The Las Lomas Initiative

Las Lomas is key for impacting the nations - a whole new way of introducing the values of the kingdom…

The Hebron Company in conjunction with Charis People Groups initiated the invigoration of the Las Lomas community. This venture was prompted by the recognition of this community’s spiritual and socioeconomic potential. Indeed the mandate of the Las Lomas Project goes beyond the single purpose of “local church growth”, by exploring a modern method of evangelism that incorporates a focus on community development and independence through the identification of the specific needs of the community. The means of fulfilling those needs are by utilizing our diverse resources and those of the wider local C-WBN community.

First Phase Intervention

The First Phase Intervention was held in February 2004. The activities pursued by the Las Lomas Project Team, included:

• a Health Clinic, with a subsequent health session for students returning to primary and secondary schools;
• a Business Development Workshop; and
• a Youth Interaction programme, which resulted in the establishment of “Rap”-Reaching Accurate Positions, aimed at the development of the spiritual capacity and awareness of young men between the ages 15-25, via sessions on every second and fourth Tuesday each month.

Also, six members of the Las Lomas community participated in the Civilian Conservation Corps Programme, with the assistance of Lt. Colonel Anthony Phillips.

Pending Initiatives

Pending initiatives to promote the empowerment and independence of the community include the implementation of programmes regarding life skills, business skills, and adult literacy. With regard to human skills, the Social Services Team headed by Marie Hinds is planning a Parenting Programme through the social services delivery arm of the office of the Prime Minister.

In the area of business skills, there are plans to provide opportunities for craft and artisan skill development and a food preservation workshop.  A PVC furniture making workshop to be conducted by David Reid and a tiling / woodwork workshop to be conducted by Byron Haywood are under consideration. Funding for these programmes is being sought from the Ministry of Community Development or another approved source.

The food preservation workshop proposal, which may offer Certificates of Participation, requires the involvement of Carol London Brown at her facility in Arima. Carol is a successful small business owner in the food service industry. The team is seeking funding from the United Nations Development Programme and possibly NEDCO for this venture.

With regard to the focus on adult literacy Senior Elder of Jesus Ministries, Garnett Howard has contributed hundreds of books to the Las Lomas Project. This offers the possibility of a book distribution scheme or the establishment of a library with the possibility of the inclusion of Internet facilities in the future.

These proposed initiatives have caused us to identify two key needs. Firstly, the establishment of a community resource centre is crucial for successful training and meetings. In this respect, the team has identified an unfinished two storey building on approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of land at a cost of about TT $400,000. This centre could not only serve as a resource development centre and a location for meetings, workshops and adult literacy sessions, but could also support the provision of library and Internet services. Whether government funding would be available for this project is yet to be confirmed. Secondly, the communication team is considering the production of a newsletter on the Las Lomas initiative for the community, including contact information and a map of the area. This might also offer a means by which future initiatives may be announced.

What is most important however, is the fact that we are convinced that there is more work to be done in the community. As a consequence of Elijah Centre’s involvement in this effort thus far, the Las Lomas community has experienced the fullness of community service coupled with evangelism. The progress to date continues to enhance our understanding and expression of our globalness and borderlessness in the pursuit of a true expression of the kingdom of God.