BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THIRTY-FIVE young persons from across St. Kitts were covered in prayers and blessings at yesterday’s (Sept. 20) Back to School Prayer Service at the St. Johnston Methodist Church.
The service, in its fifth incarnation, featured presentations from prominent individuals in the fields of teaching, religion and community work. The annual event is an initiative of the church’s Motherly Support Group.
Speaking to SKNVibes, group member Mederith Elliott noted that the service is usually held on the second Sunday after the commencement of the new school year. However, because this year’s Independence State Service fell on that date, it was postponed for a week.
Although the delay caused a decline in attendance, Elliott expressed satisfaction at the turnout.
“There were students from the different schools in the village, as well as from surrounding communities as far as Newtown. All ages were represented; the youngest was a pupil of the McKnight Daycare Centre while the oldest was a student of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College,” Elliott said.
Aside from the normal prayer and worship, those present were treated to a special presentation by the St. Kitts Lions Club, which involved the distribution of schoolbags containing various writing supplies.
“Due to the rising levels of youth crime and antisocial behaviour in young persons, the Motherly Support Group started the Back to School service in 2005. It was our way of trying to spread the word of God to those who had strayed so they could behave in a more positive manner,” said Elliot.
However, she noted her uncertainty about the effectiveness of the programme.
“Most of the persons who attend the service are those who haven’t fallen off the path. So it’s like we’re preaching to the converted, because most of the persons who need the gospel aren’t there to hear it. But we will continue trying our best to reach out to misguided and troubled youth,” she added.
According to Elliott, each year an offering is taken and given to a worthy person or institution. This year’s recipient is still undecided, but past beneficiaries have been the Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School and Dr. William Connor Primary School.
