EVANGELIZATION CENTRE OPENS IN BARBADOS
After years of praying, working and fund-raising, the Living Water Community (LWC) in Barbados has completed the first phase of its Centre for Evangelization at St David’s in Christ Church.
The near Bdos $2M facility was blessed by Bishop Jason Gordon on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Dec 8).
The new Centre for Evangelization is located on ten acres of land and the first phase is made up of two buildings of about 3,000 square feet each. One is a meeting hall while the second building houses chapel, food distribution area for the poor, counselling rooms, a book store, coffee shop, a commercial kitchen and administrative offices.
A residence for the LWC missionaries has also been constructed at the St David’s site and the next phase will be the construction of a food bank and later a cancer hospice.
About 300 people filled the new Living Water Community Hall as Bishop Gordon celebrated Mass. Bishop Gordon told the congregation that it is only through evangelization that families can be brought back to God.
“If we are honest we will admit that we have not been honest in our family life,” he said. Before delivering the blessing, Bishop Gordon said the night was one of thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving to God for what he has done through the community, what he has done within the Community and within the Church and what he has done within each one of you who have been part and parcel of this journey. Friends, benefactors, covenant members, consecrated people, joining in what the life of the community has to offer,” he said.
Bishop Gordon described the new Centre as a tremendous gift and a blessing. “As we open this centre for evangelization we pray that living water may flow and that the Holy Spirit will lead us to new beginnings, so that these new beginnings may be bold, courageous and inspired by God.”
Leader of the LWC-Barbados, Ian Camacho told The Messenger that the Centre for Evangelisation is part of their commitment to bring the good news to all. According to him, the centre is already touching the community delivering meals to 30 families bi-weekly. This service will be extended now that the Centre is fully operational.
“The Almighty has done great things for us and we trust that He will continue to do great things through us and in us,” he said.
The new Centre for Evangelization was originally expected to cost nearly Bdos $2M but according to Camacho, they have been able to complete it within budget.
“It has been put up for much less that the quality surveyors had anticipated because people generously provided their expertise and donations of time.”
The new hall at the Centre for Evangelization will be used for prayer and other meetings, seminars, retreats and other activities.
(Catholic News - Jan 08, 2012)