The Arthur Waldron SDA Academy conducts cross-cultural mission trip in the Kalinago Terrirtory, Dominica.
On the 10th of December, a group of 27 excited students, teachers, retirees and parents from the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy embarked on the journey to the Kalinago territory in Dominica for a week of missionary service to the indigenous people.
Reading time | 4 mins
The Arthur Waldron SDA Academy's students, faculty, and involved parents prepared for a mission in Dominica's Kalinago territory. This impactful journey occurred on December 10, 2023, and was made possible by funding from the Inter-American Division and the Cross-Cultural Department of the Caribbean Union Conference. The image credit goes to Rennon Stevens and the dedicated staff of AWSDAA
On the 10th of December, a group of 27 excited students, teachers, retirees and parents from the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy embarked on the journey to the Kalinago territory in Dominica for a week of missionary service to the indigenous people.
The Kalinago territory is home to the majority of the Kalinago natives on the island, scattered across 8 hamlets on the east coast of the country. This mission trip, themed: Establishing Roots Through Mission was funded by the Inter-American Division and the Caribbean Union Conference, forming part of the cross-cultural initiative to reach the Kalinago and Chinese population on the island of Dominica.
The Salibya Primary School was the focus site and missionary base for the days’ activities of the group. To achieve greater impact in the objective of meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the Kalinagos, the missionaries were divided into two teams, each focusing on different target areas. While one group was assigned to work in the garden, planting vegetables and fruit trees, the other interacted with the students and staff, conducting vacation bible school with the students.
The Principal, Lauren Belle expressed her gratitude for the work done by the team. “The few days that the mission group was there did us well because they kept the children engaged and the agriculture done is truly a great help for the school and the 4-H club. I am really happy that our school was selected and we appreciate the interaction and contributions,” she stated.
Lans Durand, form one student of the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy took the opportunity to pray with a villager of Kalinago territory in Dominica during the mission trip. This is his first mission trip. Image by Rennon Stevens and the dedicated staff of AWSDAA
Art and crafts, mini devotions, and songs of praise were accepted with excitement and joy and one of the teachers shared her appreciation for the missionaries and their impact on the life of the students. “ It was a good experience and initiative because our students were able to interact with new people, learn more about God, and have fun while we the teachers were able to focus on finishing records for the end of the term. I look forward to something like this happening again in the future.”
Evangelistic activities were conducted throughout the communities of St Cyr and Sineku as the team distributed Priorities Magazines, prayed with persons, and hosted 2 open airs meetings with assistance from other staff members from the academy who came in at different times during the week.
Jedidah Anselm, a fifth-form student described the unforgettable days he spent on the mission field, “Mission trip 2023 was very impactful, I learned lessons as I camped with my teachers and peers that I would not have gotten in the classroom. I enjoyed the interactions that I experienced with the different people I met in the communities and enjoyed seeing how eager the children were to hear about God through the stories we presented. I am happy to be a part of this.”
Health and the health message were also integral parts of the trip and on Thursday, the team was joined by the Health Director of the East Caribbean Conference of SDA, Nurse Priscilla Prevost, and health professionals from another mission group from the United States led by Dr. Honore as they conducted a health fair at the school. This venture served over 45 persons, providing free BMI, glucose, high blood pressure, and cholesterol tests along with health counseling and prayer, for the patrons.
Students got the opportunity to learn how to make cassava bread. It was one of the main Carib Indians’ (Kalinago) staples. Image by Rennon Stevens and the dedicated staff of AWSDAA
While the tests were conducted, Health Educator Nurse Adora Toussaint, along with the Environmental Health officer made presentations on the care for the environment for the prevention of diseases, dengue fever, and overall health and wellness to the persons waiting to be checked. Samples of healthy recipes were also shared and literature was available for sale from a representative from the IADPA store on the island.
One community member, excited about the free tests, counseling, and prayer she received shared her appreciation for the services rendered to her people.
“It's a good thing. Many of us need these tests that are not always available at the health center. Something like that is a great thing for the Kalinago people. We need more like that, “ she said.
One of the highlights of the trip was the cultural exchanges between the two groups. The Kalinago were eager to showcase their culture and conducted demonstrations in cassava making and basket weaving. Students learned the process of making cassava bread and the traditional “kahki” made from cassava and its starch. Basket weaving was also an activity that attracted all members of the team as they were offered the opportunity to make a basket that they could keep.
This trip was not just an opportunity to minister for God but it was also a time for team building, forging stronger bonds of relationships among students, parents, and teachers, and teaching life-changing lessons. From the treks to the nearby river for cold refreshing baths at the beginning and end of the day when the water supply was interrupted, to the the game nights, conversations, prayer sessions, and inspiring devotions, the group experienced the favor and blessings of God.
Reflecting on the trip and its impact, the Principal of Arthur Waldron SDA Academy and leader of the team, Mrs Carlotta Challenger shared her elation to see the young missionaries on the move for God. “The greatest joy of this mission was to experience young people eager to share the good news of salvation through their gifts and talent. It was a very fulfilling week as the staff, students, and our retirees spent time on the mission field planting physical and spiritual seeds” she stated.
Health Director of the East Caribbean Conference Nurse Priscilla Prevost was on hand to lead the health ministry during the mission trip. Here she is seen leading the health talk at health fair. Image by Rennon Stevens and the dedicated staff of AWSDAA
The school's chaplain, Ms Ellery Howe, praised God for his leadership on this trip. “The mission trip was God-ordained. Students were chosen by God and this experience taught me to trust and depend on Him even more than before. God always comes through right on time and allows everything to fall in place.”
On Sabbath, at a joint service with the members and visitors from the Kalinago territory, and missionaries from the United States, the Principal Mrs Carlotta Challenger recognized the support of Mahaut River SDA Church and Bataca SDA Church as she presented them with certificates of appreciation.
On the 10th of December, this group of missionaries embarked on a mission to be instruments of service and change in the Kalinago territory, and on their return home on the 17th they could all testify, that they too were changed by the experience.
Shereem Timothy, a second- form student of the school shares that the trip was life-changing. “This mission trip has changed my life and those in the community and I believe that we should continue to look for ways to continue to improve the community around us. No one is too young or old to serve.”
The staff and students of the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy praise God and thank Pastor Samuel Telemaque and his team at the Inter-American Division for choosing this institution for such a great opportunity to serve God. The school looks forward to the mission to the Chinese and has begun preparations to make contact in the new year.