Beautiful Barbados, known for incredible sunsets on the beach boardwalk and welcoming people, recently played host to key leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The distinguished visitors included President Susan Porter, General Primary President; President Kristin Yee, General Relief Society Counselor; Elder Moses Villanueva, of the Churches Caribbean Area Presidency; and Elder Claude Gamiette, Area 70.
The visit commenced on Monday night, February 12, 2024, with a heartwarming Family Home Evening at Christ Church Chapel. The local Barbados new members of the Church gathered to share in the spirit of fellowship and unity. Smiles and laughter echoed through the chapel as President Porter and President Yee engaged the members with a hands-on example of enjoying the Church’s Family Home Evening program, which fosters a sense of belonging, joy and gospel knowledge within the family unit.
The momentum of the visit continued Tuesday, February 13, 2024, with a Special Women's Leadership Luncheon at Champers Restaurant. This event saw key community leaders and interfaith religious leaders coming together over delectable cuisine to discuss matters of faith and service. President Porter and President Yee, the distinguished guests of honor, shared insightful remarks that resonated with the diverse audience. There was an ambiance of sisterhood which brought representatives of the Barbados community and different religions into conversations of how they could work together for the improvement of Barbados.
Later that Tuesday evening, member women from Barbados had the unique opportunity to participate in an intimate discussion at Christ Church Chapel with Presidents Porter and Yee. The conversation delved into the key needs of women within the Barbados Churches and addressed family concerns. The open dialogue allowed for a meaningful exchange of ideas and concerns, creating a bond of understanding and support.
The final meeting of the evening focused on essential training and caring talks by Presidents Porter and Yee. The emphasis was on the importance of ministering to the needs of fellow sisters and fostering love within Barbadian families. President Yee offered valuable advice, stating, 'How can we improve our ministering to our beloved sisters? Through genuine kindness, reaching out and serving, listening and helping them develop trust in others so they can open up with their challenges and issues.'
Sister Yee, drawing from personal experiences, shared wisdom from her father: 'You're not learning if you're talking.' This powerful reminder underscored the significance of active listening and understanding in building strong relationships.
'We need to be intentional and deliberate with our love and caring to help them in their progress', contributed Penny Lewis, a member of the Barbados District of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during the Focus Group. 'Once you are here, in whatever situation you are dealing with in your life, you are a child of God, and you are qualified to receive His love and support', Penny added, regarding the sisterhood of the Barbados Relief Society in their church.
This was only one of the many valuable contributions offered by the Barbados women members which further enriched the dialogue, emphasizing the universal truth of divine love and the obligation to extend that love to one another. As the members of the Focus Group absorbed these wise words, it reinforced the commitment to foster an environment of care, empathy, and genuine concern for the well-being and progress of everyone within the Barbados District.
This visit of these Church leaders, coupled with important input and feedback from the local women of Barbados, left an indelible mark on the Barbados community, promoting unity, compassion, and a strengthened commitment to faith and service. As they departed, the echoes of their words and the warmth of their presence lingered, inspiring the local Church members to continue their journey of love and fellowship.