fire and in tune with the Spirit!"

"The love and faith of our Caribbean friends is bigger than their countries.  They love him so much and show it.  They can't get enough of God and I wish we were like them in worship and prayer."

"I really enjoyed the service project day.  We did some difficult physical labor, but it was a joyous time with people from several cultures working together for the Kingdom of God.  I was physically exhausted, but my spirit had so much energy."

You can find more pics and thoughts from our trip on our Facebook page...SCNYI - CARYCAC 2010

It is the team's desire that this trip not be just a flash in the pan, but that we continue to initiate connections with our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean.  Here are a few ideas on how you, your church, or your district can bring this regional partnership to life...

-learn more about Caribbean NYI online and PRAY

-connect with Caribbean NYI members on Facebook - CaribbeanNYI

-support a JFANG (Jesus For A New Generation) Project in the Caribbean

-talk to your Pastor or District NYI President about a Mission Trip to the Caribbean

-check out this powerful song/video performed by Russell Leonce (CARYCAC Worship Leader)