By Cylena Dyer-Mitchell
“Fun-filled, awesome, exciting, spiritually energizing, amazing, invigorating, beautiful, full of joy, magnificent, great, enthralling, rewarding, blessing, to God be the Glory.” These are just some of the terms which have been used to describe the most recent staging of the ministry experience dubbed “Kiddies Soul Patrol.” This experience was offered on May 27, 2023 under the auspices of the Tarrant/Balmagie Baptist Churches in association with Freedom Come Ministries International (FCMI), and was hosted at the ‘big tent” off the Spanish Town bypass next to Tyre Warehouse.
Kiddies Soul Patrol was originally launched on May 27, 2016 and has been staged at least once per year since then, except during the heights of Covid-19. Each occasion, the experience has a unique but powerful scripturally-referenced theme, and specifically aligned activities for the youth.
“Staff” uniforms normally depict the theme and though done so that participants can easily recognize the ‘workers’, the uniforms are usually a hit with everyone and even much sought after.
The theme this year was “RADICAL WARRIORS FOR CHRIST #RW4C#.” All colours of the original camouflage/army fatigue were donned by staff and various ministry teams. From camouflage hats and caps which staved off some of the sun’s direct effects; camouflage handkerchiefs which were used to cover heads, tie necks, or just tucked somewhere on the body to enhance and personalize the outfits; camouflage inspired t-shirts and polo shirts; some even managed to incorporate camouflage shorts, pants, and military inspired foot-wear.
Staff, participants, young and not so young, as well as ride operators, and community supporters were all ready to delve into the makings of a Radical Warrior as represented by this year’s Scriptural focus: Psalm 127: 3-5.
The entire grounds were transformed into a village, a community, a safe haven, an oasis even, as the LORD provided the perfect weather conditions.
RADICAL MINISTRY MOMENTS
The experience was opened with a rich worship experience, which was a culmination of the intense and increasing frequency of prayers that preceded the event. Scheduled Intercessory teams were stationed across the property at strategic locations to hold the banner of prayer high and blanket the atmosphere. These Intercessors were indeed Radical Prayer Warriors on the day as some persons noted that they were so focused, alert, and dedicated that one would not want to approach them at all as their faces were set as flint.
After a few traditional children’s games (some completely unfamiliar to the children and youths), the youngsters (and some of the more mature among us, including ‘yours truly’) were ready to take on the many rides. We thank the LORD that this portion of the day was absolutely injury/incident free and really went seamlessly as we saw a melting pot of children from various segments of society, all playing together, supporting each other, and as someone commented, “without any fights breaking out.”
The children were pulled from FCMI-related communities: Port Royal, Portmore, Balmagie, Tarrant, and Spanish Town. Free shuttle service was provided.
Noteworthy is the fact that the parents and guardians who accompanied their children felt safe and comfortable with being away from them.
One parent admitted, “Usually, my children must always be where I am and I should always know what they are doing, but at Kiddies Soul Patrol, for majority of the time, me nuh know weh dem deh and I was totally comfortable and trusted that they were more than ok!”
Such was the atmosphere of community, freedom, love, trust, support, and God at Kiddies Soul Patrol that the adults experienced peace knowing their children were safe, fed, and enjoying themselves thoroughly while learning the things of God and making new friends.
KIDDIES CRAFT VILLAGE AND ARMOUR ZONE
It would be amiss if I didn’t tell you about the Armour Zone and the Craft Village, a much-welcomed experience this year. Upon registration, each person was given a keepsake armband that boasted Scriptures and encouraging words, while their contact information was taken for future engagement.
They were then ushered through the Armour Zone which emphasized all areas of the Armour of God as noted in Eph 6: 14-18. Participants were free to express themselves through craft – drawing, colouring, painting, etcetera. While this unfolded, the conversations that ensued were fascinating and extremely convicting. Adult staff who assisted and guided the process shared numerous testimonies of experiencing the Presence of God as the children discussed their drawings of cherubims and seraphims, revealing impressive revelation knowledge of same and other matters.
We, the planners believe that the future of Jamaica is safe, once the children and youth fall into the right, righteous hands; to the honour and glory of Almighty God.
INAUGURAL PARENTING SEMINAR AND PANEL DISCUSSION
The Parenting seminar saw parents being separately catered to and engaged in an intentional manner, while their children and wards were otherwise occupied. The facilitator was quite relatable, engaging and packed with powerful nuggets, insights, and relevant information on the theme for the seminar – “Raising Radical Warriors for Christ.”
The parents, guardians (including several pastors), and other stakeholders seemed to just soak up every single last drop of the offering. The adults, and even a youth who attended and participated, were all transfixed as persons shared their experiences, views, questions, and comments, while receiving Bible-based information grounded in the reality of our times.
So well-received was the Seminar that a Part 2 has been planned for June 10, 2023 at the Tarrant Baptist Church at 4pm.
RADICAL ON LOCATION SERVICES
At our fully-staffed and equipped Nurses station, trained and experienced nurses rested, or should I say, “Radically rested!” from their normal routine of being severely overworked as there was absolutely no need for their substantive services. The LORD managed the proceedings so that there was not a single injury, hurt or harm; not even the complaint of an ache; all praises to Almighty God who provided a much-needed respite and worship opportunity for our dedicated and radical nurses.
The Counselling and Deliverance Centre was a welcomed feature, too and was gratefully utilized.
If anyone wondered what they would do with their babies and toddlers during this full day of diverse offerings, there was a fully equipped, furnished, and staffed Nursery. Yes, a nursery! Toys, bed, play pen, diaper changing station, ball pit, etcetera, were available so that parents could relieve themselves of these responsibilities while freely feasting naturally and spiritually.
FUN, FOOD, FELLOWSHIP
Can’t have an optimally functional Youth Sanctuary and model Village without catering to one of the most basic needs and tools of expression among children and youth: fun, fun, fun! Lots of rides, games, crafts, praise and worship sessions, and a power-packed concert by the children and youth. It all culminated in the delivery of an on-time, live, and impactful word from guest Pastor Katherine Snyder of Intercessory Prayer Network. To cap it all off, the congregation, which saw the adults rejoining the children and youth under the big tent received prophetic healings, and deliverance prayers were declared over every life, especially over the ‘new recruits’ who answered the altar call.
What seemed like an inexhaustible fountain of food and beverages of varying types, at…get this, brace yourself…absolutely no cost to the beneficiaries, was enough to stretch to even our neighbours from adjacent communities, who, as they were fed, went back, noised the news abroad and sent others to partake!
Even with all that sharing, like the woman of Zarephath who obediently sacrificed and fed the prophet, the food and beverages just would not run dry, and therefore other FCMI ministry arms and ventures were serviced as well.
SHOUT OUT TO THE SPONSORS
We bless the LORD for the myriad and multifaceted ministry partners, destiny helpers, corporate sponsors, and the energized, engaging staff from within the FCMI who answered the call to arms and went above and beyond their line of duty.
We can truly say, “To God be all the Glory, Kiddies Soul Patrol 2023” was an overwhelming success from its 9 a.m. beginning to its 6 p.m. end.
Jamaica will surely benefit from these Radical Warriors for Christ.
Contact: cylenadyermitchell@gmail.com