When Tragedy Hits...

St'Vincent took a hard hit earlier this year. The La Soufriere Volcano erupted in April and left a fraction of the population displaced. Many persons weren't able to provide for their basic necessities such as, food, clothing and water.

1st Shipment cleared in St'Vincent

Just before the Volcano erupted, ITNAC sent out two shipments to St'Vincent. We had been planning and monitoring the situation for some time now. Our partners in St'vincent are Ro-Anne and Kelron Harry. They are Pastoring the Arnos Vale Church of the Nazarene. Thus far we have sent five containers and ten additional shipments consisting of water tanks, water, food items,  hygiene packs, clothing, finances, etc.

We received an enormous amount of support from Churches, Local NGOs, Supermarkets, and the public. Many collection points were set up across Trinidad & Tobago, along with a bank account and a GoFundme account.Cnc3 also did a short interview with our team lead Avonelle Hector Joseph. They were able to bring some awareness, about the work ITNAC has been doing since the volcano erupted. Our team members and volunteers worked tirelessly in packing, sorting, and labeling items to be sent to the various countries (St'Vincent & St'Lucia)

Relief supplies being packed in a container

Loading a pallet of water

 CNC3 highlight

After it was reported that Haiti had experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August 2021. our team on the ground began purchasing medicine, food, water, and in addition, 12 barrels of clothing to be shipped to Haiti. Mrs. Hector Joseph was able to book a flight and join the hardworking Haitian team to bring relief to the Haitian people. One of our busses was serviced for outreach to persons who were greatly affected. Supplies were packed for earthquake victims and the distribution consisted of clothing, toys,180 food bags, 150 patients were attended to, and 130 large bags of water.

Bus serviced (left) & food bags being distributed (Right)


In the process of giving assistance to our regional partners, tragedy struck our own country. T& T experienced wild flash flooding in various areas. Two cars were swept away by flood water from the overflowing St Ann’s river in St Ann’s and in Port of Spain, the East Dry River broke its banks. Homes and roads were also destroyed, leaving some dispaced.
 ITNAC quickly responded by mobilizing a team to assess the damage that was done as a result of the recent floods and storm. The areas included St'Anns, Maraval and Valencia, just to name a few. We allocated clothing, hampers, glassware and home-cooked meals to the affected persons in those areas. 
In recognition of International Charity Day which was Sunday 5th September 2021, Itnac partnered with Sagicor to provide 100 cooked meals to (Scorpion Village) a Community in Carenage.

ITNAC team distributing meals in Carenage

                                                                  

Cooked meals for flood victims

 

 

Before school reopened we started our back-to-school drive which we have been doing since 2003.

This year a standard 5 student was blessed with a tablet, all because one of our members friend, saw a child sitting outside a community center with a phone trying to do school work. He inquired if ITNAC had devices for children, but at the time we didn't have any available. The member then told her friend, if you can afford one that would be great. Shortly after the child received a Tablet! This is just one of many testimonies.ITNAC also received $12,000.00 from a baby charity Registry towards our drive. With that funding, we were able to give assistance to Approximately 150 students, ranging from pre-schools to College. The areas that would have benefitted were Port-Of-Spain, DiegoMartin, Arima, central, Penal, Rio Claro, Princess Town, Claxton Bay, Moruga, etc. Additionally, we received donations from Companies, Donors and the wider public. The donations received were stationery supplies, school bags new & used textbooks, bookbags and so much more.  Palo Seco area & Form One students who just received SEA results are next on our list. TTT News also did an interview highlighting the work that we have been doing with the back to school drive project. Our Organisation gained a lot of attention from the public when it aired and many persons sent in their child/children's booklist and received support.

 TTT News Interview

The Tablet the child received

I tried my hand in a small kitchen garden and they came out very healthy. Not all grew but most of them flourished. I was able to use chives, celery, pimentoes, thyme, sorrel etc. This was my first time planting and I was very proud of myself, to say the least, that I actually tried something out of my comfort zone.

Seedlings (left),  Pimentoe plant (right)

When you thought things couldn't get any worse but it did. So apart from one of our residents dying at our transition home, and having witnessed it firsthand. My friend came and died one month later. I didn't see that coming. I know death is inevitable but, it was very difficult for me. What's even worse, is the circumstances surrounding her death is still unknown. But for my own peace of mind. I surrendered that situation to the Lord 

 Gone but not forgotten...(Crystal deceased)

It was indeed a blessing seeing my church family in person since the previous restrictions. Although the service was for one hour it was well received. I want to encourage each and everyone reading this, please don't wait any longer if you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ. My friend did not know when her time would have been up, but the Lord knew. I saw this post recently and it resonated with me 'You could be wrong about a lot of things, but if you are wrong about the cross, you are in trouble"-Paul Washer.

Take me to church!