Shine in the world…Jesus Explosion Revival 2023

From the Jesus Explosion Committee

The Jesus Explosion (JE) Revival was indeed a well-needed spiritual top up, delivered on the heels of a successful main event in July. The Revival was held at the Trinity College East, Trincity on Sunday, September 24 – Republic Day.

The theme of the event was taken from Philippians 2:15–16, “Shine in the world as Lights, as you offer them the Word of Life”.

There were notable concerns leading up to the revival. The recent heat wave caused quite a stir nationally and we praise God that it did not negatively affect the event. Some of the leaders experienced medical challenges but the team rallied through. Much emphasis was placed on advertising and invitations with fliers and personal networking in the parishes.

In attendance were 12 seminarians; 24 students from Holy Faith Convent, Couva led by Desire Thomas-Hankey; 18 Confirmation candidates from St Francis of Assisi, Belmont, led by Mickal Pierre; 15 Confirmation candidates from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Grant and 23 ladies from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Southern Vicariate.

The day began with the rosary led by Ronald Lai Fang, followed by praise and worship by GRACE Music Ministry. GRACE ministered and animated the gathering.

Holy Mass followed, celebrated by JE Spiritual Director Fr Ian Taylor. In his homily, he broke the Word from Isaiah: Seek the Lord when He can be found, call on Him while He is here.

Fr Ian warned the gathering that there may be a time when the Lord will not be found. This can happen when the Holy Spirit is convicting, yet you ignore or resist. Ultimately, the Lord will not be found when you die. So, one should rid yourself of unforgiveness and hatred. We must offer others the forgiveness we have received. Father spoke of two Iranian women sent to jail for evangelising but continued to evangelise under trying circumstances. They allowed their light to shine wherever they went.

The first talk was given by Julia Bobb who has been shining her light evangelising in two schools, distributing 3,500 Bibles, and street preaching in Belmont giving tracts, rosaries etc.

Even though Julia is restricted in movement, she is not deterred from sharing the Word. She had a tough life living in orphanages but came to know Jesus in these institutions.

Later in life she suffered from a pinched nerve about which she never complained. She offers her pain for the conversion of others and shares Jesus in multiple ways. “What is your excuse?” she asked, which evoked deep reflection.

The second talk was given by seminarian Jameke Brown on repentance. He described sin as darkness to which there is a response – repentance. He testified that he attended JE for a decade yet was spiritually absent and broken.

Repentance is a firm decision to turn away from sin. Our life purpose is to strive for eternal life.

He gave his testimony of his anger with God with the passing of his father and grandmother. God kept pulling at his heart. He finally listened to God and said ‘yes’.

The third talk was done by Fr Eliaza Mulemba on the Eucharist. He shared with conviction that God is not far, and we can have a real encounter with Him. He offers us a real presence. If we can see and touch Him, He could see and touch us. Once we encounter Jesus, we will have our own testimony and things will not be the same: we will have life, healing, and deliverance.

After his talk, the Blessed Sacrament Ministry followed which manifested God’s power and love.

The revival was indeed a powerful one and all left charged with a new zeal. Congrats to the JE Team led by Coordinator Lesley Goveia and Spiritual Director, Fr Ian. To God be the glory