Language differences were not an issue for the Arima Church of the Nazarene in Trinidad and Tobago (English-speaking) as they ministered to a community of Venezuelan migrants (Spanish-speaking).
After reaching out to the community and learning about their needs, they began teaching English-language classes, provided tabletop stoves, gas tanks, and in some cases, financial assistance. They shared food and provided a location for a local agency to run a child-friendly facility for a year. In addition, the church worked tirelessly to develop a local ministry that would be able to conduct worship services in the Venezuelans’ native language.
Rian Williams pastor of the Arima Church of the Nazarene, in Trinidad and Tobago, said that at the beginning, the migrant ministry was challenging and that it was several months before it was up and running. However, thanks to the support of the district superintendent, Rev. Victor George, and the team of volunteers who remained faithful even through the difficult times, he kept the ministry alive.
Volunteers visited the communities where the Venezuelans settled to invite them to English-language classes and services. Many were living in less than adequate conditions. This led to the realization that people’s physical needs had to be addressed.
At present, the Spanish-language worship services have a solid group of people attending every Sunday, who call it “their home”. In 2020, five Venezuelans officially became members of the church.
“The Arima church is committed to loving and serving Venezuelan migrants, even if the needs are great.” Pastor Williams said. He expressed that many of the migrants who have arrived have left behind children, elderly parents, spouses, and homes to build a new life, and those who once had respectable professions have opted to migrate for a better quality of life. “Upon arrival, migrants face the arduous task of finding dignified and remunerated jobs, adequate living conditions, schools for their children and, in some rare cases, xenophobia.”
One mother shared with Williams her frustration at not being able to enroll her children in school even though they were both born in the country. Also, one couple said that the property owner threatened to evict them after raising the rent without prior notice.
For Arima, the journey to ministering to migrants began with a class assignment. The pastor who was studying at Point Loma Nazarene University did a project related to Venezuelan migration in Trinidad and Tobago.
This is how Pastor Williams and his wife Alvilene felt God calling them to serve this specific group. The challenge they faced was that neither the pastor nor any member of the church could speak Spanish. Alvilene knew a little, but not enough to teach or preach. Despite the limitations, the church pursued the idea with a plan to begin English-language classes for Spanish speakers, and worship services in Spanish.
“God started raising up volunteers to help,” said Pastor Williams. One such example was Keron Weekes, who currently leads the ministry. He had grown up in the church but drifted away during his teenage years. However, Pastor Williams said he “coincidentally” came back to the Lord shortly before the ministry was started. He also “coincidentally” majored in Spanish at the local university and “coincidentally” was a Spanish teacher at a local school. “God’s hand in sending Keron at that time is a reminder that wherever the Lord leads…He will provide,” said Williams.
Also, when the ministry began, the Lord raised up two English-speaking worship leaders, Farouk Mohammed Jr., and Nicole Brewster, who learned to sing worship songs in Spanish using tracks. By God’s grace, the ministry now has native Spanish speakers on the worship team.
Pastor Williams said that God is using the church to minister to Venezuelans in their native language, which has led them to experience a feeling of community and belonging, and that as they worship and fellowship, their loneliness has dissipated. In addition, he said that he is confident that future generations of Venezuelans will experience God’s Word and love and become Christ-like disciples.
Source: Reverend Rian Williams pastor of the Arima Church of the Nazarene, Trinidad, and Tobago.
Translated by Sarah-Ann Kellman MSc., B.A
